Arrival of Devi Durga

Hail, ‘Devi Durga’- Mother of all.

So, at last you responded to our call.

Cool breeze is there, catkin swings.

Clouds move slowly with their wings.

Swinging their heads are the white kans grass,

and heavenly flowering Jasmine, blooms in the pot of brass.

With hope, excitement, joy and cheer,

Mother as you come, erase evil and fear.

Bless us to worship you with devotion and care

and fill us with more love so we all can share.
By Ms. Ahana Nigam
Class V, KV School, Neyveli

Durga Maa – Mother of all

Durga Puja is a celebration of the mother goddess Durga and the victory of the warrior goddess
Maa Durga over the demon ‘Mahisasura’. It is the festival of good over evil. Durga Puja is one of
the most popular festivals in India while the ceremonies bring observance of fast and devotion
for ten days. The last four days of the festival namely Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and
Vijayadashmi (Visarjana) are celebrated with such joy and magnificence in India.

As per Bengali traditions, Durga Maa is the mother of four children and the wife of Shiv Ji. Her
children’s names are Karthik Ji, Saraswati Ji, Lakshmi Ji and Ganesh Ji. Karthik Ji is the god
automobiles and engineering while Saraswati Ji helps us in education. Lakshmi helps us with
wealth and Ganesh Ji is the god of happiness and peace. Apart from her four children she is the
mother of us all. There are many popular stories about Durga Maa. My favourite is when
Ganesh ji is born. The story starts with Durga maa making a ball of clay shaped like Ganesh and
then Ganesh was born. Soon Shiv ji meets Ganesh, later Ganesh does something wrong. Shiv ji
gets angry and kills Ganesh by chopping his head. After seeing her sad he took an elephants
head and attached it. I love this story.

In history we find the mentions of the grand celebration of Durga puja by Zamindars
(landlords) in West Bengal. The puja is performed in homes and public. The festive mood
around Durga Puja in Kolkata starts before Shashti, mainly from Mahalaya. Durga Puja pandals
are opened to the public from the day of Mahalaya. The main attractions of Durga Puja in
Kolkata are the decorations, sculptures, pandals, lights and illuminations and carnivals.

By Ms. Ahana Nigam

Class V, KV School, Neyveli