HINDU FASTS & FESTIVALS : 3-3.

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3. Durga Puja or Navaratri-3.


The mother of Durga (that is, the wife of the King of the Himalayas) longed to see her daughter.

Durga was permitted by Lord Shiva to visit her beloved mother only for nine days in the year.

The festival of Durga Puja marks this brief visit and ends with the Vijaya Dasami day, when Goddess Durga leaves for Her return to Mount Kailas.

This is the view of some devotees.



In Bengal, Durga Puja is a great festival.

All who live away from home return during the Puja days.

Mothers reunite with their sons and daughters, and wives with their husbands.



The potter shows his skill in making images, the painter in drawing pictures, the songster in playing on his instrument, and the priest in reciting the sacred books.

The Bengalis save money throughout the year only to spend everything during the Puja days.

Cloth is freely distributed to the Brahmins.


Swami Sivananda

To be continued  ....



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