Basantika Durga Puja, also known as Chaitra Navratri, is a Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India during the months of March-April. This festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, the epitome of feminine power and the protector of the universe.
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in different parts of India. It is believed that during this period, Goddess Durga descends to earth to bless her devotees and eliminate all their fears, anxieties, and obstacles.
The Origins of Basantika Durga Puja
The origins of Basantika Durga Puja can be traced back to ancient times. It is believed that the worship of Goddess Durga during the spring season has been a long-standing tradition in India. According to Hindu mythology, the festival was first celebrated by King Suratha, an ideal king, during the month of Chaitra. He worshipped Goddess Durga during the spring season and his puja was known as Basantika Durga Puja.
The tradition of Basantika Durga Puja continued for many centuries until it was changed by Lord Rama. According to the legend, Lord Rama invoked Goddess Durga in the month of Ashwin (October-November) before embarking on his campaign against the demon king Ravana. Since then, the Ashwin month Durga Puja has become more popular than the Chaitra Navratri.
Celebrations of Basantika Durga Puja
The celebrations of Basantika Durga Puja vary from region to region. In eastern parts of India, especially in Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand, the festival is known as Basantika Durga Puja. In these regions, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.
During Basantika Durga Puja, the goddess is worshipped for nine days, starting from Chaitra Shukla Paksha Pratipada. The puja rituals are similar to those of the Ashwin month Durga Puja, but they are not as elaborate. The puja involves the worship of the nine forms of the goddess, each of which represents a different aspect of feminine power.
On the seventh day of the festival, known as Saptami, the Nabapatrika, a symbol of the goddess, is worshipped. The Nabapatrika is a bundle of nine plants, including banana, turmeric, pomegranate, ashoka, bel, arum, jayanti, rice, and manaka. On the eighth day, known as Ashtami, the Sandhi Puja is performed. This is the time when the goddess is believed to transition from one form to another. On the ninth day, known as Navami, the puja is concluded with the immersion of the idol in a nearby river or lake.
In other parts of India, Basantika Durga Puja is celebrated in a different manner. In North and Western parts of India, the festival is celebrated for eight days, starting from Chaitra Shukla Paksha Ashtami. The puja rituals are similar to those of the eastern parts of India.
Significance of Basantika Durga Puja
Basantika Durga Puja holds immense significance in Hindu mythology. It is believed that during this period, the goddess descends to earth to bless her devotees and eliminate all their fears, anxieties, and obstacles. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness,
