Facts on Durga Puja

Durga Puja Facts

Durga Puja is a celebration of the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura, as mentioned in Hindu mythology.

The first Durga puja ceremony is said to have taken place in 1606 in West Bengal and celebrated by Bhabananda, the ancestor of Maharaja Krishnachandra of Nadia.

The oldest Durga puja ceremony in Kolkata is said to have taken place in 1610 due to the efforts of the royal family of Barisha headed by Sabarana Chaudhury.

The first Barowari(community) Durga puja had reportedly been arranged in Guptipara (of Hoogli district in West Bengal) in the year 1761.

In Kolkata, the Barowari(organised by the public) Durga puja tradition commenced in 1860.

The term "Barowari"(meaning "organised by the public") was changed to "Sarbojonin"(meaning “for all people”), in 1924.

Durga Puja includes the worship of Goddess Durga as also of Lord Shiva, her four sons and even of Mahishasura.

In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is regarded as the husband of Goddess Durga. The four divine beings Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati and Kartikeya are worshipped as the offsprings of the Goddess.