Across India, during Navratri, devotees welcome Maa Durga as the divine Mother and warrior, while in Bengal, they welcome her as daughter Uma. It is believed that the Goddess visits her home with her four children.
So instead of fasting, devotees celebrate her homecoming with cultural celebrations. Let's understand the reason why Goddess Durga is worshipped in Bengal as a daughter.
The Cultural Significance: Beyond The Rituals
In Bengal, Durga Puja is one of the most significant festivals that begins with Mahalaya, which marks the start of Devi Paksha and the end of Pitru Paksha.
While many folktales are associated with Mahalaya, the most famous is that Mahalaya is considered an invitation to the Goddess to begin her journey from Kailash to her paternal home (Earth) with her four children: Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya.
In Bengal, Durga Puja is one of the most significant festivals that begins with Mahalaya (Image: Pexels)
Why Bengal Welcomes The Goddess As A Daughter?
According to folklore and belief, Maa Durga is the daughter of the mountain king Himalaya and Queen Menaka. After marriage, she lives with Lord Shiva on Mount Kailash.
It is believed that once a year during Durga Puja, Uma leaves her husband's home and visits her parents' home for four days with her four children: Lord Ganesh, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati.
When the idol of Goddess Durga is installed in the pandal during Navratri, it symbolically represents that the Goddess has arrived. The immersion of the idol on Vijayadashami (Dashami) is seen as the goddess's return to her in-laws' home (Kailash), or her 'farewell.'
The atmosphere on this occasion is deeply emotional. Married women apply vermilion to each other and perform the 'Sindoor Khela.' With tearful eyes, devotees bid farewell to Uma, inviting her to return next year.
This emotional focus transforms the festival into a joyous family reunion and a community-wide celebration of culture, art, music, and food, rather than just a religious event.
ALSO READ: 121 Names Of Goddess Durga For Baby Girls: Modern, Meaningful And Beautiful Names
Married women apply vermilion to each other and perform the 'Sindoor Khela' (Image: Pexels)
How Other Regions Of India Celebrate This Festival
In other regions of India, Goddess Durga is revered as ‘Mahishasuramardini’ (slayer of the demon Mahishasura) and as mother. She is the protector of the universe and symbolises the victory of righteousness over unrighteousness.
ALSO READ: 5 Powerful Durga Mantras Traditionally Chanted For Protection
While Bengal share a deep, intimate relationship with Goddess Durga by welcoming her as a daughter, the rest of India reflects complete surrender, freedom from fear, and devotion.
FAQs
1. What is the story of Durga's parents and her visit to them?
According to folklore and belief, Maa Durga lives with Lord Shiva on Mount Kailash. It is believed that once a year (during Durga Puja), Uma leaves her husband's home and visits her parents' home for four days.
2. How do Bengalis express their emotional connection to Durga as their daughter?
Instead of fasting, the region celebrates her return with new clothes, family feasts, and pure joy.