FM Inbox

Fast is a traditional Hindu ritual that is observed by individuals for some spiritual or religious significance. Durga Pujas too have a history and significance of fasting. Several devotees observe fast to honor the Devi and her victory over evil. The Vedas describe fast as a way to willingly abstain from food, drink and other pleasures of life. It is a way to show our devotion to the Supreme Being (the God for whom we maintain fast).During Durga Pujas, various elder members generally observe fasts in traditional Bengali family. These fasts related to Anjalis, which happens to be a form of worshipping the Devi. They are very different from the normal Hindu fast or the north-Indian Hindu fasts. The person maintaining the fast, wakes up early, refresh himself or herself thoroughly, and reaches the Pandal, where the Durga Idol is kept.

Another important aspect of Durga Pujas is the tradition of wearing new clothes. Every Bengali family buys several new clothes especially for the four Puja Days. The fasting individual reaches the Pandal, decked in his/her new clothes and awaits for the Puja to begin.

Every Puja is held at a certain auspicious time, known as tithi. Check out this year Puja timings in our Durga Puja 2007 page. The priest reads out the hymns and shlokas of the Puja in Sanskrit from Chandipath. Thereafter, the sankalp mantra is taken three times along with surrending flowers on Devi’s Shri Charan. The fast is generally lasts for about 8-12 hours. It is more of a semi-fast and not a rigorous fast. After the anjali, fast is broken, Prasad (food blessed by divine) is distribute. Then comes the turn of Bhog (Food offerings made to the Goddess), which is enormous and highly awaited by one and all. This Durga Puja, celebrate the festive spirit and enjoy the Bhog after the semi-fast.