Durga Pooja

Durga Pooja starts in the time period of September-October. Durga Pooja at Bihar draws a large number of spectators from various other adjacent places.

Myth about Durga Puja: Mahishasura was defeated at the hands of Goddess Durga, the incarnation of Shakti or Power. This demon was almost indomitable because of a boon granted by Lord Shiva. Durga Pooja celebrates the power of goddess Durga as Mahishasurmardini. The amalgamation of the power of all the gods resulted in the birth of Goddess Durga who with the help of weapons in her 10 hands and a lion, slay the demon, ending his reign of terror. Durga Pooja symbolizes the victory of good over the evil.

A special feature of Durga Pooja in Bihar is music conference at different Puja campuses on 7th, 8th, and 9th day of the puja. During this time, many artists of various dance forms and vocal and instrumental music are invited from across India. This adds to the festive mood and helps to sustain the popular interest in good music.

The final day of Durga Pooja, Dussehara, is called Vijaya Dashami. According to myths, Ram started his journey to recover Sita and ultimately defeated Ravan and his legions on this day. Therefore, this day is regarded very auspicious, particularly by Kshatriyas, for venturing into something new or even to start a journey.

Giant effigies of Ravan, Meghnaad and Kumbhakaran are installed at many places and burnt with loud explosions. Ram, Lakshman and Sita are presented in a pageant to implicate the victory of the good over the evil.

At night, Mahishasurmardini images are taken out in procession. They are then submerged into the rivers and ponds marking the end of the 10 day festival.