A brief account of the story of Devi Durga according to Indian mythology

Mahishasura, the king of Demons, was once granted a boon by Lord Shiva. Unfortunately the new found power went to his head and he started tyrannizing heaven and its inhabitants. The gods, scared and powerless to counter this tyranny, requested Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva to annihilate Mahishashura.

In answer to this prayer the three great gods combined their divine powers in the shape of a woman - the goddess Durga.

This powerful goddess married Lord Shiva and started preparing herself for her battle with Mahishashura. The gods helped her by arming her with different weapons, one for each of her ten arms.

Durga, Durgotinashini, goddess of deliverance, emerged victorious in her battle with Mahishashura, finally killing him. Peace was restored in heaven and the gods happy. Scriptures detail the mode of her journey. This year the Goddess makes her journey to earth on the horse (Ghotak) and her departure on a swing (Dola).

Worshipping Devi Durga is a time-worn tradition

The Puranas reveal that king Suratha, used to worship the goddess Durga in spring - the puja becoming known as Basanti Puja.

This tradition has changed since the time Shri Rama hastily worshipped her just before rescuing Sita from Ravana. The time was autumn and the month Ashwin, not in keeping with earlier tradition at all. So it was called 'Akal Bodhan' (Untimely Worship).

Over the years, this Akal Bodhan has become the tradition and in Bengal, Durga Puja continues to be celebrated in the month of Ashwin. In Bengal, goddess Durga is worshipped as a mother rather than the goddess of supreme power.

Maha-Shashti: The sixth day of the moon when Goddess Durga is welcomed with fanfare and gusto. 'Bodhon' rituals are ferformed when the face of Ma Durga is unveiled.

Maha-Saptami: The first day of Durga puja; commencement of rituals; predawn bathing of 'Kola Bow'.

Maha-Ashtami: The most important day of Durga Puja; celebrating Ma Durga's victory over Mahishasur; devotees recite the mantras and offer flowers to Devi Durga (pushpanjali) and pray for her blessings; rituals of animal sacrifices; animals are now substituted with 'chalkumro' (type of pumpkin), cucumber and banana.

Maha-Nabami: The last day of Durga Puja; commencement of 'Sandhi Puja'. Nabami Bhog...Goddess Durga is offered food, which is later distributed among the devotees.

"Sandhi puja" (108 'Dip' lighted): The end moment of Ashtami and the beginning of Nabami is the time for Sandhi Puja. At this time Devi Durga transformed into Devi Camunda to kill the Mahishasura (the Buffalo Demon).

Bijoya-Dashami: The day when Goddess Durga accompanied with her children sets for Kailash, her husband's abode. With a heavy heart the Bengalis immerse the clay idol of Durga in the sacred Ganges bidding her goodbye and earnestly waiting to see her again the next year.

"Sindur Khela" (vermillion game): A major event of Dashami. Married women apply vermilion to each other and greet each other with sweets. It is in the evening when Goddess Durga is immersed Bengalis greet each other with bijoya greetings and men follow the customary 'Kolakuli' (embrace each other).