Do you remember the way our town felt during Dashain? The familiar breeze that carried with it the scent of home, the streets alive with laughter, the sound of distant drums announcing the arrival of celebrations? Dashain was never just a festival for us; it was a feeling—a pulse of life that brought everyone back together, no matter how far apart we had wandered.
Dashain is all about catching up with family members, relatives, and friends and of course, eating scrumptious meals.
Forget politics, forget sloganeering, forget worries. Folks! Dashain is near! leave the worries to the Khasi(Goat), “Sungur”(Pig), “Goru”(Bull), and “Ranga”(Buff). It’s close and Judgement day for them- “Maar” looming, making them worried! only the cat and dog are in a jovial mood, though later they too have to deal with gastric problems.
People around the world create fences, walls, and boundaries, not so long ago in our villages of Darjeeling and Kalimpong we did it too, although naturally!
Maa Mahagauri is worshipped on the 8th day of Durga Puja, the Asthami, for purification of the soul and forgiveness of past sins.
Maa Kalratri is worshipped on the seventh day of Durga Puja. Her worship symbolizes Purification of mind, words and body. She is the remove of planetary obstacles.
Maa Katyayani is worshipped on the 6th day of Durga Puja for the destruction of sins accumulated in the previous lives.
On the fifth day of Navratri, we offer prayers to Skandamata, the mother of Kumara or Skanda or Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander in the war against the demons.
Maa Kusmanda, the goddess that provides warmth, heat and energy to the universe is worshipped on the 4th day of Navratri.
On the third day of Navaratra, Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped for peace and ultimate good in the other world.