Durga Pooja Celebration
The Six Days of Durga Puja Celebration and What to Wear to Them
18 October, 23
5 min read
18
Oct, 23
Shubho Durgotsav, everyone! It is time to celebrate Maa Durga’s homecoming as we step into the most vibrant and beautiful part of the year. While Navratri is celebrated in many different ways across the country, it is in the last six days that Bengali communities all over the world come together to worship Goddess Durga, build elaborate pandals and host countless cultural events that one can participate in. Taneira’s Laal Par collection of Pujo sarees features exquisite saree perfect for Durga Puja, let’s take a look at how the 6 auspicious days are celebrated and what we can wear for each day.
MAHALAYA
It is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga begins her descent towards Earth. Mahalaya, thus, marks the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities. Bengalis begin the day by listening to Mahishasura Mardini chants that celebrate Maa Durga's triumph over the demon king Mahishasura. They decorate their homes, set up the pandals, and even perform the Tarpan ritual seeking blessings for their loved ones.
What to Wear: Owing to their lightweight comfort while flaunting intricate patterns and a festive vibe, Jamdani sarees make the perfect choice for Mahalaya. These sarees are great if you wish to enjoy the festivities in a relaxed and graceful manner. The running around one needs to do on Mahalaya can be effortlessly done with Taneira’s range of Jamdani sarees, available in a range of colours like orange, violet, bright green, dark blue, and more.
SHASHTHI
It is on the eve of Maha Shashthi that the idols of Goddess Durga and her four children are finally revealed, and adorned with new clothes and jewellery. While the Dhaak signals the arrival of the Goddess, she is welcomed with rituals such as Bodhon that involve offering prayers, flowers, fruits and to the idol.
What to Wear: For Durga Shashthi, you can pick from Taneira’s range of Maheshwari sarees, much loved for their traditional zari borders. The intricate woven designs and the shimmering zari borders add a festive touch to your attire. What’s more, these sarees are available in many versatile colours for you to choose from. For instance, while green Silk Cotton Maheshwari sarees with its contrasting borders would look stunning, handwoven off white sarees are another perfect festive pick that come alive with traditional red stripes on the pallu, making it ideal for Pujo rituals.
MAHA SAPTAMI
The homecoming of Goddess Durga is celebrated with elaborate rituals on this day. Navapatrika Puja is an important ritual wherein nine different plants, symbolising the nine forms of Goddess Durga, are worshipped together. Cultural performances, especially the Dhanuchi Nach, are an integral part of Saptami celebrations. This traditional dance signifies surrendering oneself completely to the Goddess and is performed by holding a clay pot with burning incense, camphor and coconut husk in the devotees’ mouths and hands.
What to Wear: For the mesmerising Dhanuchi Nach, adorn yourself in a red Tussar Silk saree rich with block prints. Maheshwari sarees with traditional motifs are also a splendid choice for the occasion. However, you can pin up your saree and wear comfortable flat footwear. You can style your saree with gold bangles and a mang tika, or wear a combination of gold matar malas to get the perfect shots for the gram.
DURGA ASHTAMI
This day marks the victory of Maa Durga over the demon Mahishasura, and is one of the most revered days of the festival. Devotees adorn themselves in traditional attire and visit pandals with friends and family. While women flaunt their most exquisite sarees today, men dress up in dhoti kurtas as well. The magnificent Astra Puja, worshipping Goddess Durga’s weapons, is performed by priests today. What’s more, the rhythmic beats of the Dhaak and the ethereal Dhanuchi performances create a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
What to Wear: Devotees often indulge in pandal hopping on Ashtami and what could be a better way to celebrate the joyous occasion than dressing up in your favourite sarees. The designers at Taneira recommend wearing Jamdani sarees because of their exquisite craftsmanship and intricate weaving techniques. A pure Silk Jamdani saree in the white and red pujo colours, or red Silk Chanderi sarees with butis all over are great options. Opt for a heavy look for this evening as it is one of the most important days of pujo perfect for festive photo opportunities!
NAVAMI
On this auspicious day, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Saraswati – the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Kumari Pujais also conducted on this day, as part of which young girls dress up and are worshipped as manifestations of the Goddess. However, the mesmerising Sandhi Puja is the most important part of Navami celebrations. The powerful ritual involves lighting of 108 oil lamps and offering 108 lotuses to the Goddess. The atmosphere is charged with spiritual energy as the sound of conch shells, bells and mantra chanting fills the air.
What to Wear: Taneira’s exquisite Tussar silk sarees from Taneira’s Laal Paar collection is ideal for Navami celebrations. The natural sheen and luxurious texture lend these sarees a festive appeal. The Tussar Silk fabric ensures comfort throughout the day’s festivities and the hand-painted designs add to the charm. Style your red and white Tussar saree with a puffed sleeve blouse, with the pallu draped over the left shoulder. A big red bindi, traditional gold jewellery and a messy bun with flowers will go well with your Bengali saree look.
BIJOYA DASHOMI
The final day of Durga Puja, Dashami, symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The day begins with offering prayers to the Goddess and prepping for Sindoor Khela. Married women get together at the pujo pandal, apply sindoor to the Goddess’ forehead and feet, and then smear each other with it. The sindoor exchange is a time for bonding, laughter and celebrating their marital lives.
As the final ritual of the Sindoor Khela ends, devotees bid goodbye to the Goddess and pray for her to come back next year. A grand procession takes the idols to a nearby river or stream for visarjan. As part of the celebrations, people visit their loved ones, distribute sweets and enjoy cultural performances.
What to Wear: Dress up like a true Bengali boudi in a traditional Lal Paar saree as you partake in the fun Sindoor Khela ritual. Choose from an off white and red Silk Cotton saree, Silk Kantha Bengali saree, or a pure Silk woven Bengali saree with red and white stripes. Pair your saree with a bright red blouse, and drape the pallu over the left shoulder for a perfect Bengali saree look. A winged-liner, bindi and traditional gold earrings are just what you need to complete the look.
Durga Puja is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and Maa Durga’s embodiment of strength. The festival unites people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a spirit of togetherness, cultural richness, and shared devotion. As you plan to dress up in your best ethnic outfits for each day of Durga Puja, Taniera is here to uplift our wardrobes with some gorgeous festive specials. Explore the collection of Pujo sarees online at www.taneira.com or visit a Taneira store in your city today.
Have a memorable Durga Puja, everyone. Here’s to praying for the Goddess to return next year with the same emotion…Asche Bochor Abar Hobe!