The festive season started, and devotees have already begun to celebrate Durga Puja. But due to the Coronavirus pandemic this year, the spirit of this propitious festival has been hampered conclusively. Due to the virus, people are advised to stay at their homes, and this year the celebration will be at a low pace.

Usually, at this time, every temple crowded with devotees with priests doing Havans and many rituals conducted during this time. Still, this year the temples looked altogether deserted. Police officers replace devotees, and the outlook of this auspicious festival has been completely changed. Every year Navratri is celebrated with excitement, lights, sweets, and Dandia performance. In the East of India, the festival is observed as Durga Puja. In the North, Ram Leela, a visual retelling of the Ramayana, is held. The nine days end with Dussehra, during which Ravana’s silage images are burnt to portray the victory of good over evil.

In Navaratri, the nine days have different avatars of Goddess Durga honored – Goddess Shailputri, Goddess Brahmacharini, Goddess Chandraghanta, Goddess Kushmanda, Goddess Skandamata, Goddess Katyayani, Goddess Kaalratri, Goddess Mahagauri, and Goddess Siddhidatri. During this festival, family and friends get together to celebrate it as per their customs. In Gujarat, dandiya is played during the festival, and most people fast and spend their time in prayer.

In Cuttack, Durga Puja is the most famous festival and is celebrated wonderfully. The Cuttack Chandi Temple Durga Puja takes place for 16 days, starting from Ashwina Krishna Ashtami till Ashwina Shukla Navami and Vijayadashami. It is observed for ten days, beginning from the sixth day until the ninth day. Then the Pandals with vast idols of Goddess Durga are attended by the general people. On the eleventh day, or known as Vasani Yatra or Visarjan, the idol, are immersed in water with grand celebrations and parades.

But this year, no devotees are allowed inside the temple; only the priests performed the rituals. Police are making sure that the practices are performed smoothly and safely.

Article Written by Dikhya Mohanty

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