Durga Ashtami rituals begin with adherence to Covid norms

Prameyanews English

Published By : Prameya News Bureau | October 13, 2021 IST

Bhubaneswar, Oct 13: The rituals for Durga Ashtami have begun at Puja pandals across the state with strict adherence to the Covid-19 protocols on Wednesday. While the devotees are not allowed to go to the pandals to have the darshan of Devi Durga, several Puja Pandal organisations have facilitated live streaming of the rituals through social media. The Odisha government issued guidelines for Durga Puja celebrations. The pandal associations have been asked to keep the festivities at a bare minimum, the height of the idols to the maximum of four feet, prohibition of public congregation among other things. Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami is one of the happiest days of the five-day Durga Puja festival. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil as goddess Durga killed demon king Mahishasur. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the goddess visits her earthly abode during this time to bless her devotees. The festival ends with Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra, marking the end of Durga Puja and the nine-day-long Navratri celebrations. Vijay Dashami marks the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura. On the other hand, Dussehra or Dasara celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. On this day, people also gather to dance "garba" and wear colorful clothes. This day is also called "Astra Puja" (worship of weapons), because the weapon of goddess Durga is worshiped on this day.

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