March 20, 2026 09:22 am (IST)
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Festive fever reaches peak on Maha Ashtami-Maha Navami
Kolkata, Oct 2 (IBNS): The festive spirit in Kolkata reached its peak on Thursday as the Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami celebrations of the Durga Puja commenced on the same day.
The day began amid the pious 'pushpanjali' (prayers with flowers), where thousands of devotees offer their prayers to the Goddess in empty stomach at various marquees (puja pandal) across the state.
Devotees clad in traditional attires assembled at the 'pandals' to offer their 'pushpanjali' to the goddess.
According to old beliefs, all prayers are answered by the Goddess on this day.
The ritual of 'pushpanjali' was followed by an aarti with five-lamps, incense sticks, flowers and other puja items.
The pushpanjali this year was soon followed by the 'Sandhi' puja.
But it is not only the 'pushpanjali' that make Maha Ashtami all the more special; rather it is the custom of 'Kumari Puja' which is the real point of attraction on this day.
During the 'Kumari Puja', pre-pubescent girls are worshipped as incarnation of Goddess Durga.
It is considered that the ritual is performed to appease the Goddess who controls shristi, shthiti and vinash (creation, stability and destruction) of the universe.
The festive mood was, however, dampened a little on Thursday with the merging of Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami.
Maha Navami also commenced on Thursday with a special 'yajna' (ritual) amid chanting of 'mantras' (hymns) .
The Nabopotrika was worshiped along with Noibiddo and flowers.
Special Navami aarti was also performed to worship the deity.
The day gains a special attraction as people will make it a point to enjoy the occasions fully.
People decked in new clothes will have an early start on Thursday hopping from one 'pandal' to the other, offering their prayers to the Goddess in her various forms as have been shaped by various creators.
With just one day left in the greatest annual celebrations of the Bengalis, Kolkata is all set for a crowded and busy evening amid all glamour and glitterati.
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