This book is compiled with the goal of explaining the hidden history, significance, and meaning of the mantras used in common Hindu puja rituals performed by the Bengalis to the Bengali immigrants.

Explores the contemporary nature and the diverse narratives, rituals, and performances of the Navar?tri festival. Nine Nights of the Goddess explores the festival of Navarātri—alternatively called Navarātra, Mahānavamī, Durgā Pūjā, Dasarā, and/or Dassain—which lasts for nine nights and ends with a celebration called Vijayadaśamī, or "the tenth (day) of victory." Celebrated in both massive public venues and in small, private domestic spaces, Navarātri is one of the most important and ubiquitous festivals in South Asia and wherever South Asians have settled. These festivals share many elements, including the goddess, royal power, the killing of demons, and the worship of young girls and married women, but their interpretation and performance vary widely. This interdisciplinary collection of essays investigates Navarātri in its many manifestations and across historical periods, including celebrations in West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Collectively, the essays consider the role of the festival's contextual specificity and continental ubiquity as a central component for understanding South Asian religious life, as well as how it shapes and is shaped by political patronage, economic development, and social status.

Pilgrimages to temples are journeys within. They form an important cornerstone of Indian cultural heritage and stand testimony to countless stories of faith, devotion and hope. This book weaves the magic of history, mythology and ritualistic practices that give us a fascinating glimpse of Hindu Gods and their holy abodes. Festivals reiterate the significance of faith and add zest to life apart from binding society into a common thread. Our cultural heritage is our biggest treasure and storytelling is the perfect way to keep this culture alive and throbbing. Stories keep the rituals and ancient practices relevant and help generation after generation relive the magical experience of Indian mythology.

During a nine-day period every autumn, Hindus in India and throughout the world worship the Great Goddess, Durgā--the formidable deity who is loved like a mother. One of the most dramatic and popular of these celebrations is the Durgā Pūjā, a rite noted for its visual pageantry, ritual complexity, and communal participation. In this book, Hillary Peter Rodrigues describes the Bengali style of Durgā Pūjā practiced in the sacred city of Banaras from beginning to end. A romanization of the Sanskrit litany is included along with an English translation. In addition to the liturgical description, Rodrigues provides information on the rite's component elements and mythic aspects. There are interpretive sections on puja, the Great Goddess, women's roles in the ritual, and the socio-cultural functions of the ritual. Rodrigues maintains that the Durgā Pūjā is a rite of cosmic rejuvenation, of empowerment at both the personal and social levels, and a rite that orchestrates manifestations of the feminine, both Divine and human.

Durga Puja is here! What does it mean to a child? Step into this book and watch the festival come alive!This book is part of the series 'From The Toddler Diaries' and celebrates Durga Puja as experienced by 3 year old Riya. This artfully portrayed '5 Days of Pujo' appeals to young and old alike. Shashti, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Bijoya Dashami - the cultural colors have a pronounced Bengali connection, but are universal to Durga Puja celebrations across several communities. With 5 star reviews, this book is easy to read and is enthusiastically endorsed by kids and their parents alike!From The Toddler Diaries is a series of illustrated books which celebrates the spectrum of Indian festivals as experienced by a toddler. Presented in poetry and color, 'From The Toddler Diaries' is designed to drape parents and children in vivid hues of India's cultural fabric. The inspiration behind this collection comes from an appreciation of a child's clarity in perception, which becomes magical because of its simplicity. Also, check out 'Celebrate Holi With Me!', which is part of this series.A charming and informative book. A great way to introduce children to the culture.~ Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Award winning author of 'The Mistress of Spices' and 'Before We Visit the Goddess'When I read Shoumi Sen's Celebrate Durga Puja With Me, brilliantly illustrated by Abira Das, I must admit that I want to witness at least one Durga Pujo in my life?~ TokaBox