Durga Puja

Durga Puja is one of the biggest spiritual as well as cultural festival of India. This spiritual event is celebrated by worshiping of Godess Durga.
Dhaker awaz dhai kur kur
Sona jay oi agomoni sur
Mayer ebar asar pala
Suru hobe pujor bela
Tai niye ai sukhi mon
Janay agam avinandan

Himer paras lage prane
Sharodiyar agomone
agamonir khabor peye
boner pakhi utlo geye
sishirveja notun bhore
ma asche aalo kore.

Durga, in Sanskrit means "She who is incomprehensible or difficult to reach.
She is also called by many other names, such as Parvati, Ambika, and Kali. In the form of Parvati, She is known as the divine spouse of Lord Shiva and is the mother of Her two sons, Ganesha and Karttikeya, and daughter Jyoti. Destroyer of demons, she is worshiped during an annual festival called Durga puja, especially popular among Bengalis.

Mahalaya

Mahalaya is an auspicious occasion observed seven days before the Durga Puja, and heralds the advent of Durga, the goddess of supreme power. It's a kind of invitation to the mother goddess to descend on earth - "Jago Tumi Jago". This is done through the chanting of mantras and singing devotional songs.
TARPAN---The day of Mahalaya is also the day of remembrance. On this day, people offer 'tarpan' in memory of their deceased forefathers. The banks of River Ganga becomes a sea of humanity. Priests are seen busy performing 'Tarpan' for devotees in groups. The rituals start from early down and end during the midday. Devotees and worshipers buy clothes and sweets to offer to their forefathers. 'Tarpan' is to be performed in empty stomach. After offering 'tarpan', people eat at the same place.

Goddess Durga killed the powerful demon Mahish and all his great commanders. When demonic forces create imbalance all god unite becoming one divine force called Shakti or Durga.

Durga Puja also includes the worship of Shiva, who is Durga's consort, and worship of mother nature through nine types of plant (called "kala bou") representing nine divine forms of Goddess Durga [6] is also done in addition to Lakshmi, Saraswati with Ganesha and Kartikeya, who are considered to be Durga's children.[7] Modern traditions have come to include the display of decorated pandals and artistically depicted idols (murti) of Durga, exchange of Bijoya greetings and publication

Sealdah Athletic 2011