Durga Puja dates
During Durga Puja the Divine Mother is worshipped in her various forms. Ma Durga is the deity of Shakti (strength) and Her different forms represent Her personification of love, wealth, knowledge and beauty.
The idol depicts Her victory over Mahishasur and in each of Her ten arms She holds a weapon gifted to Her by various Gods. It represents the destruction of evil.
Slough Puja will be celebrated at the following times this year:
Sashti:
This is the 6th day of the moon when the Goddess Durga is welcomed.
Saptami:
Saptami is the first day of Durga Puja when the rituals commence and the pre-dawn bathing of 'Kola Bow' takes place.
Ashtami:
Ashtami is the most important day of Durga Puja which celebrates Her victory over Mahishasur. Tradional rituals of animal sacrifice take place using various vegetables, and devotees offer flowers and prayers (Pushpanjali).
Sandhi Puja lasts from the last 24 minutes of Ashtami till the first 24 minutes of Nabami and commemorates the time when Ma Durga was transformed into Devi Chamunda to kill Chando and Mundo, the two generals of Mahishasur (the buffalo and demon).
Navami:
This is the last day of Durga Puja. Durga is offered food which is then distributed among devotees (Bhog).
Dashami:
This is the day when Ma Durga sets off with Her children to Her husband's abode, Kailash. Traditionally on this day, Bengali's immerse the clay idol in the Ganges, bidding Her farewell and looking forward to welcoming Her next year...'ashche bochor abar hobe'.
Sindoor Khela also takes place, where married women put vermilion on one another and greet eachother with sweets. Bengali's greet eachother with Bijoya wishes and the men embrace eachother (Kolakoli).
http://westlondondurgapuja.co.uk/
