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In Delhi, Diwali festivities start at Dussehra. From then on, as people set out on a frantic spree of shopping, spring-cleaning, whitewashing and redecorating, the shops and market places embark on a frenzy of sales and promotional offers. Market places are festooned with streamers; melas and fairs crop up everywhere. Many people buy new clothes to wear on Diwali, and on the day of Dhanteras, traditionally, a kitchen utensil of some kind is purchased.

On Diwali day, shops in Delhi remain open till the afternoon, believing that good sales on Diwali day predict a prosperous year ahead. In the corporate sector, the process of buying and distributing Diwali gifts begins several days before the big day, and slowly picks up pace. Sweets and dry fruits are the most common gifts, as are silver coins. But gifts also range from silver dishes and other household gifts to suit pieces.

Delhi get crowded with shoppers and shopping bonanzas. Around every street corner can be found the temporary stages for holding the Ramlila - a dramatic rendition of the story of the Ramayan, which continues for several evenings, culminating in the defeat of Evil (Ravanna) by Good (Ram) on the Dussehra Day.

Houses are decorated and on Diwali evening Lakshmi puja is organized. Often the women of the house do "aarti" to their husbands, garlanding him and putting a "tika" on him, while praying for his long life. In some houses, there is a ritual of immersing a silver coin in a tumbler of milk. The milk is then sprinkled lightly in the rooms of the house. The Prashad is kept in front of the idol throughout the night. source: http://www.diwalifestival.org/diwali-in-delhi.html
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People enjoy Diwali in delhi all through out the day and night, most of the markets remain busy with festive mood, people buys sweets, gifts, new cloths etc. These days most of the shopping malls remain full of people buying different household items and gift packets etc. Market associations decorated marktes like Karol Bagh, Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar Market, Grater Kailash etc.

About Diwali:
Deepavali, or Diwali, (Markiscarali) is a major Indian festival, and a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. [3] Many legends are associated with Diwali. Today it is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the globe as the "Festival of Light," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being . The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists of Nepal, particularly the Newar Buddhists.

According to one theory Diwali may have originated as a harvest festival, marking the last harvest of the year before winter. In an agrarian society this results in businessmen closing accounts, and beginning a new accounting year. The deity of wealth in Hinduism, goddess Lakshmi is therefore thanked on this day and everyone prays for a good year ahead. This is the common factor in Diwali celebrations all over the Indian subcontinent.

In many parts of India, it is the homecoming of King Rama of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest.[4] The people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (deepa), thus its name, Deepawali, or simply shortened as Diwali. Southern India marks it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. In western India it is also in honor of the day King Bali went to rule the nether-world by the order of Vishnu. (There is another festival 'Onam' which is celebrated in Kerala around the month of August to mark this legend)

Diwali is celebrated on the first day of the lunar Kartika month, which comes in the month of October or November.

In Jainism it marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, which occurred on October 15, 527 BCE. The Sikhs celebrate Diwali for a different reason; on this day, the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, was freed from imprisonment along with 52 Hindu Kings (political prisoners) whom he had arranged to be released as well. After his release he went to Darbar Sahib (golden temple) in the holy city of Amritsar. There, he was greeted by Sikhs and many other people. In happiness they lit candles and diyas to greet the Guru. In India, Diwali is now considered to be a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most Indians regardless of faith.

Kali Puja is light-up night for Kolkata, corresponding to the festival of Diwali (pronounced Dipabali in Bengali), where people light candles in memory of the souls of departed ancestors. The Goddess Kali is worshipped at night on one night during this festival. This is also a night of fireworks, with local youth burning sparklers and crackers throughout the night. Kolkata had to pass legislature a few years back to ban fireworks which break the 65 decibel sound limit, as ambient noise levels were going up to 90 decibels or more in parts of the city. source: wikipedia

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Blast casualty: footfalls fall in Puja pandals, Ramlilas

Aneesha MathurPosted: Oct 09, 2008 at 2350 hrs IST

New Delhi, October 8 From the Durga Puja pandals to the usually open-air festivity of Ramlilas, and from the upscale malls of South Delhi to the alleys of Daryaganj, the common element missing from the party is the crowd.

The blasts, it seems, have found another victim: Delhi’s spirit. Sharda, 57, who travels from Jamnagar in Gujarat to sell junk jewellery at Kali Mandir pandal in Chittaranjan Park every year, says “something” is missing in the celebrations this year. He cannot pin it down to any reason in particular, but “even yesterday there were not as many people as you would normally see on Ashtami at this pandal. Even those seemed to be looking around themselves — people sure are enjoying themselves; just that it’s a little different this time round.”

But Sonali Mukherji, a volunteer at the pandal, puts the attendance at normal — “like every other year”. She says, “The nominal drop is because there is no weekend during the Pujas this year. There must be about 6,000 people here already, and more should come for aarti at 7 pm.”
The Navratri period is normally lean for restaurants, and it’s no different this time, says Moi, the hostess at Piccadelhi in Connaught Place. Manoj, the manager, says the restaurant has reduced its stock of non-vegetarian fare and liquor for the Navratri period. “Sales would probably pick up from tomorrow; we expect people to go out more,” he adds.

Pawan, of Mithas restaurant in Daryaganj, blames the blasts, and the scare in their aftermath, for the drop in sales. “We have a special Navratri thali which is doing alright but not many people have come out since the blasts,” he says.

The movie theatres have also seen an alarming drop in footfalls. Officials at PVR Plaza in Connaught Place say though ticket sales usually drop to about 50 per cent of capacity during the Puja-Navratri period “but sales have really slumped since the blasts”.

Pawan Kumar, who runs a paan shop in the PVR Anupam complex in Saket, says, “People do not sit around in the complex anymore. Sales have thus taken a huge hit.”

The Ramlilas, too, have not escaped. Even at the popular Ramlila Grounds in Daryaganj, attendance has dropped significantly. The joint military secretary of the Indraprastha volunteer board, Satish Verma, says minimum attendance at the grounds has been around 50,000 this year. “Usually, the number on any given day during Ramlila is more than 80, 000,” Verma says. He says many people who usually come from far-flung parts of the Capital have given it a miss this year.

Hope still floats, though. “Maybe more people will come later this evening and tomorrow,” Verma says with pursed lips.
(With inputs from Akshay Kumar V and Pallavi Jain) source: expressindia.com

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Paschim Vihar Durga Puja pandal emerges winner

8 Oct 2008, 0000 hrs IST, Tanvi,TNN
NEW DELHI: Ashtami on Tuesday saw the culmination of Durga Devi Namastute, TOI's contest for the best puja pandals and idols in NCR. Over a hundred pandals across the city had participated. While some chose to stick to the traditional themes, there were many who did not hesitate experimenting with new concepts.

From trying to capture an Egyptian look, depicting Pharoahs, to incorporating the British style of architecture, to even having a facade resembling the summer abode of the Maharaja of Tripura, the puja samitis played with varying themes this year. The idols too wore contrasting looks. Many were in the Ek-Chala style, graced by traditional `Sola' ornaments and some had the idols displayed separately. Many got their artisans and material all the way from Kolkata, Mumbai and even Allahbad.

A piece of art can only be appreciated by artistes themselves and therefore, the pandals were evaluated by two very renowned artists Sudip Roy, a painter, and Prateek Chowdhury, a sitarist. Given the meticulous execution of the concepts and ideas by the organizers, the choice of winners was not easy for the judges.

"The karigars surely have worked very hard to come up with these beautiful and magnificent pandals. I really liked the ones which had kept it simple. Another important observation about this year's pandals was that there were many, who along with the festivities and celebrations, made it a point to give out a message to the society as well,'' said Sudip Roy.

There were a number of parameters based on which the pandals and idols were evaluated foremost being the design and decoration.

It was a close call between the pandals of the Paschim Vihar Bengali Association and the Milani Cultural & Welfare Association (MCWA), Mayur Vihar. However, considering the technical aspects, Paschim Vihar, with its intricate detailed artwork, grabbed the award. It took 46 days of painstaking work for 18 expert karigars, all from Kolkata, to complete the decorations of this pandal, which portrays a temple with fine images of gods and goddesses carved out of sea-shells carpeting the entire structure.

"It has an exquisite design and almost looks real. The craftsmanship is of superior quality. What I value the most is the fact that it is sober and not glaring to the eye in any way,'' said Prateek Chowdhury.

The MCWA, too, stood out with its unusual theme based on the history of the newspaper. It required enormous research into history for the organizers to highlight and display all the milestones achieved since the first newspaper was born.

Ashtami was also the day when thousands poured in to the pandals to feast on `Bhog'. Most Bengalis take a break from work and enjoy the afternoon with family on Day eight and nine day of the puja. "Ashtami's bhog draws huge crowds. The food is also prepared keeping this in mind. Our pandal was visited by more than 5,000 people for bhog,'' said Debashis Saha, head of the organising committee at Matri Mandir, Safdarjung Enclave, which bagged the third prize for the best pandal.

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Durga Puja pandal in east Delhi

8 Oct 2008, 0000 hrs IST,TNN

NEW DELHI: A Durga Puja pandal in east Delhi is making news with a very new theme the evolution of newspaper journalism. The Puja pandal in east Del hi's Mayur Vihar Phase I has made a unique tribute to the history of newspapers in their celebrations.

Tracing the evolution of print journalism from the Roman times to the present day, the pandal by Milan Cultural and Welfare Association has set up huge display boards of various newspapers in and around the world that have helped shape the minds of readers. Prominent newspapers in India like Anand Bazaar Patrika to Eenadu are also on display.

Further, the pandal also dwells on lesser-known facts of the newspaper world. For instance, the world's first daily was a German publication in the 16th century and the Bengal Gazette was the first English daily in the country.

Tapan Roy, president of the pandal committee, explained that their objective was to give a boost to India's traditional heritage by putting the limelight on newspapers and the impact they have had on the lives of readers.

"Last year, our pandal theme was on art, language and culture of Bengal and how it has evolved over the years. This year, we thought of making our theme more on literature and we finally decided on newspapers. Our effort has always been to focus our pandal themes on historical and mythological issues," explained Roy. The pandal is known in the neighbourhood for their unique themes and has won various awards, including the Times Durga Devi Namastute contest, for best pandal in the last few years.

Apart from big displays of Indian newspapers, the pandal has also acknowledged significant newspapers in other countries from Sweden, Russia, Denmark, Germany etc. "Through our themes we want to spread awareness in society. Lots of people ask us about our themes and how we decide on which one to promote every year and we clearly tell them that all our themes have a social message. We had a special team of experts, which carried out research on the evolution of newspapers, so we could put it up on display for visitors," added Roy.

Enthusiastic visitors, particularly children, were seen standing in front of the various display boards of newspapers like LA Times, London Gazette, Gentleman's Magazine and various papers in other languages to read up on their history and evolution. "This is the first time I have seen such an educational theme for a Durga Puja pandal. It gives us an insight to how newspapers have evolved over the ages to their present form today," said 12-year-old Tanima Chatterjee, a local resident of Mayur Vihar. source: times of india

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Dilshad Garden C R PARK New Delhi Durga Puja

Security stifles festive spirit...
7 Oct 2008, 0000 hrs IST, Sapna Verma,TNN
NEW DELHI: With the spectre of September 13 serial blasts still hanging over the city, unprecedented security arrangements have been made for the fe stival season. However, that only seems to have overshadowed the spirit of festivity in the city with several puja pandals saying there has been a reduction of nearly 30-40% in the footfalls.

"Long queues resulting from excessive security arrangement and a sense of insecurity have affected the number of people coming to the pujas. Though we are expecting at least 10,000 people every day, only 7,000 are turning up,'' said GP Sarkar from Dilshad Garden Durga Puja Committee.

Even those who are turning up are being subjected to rigorous checking and frisking and long standing customs of carrying `bhog' to the puja and heading back with prasad are also being put through scanner. "Puja used to be a time for fun and revelry. This time the arrangement is such that we feel we are entering a high security zone. I was shocked when an empty tiffin box was also not allowed inside in which I always carry back prasad for my old mother,'' said Partho Dey, a resident of CR Park.

Between people dressed in their ‘pujo' best, one can also now spot sniffer dogs and plain clothed policemen, keeping a strict vigil on the crowd, with walkie-talkies in their hands. The ministry of home affairs has sanctioned additional forces, including armed paramilitary, that have been deployed across the city and the samitis too have enhanced the security by installing CCTVs and roping in the services of private guards. Even the idols of the Goddess were not spared as they were routinely being checked with metal detectors.

Delhi Police spokesperson ACP Rajan Bhagat said: "Sniffer dogs, bomb detection squad, extra police force, commandos and PCR vans have been deployed. We are working closely with the committees and have asked them to abide by the guidelines given to them.''

Most committees admit that it is very important to work in cooperation with the police. President of CR Park Durga Puja Committee, Suman Chatterjee, said: "We are using metal detectors, mobile scanners and CCTVs. Security guards have been directed to scan each and every unidentified object. We have already informed the visitors to not carry baggage and if someone still does so, we are not allowing them inside. No compromises this time.'' source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Durga Puja Delhi, Vijaya Dashamai

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To cut terror threat, Pujas cut immersion crowd
Sweta Dutta Posted: Oct 07, 2008 at 0053 hrs IST

New delhi, October 6 In view of Terror threats and advisory issued by the authorities, the South Delhi Immersion Committee has asked all registered puja committees to cut down on the number of people attending the processions on way to the immersion.

Durga Puja idols are immersed on Vijaya Dashamai, which falls on Thursday.
The committee has also asked the puja organisers to wrap up the immersion process sooner this year.

“We usually have some 200 devotees accompanying the idols for immersion but this year we have been instructed to keep the number low,” Minto Road Kali Mandir secretary S S Basak said. “There is a security threat and as organisers we will try to abide by these rules to ensure that no untoward incident takes place.

“We will ask some of the devotees to come to the (Yamuna) ghat directly as a larger crowd during the procession might create chaos.”

The immersion committee, along with the Delhi Police and the government, has chalked out details of ways to beef up security and minimise the chaos. Committee members expect a lower attendance this year.

Narayan Dey, vice-president of South Delhi Immersion Committee said, “The recent blasts have left the city shaken and we are sure residents themselves might be wary (of being part of the immersion procession). But on our part we have issued directions to committees so that we can fight terror threat better.”

Approximately 110 pujas are organised in South Delhi alone, and all of them head for Kalindi Kunj ghat for immersion. According to directions, the processions would begin at 10 am, and idols immersed by 2 pm.

“If puja committees do not delay on their way and during the immersion, the entire event should be done by 9 pm,” immersion committee secretary M K Roy said. “This is only if we get the organisers’ full cooperation but we need to keep in mind there are many unregistered puja committees and private pujas.” source: http://www.indianexpress.com/

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Durga Puja in Delhi India

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New Delhi, October 05 The five-day Durga Puja festivities began on Sunday with Maha-shashti. Newsline did a survey of major pandals in the city and found that on the first day of Puja, most pandals in the city saw heavy security arrangements.
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C R PARK (Kali Mandir)
The famous Kali Mandir in C R Park is an important centre of convergence during Durga Puja. This year, special arrangements have been made for security with Delhi Police, Civil Defence and Home Guard personnel stationed at the temple. Six CCTV cameras have been installed at various points in the temple. Sniffer dogs are also being used for the first time.
“The temple is elevated, which provides it with a natural boundary. We have also taken care to ensure there are two separate entries for residents and the general public,” Anita Haldar, reception committee co-convenor at Kali Mandir, said.

C R PARK (K BLOCK)
The pandal at K block, famous for winning the award for best idol the last three years in a row, has chosen a historical theme from Harappa and Mohenja-Daro to do up its idols. Security arrangements here include personnel from the Delhi Police and private security guards. Four machans have been set up at four points of the pandal. In addition to barricades, there are separate entries for residents and the general public, with a separate exit. Provision has also been made for an emergency exit, along with a special entry for VIPs.

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C R PARK (B BLOCK)
Security has been tightened at the B block pandal with more than 125 private security guards and more than 50 personnel of the Delhi Police. “Apart from eight CCTV cameras, four machans have also been set up in the four corners of the pandal,” Inspector Sanjay Kumar Singh said. Besides the main entry, there are separate entries for volunteers and vendors.
Significantly, this year the Durga Puja committee of B Block has decided not to call any crowd pulling celebrities. “We have called performers from Kolkata instead to avoid any rush beyond our capacity,” Ashim Banerjee, organising committee president, said.

MINTO ROAD PUJA SAMITI

“We have made security arrangements as per the crowd expected and will strengthen the arrangements if more people come in,” Duty Officer Bodh Raj said. Security has been reinforced with a machan opposite the main gate, 10 CCTV cameras, four hand-held metal detectors and two doorframe detectors. There are two points for entry and exit, with an emergency exit...also in place. “We have invited ex-contestants from the Sare Ga Ma Pa music show and performers from Kolkata,” D K Bose, samiti president, said. ... source: http://www.indianexpress.com

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Agrani Durga Puja Rohini Delhi

About Agrani:

It gives us great pleasure to announce that Agrani Durga Puja Samiti, Sector 13, Rohini, New Delhi is celebrating Durga Puja for the 15th consecutive year in 2008 - 09. Over the years our Puja has grown from strength to strength and gained eminence in Rohini area. However, the credit of the phenomenal success lies on the unstinted support of all the members, their families, executive committee, specially the Puja Committee members who deserve all the accolades.

For all the devotees, it would be of great pleasure and sense of achievement to inform you that our Samiti has further made significant progress towards the ultimate goal of construction of a grand Matri Mandir by appointing a reknowned Architect. We had conducted a survey amongst our members in order to ascertain their wishes regarding the size and requirement of facilities in the Mandir and the Architect has been duly briefed on the same. Now we would need to further strengthen our financial status to commence the foundation work of the Mandir. Hence, may I very earnestly request all devotees to come forward with generous donations to fulfill our dream soon.

It is estimated that around Rs.35 Lakh will be required to meet the cost of construction of a MANDIR, a PRAYER HALL, a LIBRARY CUM READING ROOM, INDOOR GAMES COMPLEX, a CHARITABLE DISPENSARY and GUEST HOUSES. All of you are requested for donating generously for fulfillment of this dream.

Goddess Durga signifies the form of Shakti - the infinite power of the universe and is a symbol of dynamism. Durga Puja the festival of triumph of good over evil, should inspire us to turn away from all that divides and destroys. Durga Puja festival has to inspire us to work for the unity and well being of humanity and the nation.

AN APPEAL:

A humble beginning -- a great commitment towards holistic socio-cultural development of ROHINI. The residents of ROHINI, sector - 9,13,14 & 15, particularly members of AGRANI DURGA PUJA SAMITI, ROHINI took the initiative and have come forward to lighten the torch of cultural activities, knowledge of literature, charity & sports and above all up liftment of social values of mankind.

The Samiti, established in 1994, is a registered organization. Besides performing DURGA PUJA, KALI PUJA, SARASWATI PUJA, and NABO BARSHO every year, it has its long-term mission towards integration of people from different religion and background. To accomplish its noble target, residents of sector -9,13,14 & 15, specially BENGALIS have contributed voluntarily Rs. 5000/- per family and as a result of tremendous tireless efforts, the Samiti have procured a plot of 432 Sq. meter from DDA in Sector - 13. The Samiti has dreamt for a permanent Social and cultural base on this plot, with a MANDIR, a PRAYER HALL, a LIBRARY cum READING ROOM, INDOOR- GAMES COMPLEX, a CHARITABLE DISPENSARY and GUEST HOUSES. It is only a tiny gesture of a few tireless Bengali members who started this humble beginning to shoulder flagship of socio-cultural activities of Bengalis.

Probable cost of rooms/halls/ temple, etc. at present cost price is given as under for information of willing donors to donate for the worthy cause of the Samiti.
1. Basement - Rs.10 lacs
2. Prayer hall ( Area 2000 Sq ft.) - Rs.7.0 lacs
3. Library - Rs.3.0 lacs
4. Reading Room - Rs. 2.0 lacs
5. Charitable Dispensary - Rs. 2.0 lacs
6. Indoor games room - Rs. 2.0 lacs
7. Meeting room - Rs. 2.0 lacs
8. Office room - Rs.1.5 lacs
9. Store room - Rs.1.0 lacs
10. Main Kali Temple - Rs.5.0 lacs
11. Main Shiva Temple - Rs.3.0 lacs
12. Main Radhakrishna Temple - Rs.3.0 lacs
13. Marble floor of Kali Temple - Rs.50,000
14. Marble of other Temple each - Rs.30,000
15. Marble walls of Temples (per 100 Sqft) - Rs.25,000
16. Marble floor other areas (per 100 Sqft) - Rs.20,000
17. Marble Smriti plate 3' x 1.5' (each) - Rs.5,000
18. Marble Smriti plate 2' x 1' (each) - Rs.3,000
19. Cement bags (min 10 Nos) - Rs.3,000
20. Bricks (min 1000 Nos) - Rs.3,000
Pending construction of permanent Mandir for want of adequate funds, a temporary Mandir has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 2 lacs with the help of residents and members. Goddess Kali and Shiva-Linga have been consecrated for daily puja from 11th November 2004. Besides Nitya puja (daily puja), Special Pujas like Kali Puja on New Moon day; Narayan Puja on Full Moon day and Shani Puja on every Saturday next to full moon day are being organized. This Mandir is being kept open in the morning from 7:00 AM to 12.30 PM and in the evening from 6:00 PM to 9.30 PM daily. Nitya bhog is offered daily at 11.30 AM and Arati is performed daily at 7.00 PM. To meet the expenditure on daily puja, a few members have started paying monthly subscription of Rs.100/- per month so that limited available funds are not depleted further for these purposes.


The General Body of the Samiti in its meeting held on 22nd June, 2008 elected the following Managing Committee of Samiti.

1. Sh. M.Mukherji - President - 53, Akash Kunj, Sector-9, Rohini
2. Sh. A. Dasgupta - Vice-President - 31-B, Surya Aptts, Sector-13, Rohini
3. Sh. P. P. Haldar - Gen. Secretary - 39-C, Surya Aptts., Sector-13, Rohini
4. Sh. Alok Majumdar - Joint Secretary - A-30, Delhi Citizens, Sector-13,Rohini
5. Sh. S. R. Das - Treasurer - B-119, Puru Aptts., Sector-13, Rohini
6. Smt. Maya Roy - Member - A-58, Dena Aptts., Sector-13, Rohini
7. Sh. P.K.Banerjee - Member - C-54, Delhi Citizen, Sector-13, Rohini
8. Sh. B. N. Ghosh - Member - B-4/212, Mayur Apartment, Sec - 9, Rohini
9. Sh. P. K. Gupta - Member - A-3/505, Printers Aptts., Sec-13, Rohini
10. Sh. A.B.Dutta - Member - B-119, Oriental Aptts., Sec-9, Rohini
11. Sh. Partho Ghosh - - Member 01, Adarsh Kunj, Sector-13, Rohini
12. Sh S.C.Saha - Member - C-5/24, Sector-15, Rohini
13. Smt. Uma Khasnavis - Member - 109, Kamdhenu Aptts., Sec-9, Rohini
14. Sh.A.M. Dev - Nominated Member - B-79, Dena Aptts., Sec-13, Rohini
15. Sh. Jyotirmoy Das - Nominated Member - Q-4, Parwana Vihar, Sec-9, Rohini

The various Sub-commitees have been constituted to facilitate functioning of various activities during Durga Puja 2008. The name of the members of these sub-committees are given below:-

Puja Secretary - Shri Gautam Dey

1. Puja -
Shri Gautam Palodhi, Sh Bibek Chatterjee, Sh. Chandan Bej, Smt Shikha Das & Smt Mitra Bhattacharya.

2. Pandal & Decoration -
S/Shri. Sujoy Roy, Arobindo Bhattacharya, P K Gupta, S C Saha, Partho Ghosh, Adrish Dutta & Babu.

3. Bhog & Prasad -
S/Shri Alok Majumdar, Bikash Majumdar, Malay Khasnabish, G C Porel & Sujit Barua.

4. Culture & Sports -
S/Shri Prantik Dutta, Samar Chatterjee, Ashok Bhattacharya & Jayanta Chakraborty

5. Souvenir -
S/Shri D K Das, S N Dutta & Pinaki Sengupta

6. Anand Mela -
Smt. Konika Majumdar, Smt Nidhi Dutta & Smt Shipra Dasgupta

7. Reception Committee -
S/Sh M Bhowmik & S B Dutta

May we fervently appeal to your goodself to support the charitable cause of the Samiti by donating funds generously towards construction of splendid Mandir-cum-Cultural Centre. We reiterate that your generous gesture, which will always be remembered with pride by all Members of our Samiti, would enhance our inner strength and encourage all of us to help the people of the locality towards socio-culture upliftment and in seeking 'Devine Peace'.

Donation can be offered by cheque/ draft payable to "Agrani Durga Puja Samiti Rohini" and sent to Shri P. P. Haldar, Secretary at 39-C, Surya Apartment, Sec-13, Rohini, Delhi, India, Pin- 110085 (contact no. 9818567965).

May the Divine Mother bless all of you for peace and prosperity.
P. P. Haldar
General Secretary
39-C, Surya Apartment, Sec-13, Rohini,
Delhi, India, Pin- 110085
Contact no. 9818567965
011-27862321.
Email : patitpabanhaldar@yahoo.com

M. Mukherji
President
53, Akash Kunj, Sector-9, Rohini,
Delhi- 110 085.
(Contact no. 011-27564576).

The Rituals of Durga Puja

The festival of Durga Puja starts with Mahalaya, the first phase of the waxing moon in Aswin. Thousands offer prayers to their ancestors at the city's river banks, a ritual called Tarpan. The inauguration of the Goddess idol starts on Mahashasthi. The main puja is for three days - Mahasaptami, Mahaastami, Mahanavami. The puja rituals are long and very detailed and complicated. Three days of Mantras and Shlokas and Arati and offerings - needs an expert priest to do this kind of Puja. Because of these facts, the number of Pujas held in the family has reduced and Durga Puja has mostly emerged as a community festival.

Mahashashthi
On this day Goddess Durga arrives to the mortal world from her heavenly abode, accompanied by her children. She is welcomed with much fanfare amidst the beats of dhak. Unveiling the face of the idol is the main ritual on this day. Kalaparambho, the ritual performed before the commencement of the puja precedes Bodhon, Amontron and Adibas.

Mahasaptami
Saptami is the first day of Durga puja. Kola Bow or Nabapatrika is given a pre-dawn bath. This is an ancient ritual of worshiping nine types of plants. They are together worshiped as a symbol of the goddess. The main Saptami Puja follows Kalparambho and Mahasnan.

Mahaastami
The day began with a recital of Sanskrit hymns in community puja pandals as thousands of devotees offered anjali to the goddess. Kumari Puja or the worship of little girls as the mother goddess was a special part of the rituals observed in a number of traditional and household pujas. As the day wore on, it was time for the important Sandhi Puja, which marks the inter-linking of the Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami.

Mahanavami
This is the concluding day of Durga Puja. The main Navami puja begins after the end of Sandhi Puja. The Navami Bhog is offered to the goddess. This is later partaken as prasad by the devotees.

Dashami
After the three days of Puja, in Dashami , in the last day, a tearful farewell is offered to the Goddess. Most of the community pujas postpone the farewell as long as possible and arrange a grand send-off. The images are carried in processions around the locality and finally is immersed in a nearby river or lake. Vijaya Dashami is an event celebrated all over the country.

Mythology of Durga Puja

According to Hindu mythology a demon named Mahishasura, earned the favor of Lord Shiva after a long and hard penance. Lord Shiva, impressed with his devotion, blessed him that no man or deity would be able to kill him and that only a woman can kill him. Mahishasur was very pleased with this boon as he thought that a woman can never defeat him. Arrogant Mahishasura started his reign of terror over the Universe and people were killed mercilessly. He even attacked the abode of the gods and conquered the heavens and became their leader.

The Defeat Of Gods
After their defeat and humiliation at the hands of Mahishasur, the gods took refuge under Lord Brahma, who took them to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The only solution left was the creation of a woman who possess the ultimate power to fight and defeat Mahishasur. Pure energy blazed forth from Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - the trinity forming the pure energy of Godhood, all concentrating at one point that took the form of Goddess Durga.

Culmination Of Energies
Her face reflected the light of Shiva, her ten arms were from Lord Vishnu, her feet were from Lord Brahma, the tresses were formed from the light of Yama, the god of death and the two breasts were formed from the light of Somanath, the Moon God, the waist from the light of Indra, the king of gods, the legs and thighs from the light of Varun, the god of oceans and hips from the light of Bhoodev (Earth), the toes from the light of Surya (Sun God), fingers of the hand from the light of the Vasus, the children of Goddess river Ganga and nose from the light of Kuber, the keeper of wealth for the Gods. The teeth were formed from the light of Prajapati, the lord of creatures, the Triad of her eyes was born from the light of Agni, the Fire God, the eyebrows from the two Sandhyas,ie, sunrise and sunset, the ears from the light of Vayu, the god of Wind. Thus from the energy of these gods, as well as from many other gods, was formed the goddess Durga.

Power Of Weapons
The gods then gifted the goddess with their weapons and other divine objects to help her in her battle with the demon, Mahishasura. Lord Shiva gave her a trident while Lord Vishnu gave her a disc. Varuna, gave her a conch and noose, and Agni gave her a spear. From Vayu, she received arrows. Indra, gave her a thunderbolt, and the gift of his white-skinned elephant Airavata was a bell. From Yama, she received a sword and shield and from Vishwakarma (god of Architecture), an axe and armor. The god of mountains, Himavat gifted her with jewels and a lion to ride on. Durga was also given many other precious and magical gifts, new clothing, and a garland of immortal lotuses for her head and breasts.

The beautiful Durga, bedecked in jewels and golden armor and equipped with the fearsome weaponry of the gods, was ready to engage in battle with the fierce and cruel Mahishasura. Mahishasura and his demon allies found their attention drawn from heaven to Earth, as Durga's power moved its way towards heaven. Though confident of their power and control in heaven, the demons could not help being awestruck.

The Battlefield
As Mahishasura's armies were struck down effortlessly by Durga, it became obvious to him that he was not as secure in heaven as he had thought. No demon could fight her and win. Her breath would replenish her armies - bringing back to life all of her soldiers who fell. The demons were in chaos and were easily defeated and captured. Mahishasura was shocked and enraged by the disastrous events on the battlefield. He took on the form of a demonic buffalo, and charged at the divine soldiers of Durga, goring and killing many and lashing out with his whip-like tail. Durga's lion pounced on the demon-buffalo and engaged him in a battle. While he was thus engaged, Durga threw her noose around his neck.

Mahishasura then assumed the form of a lion and when Durga beheaded the lion, Mahishasura escaped in the form of a man who was immediately face to face with a volley of arrows from Durga. The demon escaped yet again and then having assumed the form of a huge elephant, battered Durga's lion with a tusk. With her sword Durga hacked the tusk into pieces.

The Victory
The demon reverted once more to the form of the wild buffalo. He hid himself in the mountains from where he hurled boulders at Durga with his horns. Durga drank the divine nectar, the gift of Kuber. She then pounced on Mahishasura, pushing him to the ground with her left leg. She grasped his head in one hand, pierced him with her sharp trident held in another, and with yet another of her ten hands she wielded her bright sword, beheading him. At last he fell dead, and the scattered surviving remnants of his once invincible army fled in terror.

Tradition of Durga Puja

Today's most authentic form of the Durga is that of a ten handed goddess modeled out of clay astride a lion. Each of those hands carry a separate weapon in them except two, which holds the spear which has been struck into the chest of the demon, Mahishasura. The four children of the Goddess had also been added to the iconography - Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, Kartik, the God of beauty as well as warfare and Ganesha, the 'Siddhidata' or the starter of everything in good sense.

The drum-beats are an integral part of the Durga Puja. This special variety of the drum, known as 'Dhak,' enthralls the hearts of the Calcutta with its majestic rhythm right from the day of 'Sasthi.' This drum is held on the shoulder with the beating side in the bottom and is beaten with two sticks, one thick and another thin.

The Durga Puja spans over a period of ten days in case of traditional and household Pujas, though the main part of it is restricted to four days only. The main Puja, however, starts on the evening of 'Sasthi', the sixth day after the new moon, generally from beneath a 'Bel' tree for the traditional ones. In the wee hours of 'Saptami,' the next day, the 'Pran' or life of the Devi is brought from a nearby pond or river in a banana tree and established inside the image. The main puja starts thereafter and the prime time is reached in the 'Sandhikshan,' the crossover time between Ashtami and Navami. Finally, on 'Dashami,' the tenth day from the new moon, the image is immersed in a pond or river.

The Story/ Legends of Durga Puja

Creation Of Goddess Durga
Goddess Durga represents a united front of all Divine forces against the negative forces of evil and wickedness. The gods in heaven decided to create an all-powerful being to kill the demon king Mahishasur who was ready to attack them. At that very moment a stream of lightning dazzled forth from the mouths of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and it turned into a beautiful, magnificent woman with ten hands. Then all the gods furnished her with their special weapons. The image of Durga, the Eternal Mother destroying the demon, Mahishasur is symbolic of the final confrontation of the spiritual urge of man with his baser passions.

Pandavas
As per our great epic Mahabharat, Pandavas after wandering in the forest for 12 years, hung their weapons on a Shami tree before entering the court of king Virat to spend the last one year in disguise. After the completion of that year on Vijayadashmi the day of Dassera they brought down the weapons from the Shami tree and declared their true identity. Since that day the exchange of Shami leaves on Dassera day became symbols of good, will and victory.

Lord Rama
This festival has immense mythological significance. As per Ramayan, Ram did "chandi-puja and invoked the blessings of Durga to kill Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka who had abducted Seeta and had charmed life. Durga divulged the secret to Ram how he could kill Ravana. Then after vanquishing him, Ram with Seeta and Laxman returned victorious to his kingdom of Ayodhya on Diwali day.

Kautsa
Kautsa, the young son of Devdatt, insisted on his guru Varatantu to accept "gurudakshina", after finishing his education. After lots of persistence his Guru, finally asked for 14 crore gold coins, one crore for each of the 14 sciences he taught Kautsa. Kautsa went to king Raghuraj, who was known for his genorisity and was an ancestor of Rama. But just at that time he had emptied all his coffers on the Brahmins, after performing the Vishvajit sacrifice. So, the king went to Lord Indra and asked for the gold coins. Indra summoned Kuber, the god of wealth. Indra told Kuber, "Make a rain of gold coins fall on the "shanu" and "apati" trees round Raghuraja's city of Ayodhya." The rain of coins began to fall. The king Raghu gave all the coins to Kautsa, who gave 14 crores gold coins to his guru. The remaining coins were lavishly distributed to the people of Ayodhya city. This happened on the day of Dussehra. In remembrance of this event the custom is kept of looting the leaves of the "apati" trees and people present each other these leaves as "sone" (gold).

Durga Puja Celebrations

The celebration of Durga Puja goes very far back in history and there are abundant references to it in India literature from 12th century onwards. However, today Durga Puja is generally a community festival. The Puja celebration over the years has changed color often. Earlier, it was the most expensive of all festivals and could only be performed by the rich and the powerful like feudal lords, rajas and big businessmen. However, it always evoked great enthusiasm and popular support.

But in today's ethos, The evolution of many clubs, associations and societies has made the Puja cosmopolitan in character. The social and ritualistic significance of the Puja has also been modified to a great degree. Today, this festival has become an occasion for pageantry and extravaganza. Age-old conch shells and drums have given way to loud film songs and sometimes the goddess is modeled on popular film actresses. On the flip side, animal sacrifices, a must earlier, have been dispensed with at many places and shrines.

While earlier Durga was worshiped alone, now it is, more often than not, the goddess with her family. Durga is portrayed as the supreme head; and the presence of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Shiva etc marks a wholesome picture of divinity. In southern India celebrations constitute a display of images of God and toys at home for nine days. But despite the various ways in which this festival is celebrated the feature that is common is that of the worship of the mother goddess.

Significance of Durga Puja

During Durga Puja, God in the form of the Divine Mother is worshiped in Her various forms as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Though the Goddess is one, She is represented and worshiped in three different aspects. On the first three nights of the festival, Durga is worshiped. On the following three, Lakshmi and then Saraswati Devi on the last three nights. The following tenth day is called Vijayadasami. Vijaya means "victory", the victory over one's own minds that can come only when these three: Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati are worshiped.

Meaning Of Durga
Durga is perhaps the most widely worshiped deity of Shakti. Maa Durga's divine characterization include entire Devibhagavatham is dedicated to her. Durga means one who is difficult to approach. However since she is the mother of universe she is the personification of tender love, wealth, power, beauty and all virtues.

Implications Of The Idol
The complete image of Goddess Durga represent destruction of evil and protection of good and reflects the point that in order to become divine one should keep one's animal instincts under control. Thus, by worshiping Durga the idea of ruthless destruction is invoked to annihilate all the desires and unfold divinity.

Its Connotation
ln Bengal, Goddess Durga is worshiped for nine days. In South India, an altar decorated with a stepped platform and filled with small images of gods, animals,birds,and other beings, animate and inanimate, is worshiped for nine days. This altar is known as the Kolu. People re-dedicate themselves to their profession. On this day, a child also begins to learn the alphabet in a ceremony known as aksarabhyasa. This day marks the beginning of any type of learning. One offers gifts to one's teachers, seeks their blessings,and prays for success in one's new endeavors.

for more details visit: http://www.agranimandir.co.in

AGRANI DURGA PUJA SAMITI ROHINI (Regd.)
53, Akash Kunj, Sector-9, Rohini,
Delhi- 110 085.

Terror back in Delhi with blast

NEW DELHI, Sept 27: Terror returned to Delhi a fortnight after the serial blasts with two motorcycle-borne youth dropping a tiffin bomb in a crowded south Delhi market that exploded killing a young boy and injuring 18 people.

Meanwhile, opposition parties today accused the UPA Government of failing to combat terrorism, with BJP demanding resignation of Home Minister Shivraj Patil, even as UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi called for “immediate action” to bring the culprits to book.

Riding a black motorcycle, the two men in black dress and wearing helmets, dropped a black polythene bag containing a tiffin box opposite an electronic goods shop in the flower market in Mehrauli at about 2.15 pm, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) H S Dhaliwal told reporters.

A 13-year-old boy picked it up to give it back to the bikers. They refused and fled the place but the boy was still keen on giving it to them when it exploded killing him instantaneously and injuring 18 others. Eleven of the injured were rushed to AIIMS where doctors said six were in critical condition. Five of them suffered serious head injuries. Three or four of the injured could be required to be operated upon, Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta told reporters.

The explosive shattered the window panes of several adjacent shops in the market located close to the historic Qutab Minar, which was bustling with shoppers. The blast, which caused a crater, left a gory scene where blood was splattered on the road along with shattered glass panes and furniture. PTI

List of those who died in the Delhi serial blasts

List of those who died in the Delhi serial blasts

Sunday, 14 September , 2008, 19:30 Last Updated: Sunday, 14 September , 2008, 21:04

New Delhi: Following is the available list of those who died in the serial bomb blasts in Delhi: 1. Vinod Kumar (42) Churu, Rajasthan 2. Ganga Prasad (40) Karolbagh, Delhi 3. Prithviraj (25) Uttar Pradesh, Harloi 4. Unidentified male (35) 5. Unidentified male (30) 6. Puja (15) Karolbagh, New Delhi 7. Chander Bhan 8. Harish Chandran 9. Priya Chandran 10. Kamini (25) Vadodara, Gujarat 11. Saroj (20) 12. Amit 13. Rajni Gupta (42) Pitam Pura, Delhi 14. Manoj Singh (12) Mayur Vihar, Delhi 15. Babita (20) Timarpur, Delhi 16. Unknown male (40) 17. Hari Chand (50) 18. Chandra Bhan (50) Santnagar, Delhi 19. Unknown Male (45) 20. Unknown male (50) 21. Amit Saxena (26) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

source: http://sify.com/news/crime/fullstory.php?id=14757938


The dance of death in Delhi

Terrorists attack our cities at will. This time it is the capital, New Delhi, which witnessed serial bomb blasts on Saturday. Here's a detailed account of the gruesome attack, along with some responses..

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 was not much different for the people, who were out to spend another evening with their families or were carrying on their daily business. Suddenly, deafening blasts, at various places, in New Delhi, changed it all. Panic, pain, blood, gore and death were evident all around. Thankfully four live bombs were diffused.

Here’s what happened:

Bombs Blasts: 5
Duration: 17 minutes
Deaths: 30 (at the time of filing the report)
Injured: 90 (at the time of filing the report)

Affected places:

Karol Bagh’s Gaffar Market’s MCD Market –6:10pm.
Connaught Place – Gopaldas Bhawan, Nirmal Tower.
Barakhamba Road.
Twin blasts at Block M market of Greater Kailash

Bombs diffused: India Gate, Parliament Street, Central Park, Regal Cinema.

Hospitals: Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Gangaram Hospital, Lady Hardinge Hospital.

Compensation: Rs. 5 lakh to the next kin of the deceased.

Terror group: Indian Mujaheedin.

E-mail ID: al_arbi_delhi@yahoo.com

IP address: 59.184.129.2

Sender’s address: 201-202, Eric Towers, Kamran India Pvt. Ltd., 16th Road, Chembur, Maharashtra.

Device in bombs: Timer device, Prince watch.

Masterminds' names:

Abdus Subhan Qureshi alias Tauqir Bilal

Qayamuddin alias Ashfaque

Profession: Software engineer

Police source: 12-year old boy (a balloon seller) said that he saw two terrorists alight from an auto, put something in the dustbin, near the parking lot at Connaught place, wrapped in black polythene. The duo left after a while. .

Total detained for questioning: 12

Voices after the Delhi serial blasts:

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh: I urge the Delhities to remain tranquil and not to panic. Offenders will not be spared at any cost.

Sonia Gandhi, UPA chairperson: It is a heinous act, government will take stern steps against the terrorists.

Home minister Shivraj V Patil: We’ll not spare those whoever be it is, the offenders will be punished according to the law.

BJP president Rajnath Singh: One more instance of the ruling government’s indifference to curb terrorism.

Gujarat CM Narendra Modi: The entire country stands on a fireball.

A Delhi resident (did not give his name): Politicians blame each other, but the real losers are ’the mass’, not ’the class’. Can they make good the agony of those who have lost their kin...no amount of compensation can wipe out the grief...
source: http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=141299