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The nine-day Durga Puja celebration, mostly observed in West Bengal, celebrates Goddess Durga's yearly visitation to her mother's house. Among its many customs, Ashtami Puja is particularly important since it celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. Ashtami is a festival that is traditionally celebrated on the eighth day of the lunar month of Ashwin. People are encouraged to assemble for prayers and celebration during the function, which brings out the essence of unity in culture. The preparation and serving of the bhog, or sacred food offerings, to worshippers is a symbol of appreciation and giving.
Significance Of Ashtami Puja
The eighth day of Durga Puja is known as Ashtami Puja, and it is often considered to be the most significant day of the celebration. It depicts the final intensity of Goddess Durga, who fights with the demon Mahishasura. Offering flowers to the goddess in the traditional ritual known as "Pushpanjali," devotees bid her blessings and protection good morning. A heavenly vibe fills the air as mantras are chanted and the ancient drum, the dhak, beats rhythmically. "Sandhi Puja," a ceremony held on the ninth day of Ashtami, at the meeting point of Ashtami and Navami, is one of the special features of Ashtami. This 48-minute period is regarded as extremely fortunate since it is thought to be the time when Goddess Durga defeated the demon. Along with unique prayers and customs, 108 lotus blossoms and 108 lamps are presented to the goddess during this period.
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Significance Of Bhog
The bhog offered during Ashtami Puja holds as much importance as the rituals themselves. It symbolises the devotion, love, and effort presented to the deity, strengthening the connection between the worshipper and the divine. Traditional offerings include sweets like payesh and sandesh, alongside savoury dishes such as khichuri and labra, creating a sacred and wholesome meal for the occasion. Every component has been carefully chosen to honour traditional recipes that have been handed down through the centuries. The bhog symbolises the spirit of altruistic giving; it is thought that distributing these offerings brings blessings and plenty into one's own life as well as the lives of others. As a thank you to the goddess, devotees consume bhog on this day, which strengthens the bond and friendship among those present at the feast.
Khichuri
Khichuri is frequently regarded as the bhog's heart during Ashtami Puja. Many people find comfort in this one-pot meal of rice and lentils combined with a variety of seasonings and veggies. Highly flavoured khichuri symbolises sustenance and a simple dish itself, which is evidence enough that even the smallest blessings matter. Washing the rice and lentils together is the first step in making khichuri. Add entire spices like bay leaves, cumin seeds, and cardamom to a pot of heated ghee or oil and sauté until aromatic. Add the diced veggies (carrots, potatoes, and beans) to the saucepan next, then the rice-lentil mixture. Water is added to the mixture and cooked until it takes on the consistency of cereal after a brief sautéing period. Serving the dish hot and sprinkling it with honey ensures that it is dedicated to the goddess with affection, reflecting the spirit of the celebration.
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Labra
Labra is a part of Durga Puja meal, which is also an icon of diversity and prosperity. In accordance with ceremonial customs, this mixed vegetable curry is made without onion or garlic and is frequently spiced with a special combination. Including fresh veggies in the meal not only honours the harvest but also provides nourishment for the celebrants. The first step in making labra is to select several vegetables, such as green peas, eggplant, and pumpkin. For fragrance, add nigella and fenugreek seeds to heated mustard oil in a skillet. Add the chopped veggies and season with salt and turmeric. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft. Topped with fresh coriander leaves with only a little sprinkling to make it tasty. Labra is a preparation made to offer Goddess Durga and goes well with the philosophy of sharing nature's treasure, which looks brilliant and tastes yummy.
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Payesh
Payesh, a traditional rice pudding, adds a sweet touch to the bhog offerings during Ashtami Puja, symbolising the warmth and affection shared between devotees and the goddess. This cherished family recipe combines rice, milk, and sugar, often enhanced with spices and nuts for added richness. To prepare, wash and soak the rice for 30 minutes, then gradually add it to boiling milk in a heavy-bottomed pan, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Once the rice is cooked and the milk thickens, reduce the heat, stir in sugar, and finish with chopped nuts and crushed cardamom. This creamy dessert, served warm, signifies joy and completes the festive meal perfectly.
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Ashtami is not only a holiday; rather, it is an experience that resonates in the hearts of devotees, promoting a feeling of unity and celebration that persists long after the dhak drums begin drumming. Customs and gifts are the manifestations of the given attitudes towards the deity, and her manifestations are appreciation and love.
