Durga Devi Puja is a powerful and sacred ritual dedicated to Goddess Durga, the embodiment of strength, power, and protection. She is revered as the divine mother who protects her devotees from all forms of evil and harm. Durga is often depicted riding a lion or tiger, wielding weapons to battle demons, symbolizing her ability to destroy negativity and uphold dharma (righteousness). The puja is performed particularly during Navaratri, the festival that honors the goddess for nine nights, but it can also be done on other auspicious occasions.

The puja begins with the cleaning of the home or temple, followed by setting up a clean altar with a statue or image of Goddess Durga. The altar is often decorated with flowers, mango leaves, kumkum, and turmeric, symbolizing purity and auspiciousness. The devotees take a purifying bath and wear clean clothes, often in shades of red or yellow, which are symbolic of energy and prosperity.

The ritual typically starts with the invocation of Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles, followed by the worship of Goddess Durga. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense, and light oil lamps or diyas to symbolize the dispelling of darkness. Durga Ashtakshara Mantra (“Om Dum Durgaye Namah“) and Durga Stotra are chanted, invoking her blessings for protection and strength.

In some versions of the puja, Abhishekam (ritual bathing) is performed, where milk, honey, ghee, and water are poured over the deity’s idol, symbolizing purification and offering devotion. The puja concludes with the Aarti, a devotional song sung in praise of Goddess Durga.

Durga Devi Puja is a prayer for victory over obstacles, personal growth, and the protection of the family and home. It brings spiritual strength and ensures that the devotee is blessed with divine protection, courage, and peace.