This morning I went to say farewell to Devi Durga at the Durgamahotsav close to where I live. I took the picture of the protima above. The traditional belief among Bengalis is that Ma Durga along with her children — Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh and Kartik — comes to visit her parental home for 10 days. Today is the 10th day, Vijay Dashmi, when she goes back to her in-laws. People then visit each other and wish “Shubho Bijoya” after she leaves.
Durga will be back next year, of course. But Durga is just one manifestation of Shakti, the consort of Shiva. Shakti will be back as “Ma Kali” in about three weeks. Kali puja occurs during Diwali. Diwali is not a big deal for Bengalis but Kali puja is.
So here’s wishing you all a Shubho Bijoya.
Atanu Dey : Life is a Random Draw 