Durga Pujo Maha Shashti Rituals And Food

Durga pujo maha shashti rituals and food where shashti is the sixth day of devi paksha and marks the formal beginning of Durga pujo in the eastern parts of the country. This is the day when we believes that Ma Durga has returned to her maternal homes with her children from her abode at Kailash. Hence Durga pujo is the time for celebration, and largely reflects this spirit of bonhomie and homecoming.

 

What Are The Significant Rituals Of Durga Pujo Maha Shashti?

The three significant rituals associated with Maha Shashti are

1.”Kalaparambho“ (the beginning of pujo),

2. Bodhan (the consecration of Ma Durga’s idol),

3. Amantran(inviting the Goddess) and Adhivas (sanctifying the stay of the Goddess in the puja area of homes) – are performed on Shasthi.

The ‘Bodhon’ rituals include the unveiling of the face of the idol.

During Bodhon, another important ritual is performed, called “Astra daan” or adorning Ma Durga with all the weapons given to her by the male deities to fight with Mahishasur, the demon. These include chakra (from Vishnu), vajra / thunderbolt (from Indra) conch,  bow, arrow, sword, trident / trishul (Shiva) shield, and a noose.

 

Durga Pujo Maha Shashti Fasting –

For mothers in Bengal, Durga Shashti has a special significance. As Goddess Durga is presumed to be the Mother of the Universe, so this day mothers keep fast for the well being of their children, to protect their progeny from evils. Every day the pujo rituals starts with fasting till pushpanjali (a very important aspect of Durga pujo) and ends with lavish feast platter.

What You Can Eat During Fasting On Durga Pujo Shasti ?

Durga shashti food menu generally comprises pure vegetarian food menu that includes all fried items. No baked, burned foods like roti are allowed. Dals, vegetables are cooked without onion, garlic and ginger. And sweets off course forms the eye cynosure of any festive platter. Rice is generally not eaten this day.  Rest of the clan can gorge on anything they fancy.

Here is my Durga Pujo  Maha shashti feast platter for mothers who keep fast and for everyone else too.

Recipe Links Given For The Picture Gallery Below.

1. Koraishutir Kochuri / Peas Kachori

2. Radhaballavi

3. Niramish Aloor Dum

4. Mochar Chop / Banana Blossom Fritters

5. Beetroot Chop

6. Bengali Chanar Dalna

7. Luchi Aloo Kumro Chorchori

8. Chanar Payesh

9. Coconut Malpua

10. Baked Malai Sandesh

11. Chirer Dudh Puli

12. Sabudana Payasam

 

To know more about Durga Pujo Rituals of each day here are the following links –

1. Durga Puja Rituals, Significance And Food Menu Series – MahaSaptami

2. .Durga Puja Rituals, Significance And Food Menu Series – MahaAshtami

3. .Durga Puja Rituals, Significance And Food Menu Series – MahaNavami

4. .Durga Puja Rituals, Significance And Food Menu Series – VijayDashami

 

Sharodiya Shubhechha,

Sukanya