For all the posts in this Holidays & Observances series, go here.
Prologue: I have been meaning to write a series about Holidays and Observances that we (my family and friends) follow in both India (my birth country) and USA (my adopted country). This series is dedicated to those. On a side note, perhaps I might witness some of the celebrations from other countries as well that may get their way into this series. š
The eighth day of the Navratri festival of Dusshera was on Oct 22nd this year (2023). The most auspicious days of the festival celebrated in honor of Mother Goddess Durga. Followers observe fast all day, and perform Astra Pooja (= Worshipping Weapons). We no longer worship weapons but we do worship out modes of transportation or farm implements and other kinds of equipment used for one’s livelihood.
We went to a Durga Pooja organized by Bengali Association (= People hailing from the state of West Bengal in India). The key aspect of the pooja by Bengalis is Sindoor Khela (= Game of Vermillion) where married ladies apply sindoor on forehead and feet of Goddess Durga, and also apply on each other’s faces. We missed the ceremony though.
Galavant Reflections 