For the first time since it opened its doors 96 years ago, Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, is worshipping an idol of Goddess Durga. And in another first, it has decided to observe the rituals from Sashthi till Dashami.
Till last year, only a special puja was offered to Mother Durga on Mahashtami before a colour picture of the goddess.
Swami Sarvalokananda, secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, said
the headquarters of the order at Belur Math had approved his request of worshipping a Durga idol, instead of a picture, and on all five days.
“Time was short (the request was approved less than two months ago) for organising Durga Puja (in the new format) in a befitting manner. However, thanks to the persistent efforts of the devotees, friends and volunteers, we have been able to celebrate this mega event on a large scale,” said Swami Sarvalokananda.
The idol of Mother Durga has been prepared by Biswajit Pal from Krishnagar in Nadia
district. Six dhakis (drummers) went from Bolpur.
The swami said the specialty of Durga Puja at Ramakrishna Mission is its strict adherence to the shastras (scriptures).
“Durga Puja is an event which is said to be the ‘Ashwamedh Yajna’ of Kali Yuga. Hence, it requires tremendous effort, paraphernalia and resources,” he said.
“Two important events during Durga Puja are Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja. During Kumari Puja, held on Mahashtami Day, a girl aged 7-8 years is worshipped as an embodiment of Mother Durga. During Sandhi Puja, which marks the transition from Mahashtami to Mahanavami, Devi Chamunda is worshipped. This year Sandhi Puja will be held at 7.30pm on Sunday,” the monk said.
A huge pandal has been set up on the premises of Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi. The deity has been installed on a marble platform in the pandal.
More than 15,000 devotees are expected to participate in the puja and all of them will be served lunch (prasad) on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami.
Durga Puja in the Ramakrishna order was started by Swami Vivekananda in 1901. The invocation is done in the name of Sri Sarada Devi, said an official of Ramakrishna Mission.
The tradition is followed by all 30 centres of the mission in India where Durga Puja is celebrated, he said.