Jaware and Durga Puja

Durga Puja is a sacred Hindu tradition dedicated to Goddess Durga and, in some regions, Goddess Kali. Celebrated in different parts of India for centuries, it is traditionally observed twice a year—during Chaitra and Sharad, according to the Hindu calendar.

: BANGLES OF WOMAN

: BARLEY IN ROOM

: BHAJANEE ON ROAD

: HOLY SIGNS

: HOLY WATER

: HOLY WORSHIP OUTSIDE HOUSE

: INCARRNATION OF DEVOTEE

: JAWARE PLACED OUTSIDE HOUSE

: JAWARE PROCESSION 2

: JAWARE WITH DEVI’S FLAG

: JAWARE

: JYOTI OF GODESS DURGAJI 2

: JYOTI OF GODESS DURGAJI

: PIERCING SANGEEN IN DEVOTEE’S MOUTH

: PLACE FOR WORSHIP OUTSIDE HOUSE 1

: PLACE FOR WORSHIP OUTSIDE HOUSE

: PLACE OF WORSHIP

: PROCEEDING FOR POOJA

: PUJA RITUAL ON ROAD 1

: PUJA RITUAL ON ROAD

: RITUALS BEFORE PROCESSION 1

: RITUALS BEFORE PROCESSION

: WOMAN IN TEMPLE PREMISES 1

: WOMAN IN TEMPLE PREMISES

: WOMEN WITH JAWARE ON HEAD

: YOUNG WORSHIPER

A significant ritual involves growing Jaware, tender barley shoots cultivated in soil mixed with cow-dung cakes. The sprouts symbolise fertility, growth and the power of creation.

The nine-day worship is marked by strict discipline and devotion. During this period, the priest sleeps on the floor, remains barefoot and observes a fast, consuming mainly fruits. He avoids soap and cosmetics and follows a rigorous purification routine, bathing four times a day—at 6 a.m., noon, 6 p.m. and midnight—before performing the rituals.