The eighth day of Navratri, Durga Ashtami is celebrated with fervour across the country.
By: Bhuvan Gupta
Believed to be the day when Goddess Kali annihilated Mahishasura’s demon associates, Chanda, Munda, and Rakthabija, Durga Ashtami is one of the most fervently celebrated festivals in India. Eight consorts of Goddess Shakti, namely Brahmani, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasinghi, Indrani and Chamunda are worshipped.
People are expressing their joy in different ways, engaging in a variety of activities.
In a unique act of empowerment, India table tennis player Mouma Das gifted sports equipment to the Kumari (little goddess) at a Pujo event in Baghbazar, Kolkata.
This #DurgaAshtami , Table Tennis player @MoumaDasTT will be participating in a unique act of women empowerment at Baghbazar.
She gifted sports equipments to the Kumari at the event as a symbol of empowerment. pic.twitter.com/IVoLvQVg5Z
— The Bridge (@TheBridge_IN) October 17, 2018
A Gujarati architect showcased the beautiful intersection of patriotism and culture, with a video of 40 thousand people signing the national anthem unison at Vadodara, before doing Garba.
When more than 40 thousand people sang national anthem before doing Garba for #Navratri in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Who says religion and patriotism are two different things in India!#WednesdayWisdom #DurgaAshtami pic.twitter.com/ZHODFOuKfF
— Geetika Swami (@SwamiGeetika) October 17, 2018
Noted journalist Barkha Dutt presented a counter-view, questioning the state of women’s agency in 2018 in the backdrop of the violence at Sabarimala.
Somewhat ironic that on #DurgaAshtami women are getting beaten up for the equal right to pray in #Sabarimala – and that what the status quoists seek to defend is that our menstrual cycle is dirty. Absolutely shameful.
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) October 17, 2018
The traditional poori-chana and halwa ruled the roost in households, as is the norm on every Durga Ashtami. People invited girls (called ‘kanjaks’) to their homes, welcomed them by washing their feet, and served up the festive treats to them.
Poori-chana and halwa, the three best things about Durga Ashtami puja (Courtesy: Twitter/@RURALINDIA)
Puja pandals bore a resplendent look, with the number of devotees thronging them, increasing every day. The number is set to increase further tonight and hit a crescendo on Vijay Dashmi; the day when good trumps evil.