Panchami of Durga Pujo Celebrated with Anandomela
Durga Puja starts from new moon day of Aswin (autumn) month in Hindu lunar calendar. The day is known as Mahalaya. Maa Durga is welcomed on this day on Earth to destroy the evil. From this day till the 10th day, pujo is technically on. But all grand festivities start on shoshti – the sixth day after new moon. The last five days are the most celebrated ones. Bengalees however aren’t usually satisfied to limit the enjoyment to those last five days.
Panchami of Durga Pujo
People start the celebrations from Panchami – that is the 5th day. Though religious ceremonies haven’t actually begun yet, since pandals are set up, people begin to gather. And now the trend is having anando mela– festival of food and enjoyment on Panchami of Durga Pujo.
I enjoy witnessing the anado mela celebrations at Ulsoor Durga Puja in Bangalore and participate just to have the various dishes. The uniqueness of this event is that members of the association conducting the pujo cook several varieties of food and put them on sale. Food variety extends from starters to main dish to dessert. This is mostly an ‘all woman’ affair. Menfolk were seen contributing logistics support and also relishing away to glory. Most noteworthy is that the young working crowd who are forced to spend pujo here far away from their homes enjoy this event the most. Such home cooked food is rare.
Anando Mela on Panchami of Durga Pujo
Often it is not for profit or for any serious business but for pure interaction, involvement and enjoyment. And that makes the participation even more fulfilling. At Ulsoor Bengali Association, Bangalore, every year they conduct Anandomela. They have cookery competitions where all dishes are judged.
Custard Apple Payesh in Anandomela
And while anandomela is on children of the association put up a variety entertainment program, each exhibiting their skill in poetry recitation, singing or dancing.
While exiting I saw idol of Goddess brought in a lorry to the pandal. Tomorrow the religious ceremonies will begin, Goddess Durga will be decorated with jewels and flowers. In scriptures she will be fighting with the demon, Mahishasur!
I’ve always wanted to be part of a traditional celebration of Durga puja….its so overwhelming..
I have always Ma durga bless and i love to enjoy this festival every year
Jai Mata di
Durga Pooja one of my best festival and i loved ma durga by my heart…..
What a great festival! I agree with you on the Custard Apple Payesh, looks quite delicious.
Ananadamela in the truest sense. 🙂 Mahastamir onek shubheccha roilo, Indrani… 🙂
Grand one, enjoyed reading.
How I wish I could be part of this grand festival 🙂
Nice post 🙂
Happy Durga Puja. Greetings.
Nice read. Awesome, tell-tale shots
Loved it!! The snaps and the info. Happy Durga Pooja to you Indrani 😀
The narration with the lively pictures clearly indicates the level of enjoyment achieved. Hearty thanks Indrani Ji for sharing this joyous experience with us all. Hearty Durga Pooja wishes to you and all our Bengali brethren and sisters.
I would love to be part of this happy happy festival some day 🙂