Durga Puja : A celebration of women’s empowerment and the triumph of good over evil
From ancient times to the present, Hinduism has been known to have the strongest presence of the divine feminine among the main world faiths. Even respect for the feminine is mentioned in ancient scriptures. In the Rigvedic hymn Devi Sukta, the feminine energy is identified as the universe’s essence, the source of all matter and consciousness, the eternal and unbounded reality (Brahmanda), the metaphysical and empirical reality, and the soul (supreme self) of everything. In several Hindu Upanishads, Sashtras, and Puranas, especially the Devi Upanishad, Devi Bhagavata Purana, etc., the woman is regarded as the most potent and empowering force.
Devi Durga: The strongest and unconquerable
Durga Puja, one of India’s most fortunate festival, honors the victory of good over evil. It is intended to honor Mother Goddess Maa Durga, the “goddess of power.” With her ten hands clutching various weapons and representing diverse human “shakti” or powers, Durga is represented as being strong. Her three eyes and ride on the lion further demonstrate her might. When a woman is at her most powerful to battle evil, she is frequently said to have assumed the form of Durga. The term “Durga” refers to a person who is unconquerable and has the strength to combat all of the anguish and misery experienced by the human race.
Women empowerment in modern world
Women in India are strong, sensitive, ethical, and brave, just like MaaDurga. The history of women in India has been turbulent, and over many years, there has been a significant shift in public view. Today’s India boasts successful women in fields like education, sports, politics, media, the arts and sciences, the service industry, business, and social work, among other things. Thousands of girls have been inspired by women like Indira Gandhi, Bachendri Pal, Shobhna Narayan, Kiran Bedi, Mary Kon, Hima Das and countless other women to walk on the path less taken and leave a trail for millions to follow.
Higher crime rates against women is a shame
India is still fighting the social demons of crimes against women like rape, sex-selective abortion, infanticide, dowry, domestic abuse, and child marriage today in a nation where Maa Durga is adored and women are the foundation of society. While we respect our goddesses, we frequently neglect to honor the spirit of those beings in our women and girls. The saying “A country with the highest crime rates against women will worship a woman for the nine days” is a common one on social media and only we are responsible of making such a statement.
On one side, we worship Devi and other side, men treat women in not a healthy manner and often lead to crime against women. Such a higher crime rates against women in a country like Bharat where Women are worshiped as Goddess, can not be taken a granted and amke us ashamed of.
Pledge must every individual take on Dusshera
So, with Dussehra around, lets take a pledge that with Ravan, Meghnad & Kumbhakarna , we will also burn evil in our heart and mind. Its not just celebrating a festival, but to learn the importance of it and practicing in real life. Only then, we can say that we truly celebrated and respected our beloved Maa Durga. Remember, its true that every women hold the power of Devi Durga inside her, but its duty of men to give proper respect and care to women, just like they do towards the Goddess Durga.
