Experience of Durga Puja Celebration in Margao, Goa

Durga Puja, also known as Navratra, Vijayadashami, or Dasara, is one of India’s most celebrated religious festivals, symbolizing the victory of good over evil — Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. This age-old festival has something for everyone — from children enjoying the vibrant melas, lights, and food, to spiritual seekers who observe deep penance, fasting, and introspection over the nine sacred days.

Across India, the celebration takes many forms. In West Bengal, Durga Puja is the heart of cultural life — every lane and locality sets up beautifully themed pandals and idols of Goddess Durga. In Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other northern states, too, the festival holds immense significance. In the south, Mysore Dasara and the Kullu Dasara of Himachal Pradesh are equally grand, drawing devotees and visitors from far and wide.

This year, I had the opportunity to spend the first few days of Navratra in Goa, and it was a beautiful experience to see how the local communities celebrate the festival in their unique way. Every Devi temple was illuminated with lights and devotion. One particularly fascinating ritual I witnessed was the Makrotsav — a special evening ceremony where the idol of the Goddess is placed on a jhula (swing) and gently moved in all directions while devotees chant and pray. The rhythmic sound of ghantas (bells) and the atmosphere of deep reverence made it a truly divine experience.

In Margao, I was delighted to witness how people from Bihar, Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, now settled in Goa, have kept their traditions alive through the Sarvajanik Durga Puja Samiti, which has been organizing Durga Puja here for over three decades. What touched me most was the spirit of togetherness — the way North Indian devotees and local Goans have come together to celebrate this festival with full devotion, cultural richness, and inclusivity. It is indeed a true Sarvajanik Puja — a community celebration where everyone participates with open hearts.

The nine days of festivities in Margao were filled with cultural performances, spiritual programs, and collective worship, all carried out with deep sincerity and joy. The dedication and commitment of the Sarvajanik Durga Puja Samiti, Margao, and its members deserve heartfelt appreciation. Their tireless efforts have turned this Puja into a grand confluence of cultures — blending the traditions of the East and the West Coast of India beautifully.

I am truly grateful to have been a part of this divine and vibrant celebration this year. My heartfelt thanks to all members, patrons, and supporters of the Sarvajanik Durga Puja Samiti, Margao, for organizing such a soulful and meaningful event with devotion, unity, and cultural depth.

Durga Maa bless  all of us!