From the archive record
Bengali people performing Hindu religious ritual of worship, a part of puja, in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to deities and arti is sung in praise of the deity, when lamps are being offered. Durga Puja also referred to as Durgotsava or Sharadotsav is an annual Hindu festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami. The dates of Durga Puja celebrations are set according to the traditional Hindu calendar and the fortnight corresponding to the festival is called Devi Paksha, 'Fortnight of the Goddess'). Devi Paksha is preceded by Mahalaya, the last day of the previous fortnight Pitri Paksha, 'Fortnigh