Democratic historical festival of India

The Durga Puja festival took a nationalistic turn in the late 1800s, when the people of Bengal began to feel proud of their country. The book "Ananda Matha" popularized the phrase "I bow to my motherland," highlighting Goddess Durga as a symbol of our country. In 1905, alarmed by Lord Curzon's decision to partition Bengal, Indians launched the Swadeshi movement, advocating things of their own making. The Durga Puja festival then becomes a united initiative, which brings everyone together. In the 1920s, the common people started celebrating Durga Puja together instead of the rich people, for the first time in 1926 at Maniktala in Kolkata. These pujas were held in different neighbourhoods, where everyone was invited to participate and temples were set up by erecting pandals.
Durga Puja has come a long way from being a religious event. It reflects the spirit of resistance and nationalism, which illuminated the path to India's independence. The festival has been transformed into a platform of national unity and pride, marking an important turning point in Indian history, providing a means for people to come together in their common aspirations. As we celebrate Durga Puja today, remembering its roots in the nationalist movement enriches our understanding of this vibrant festival. The echoes of "Bande Mataram" still reverberate in our minds, reminding us that the spirit of resistance and unity continues in the hearts of people and Goddess Durga remains a symbol of empowerment of the nation in all her glory.@TND