Durga Balidan is an important ritual performed during Durga Puja, especially in West Bengal, Assam and Odisha. It is performed to please Durga, the goddess of power, and to gain her blessings. Traditionally, the sacrifice involved animal sacrifice, but nowadays it is replaced by symbolic sacrifices such as offering pumpkin, coconut or sweet potato.
This ritual is performed especially on Mahanavami or Ashtami day and is considered to symbolize the victory of Shakti and devotion of the devotee.
Significance
- Durga Balidan is considered an integral part of the worship of Shakti.
- It symbolizes the elimination of ego, evils and negativity.
- In Bengal, it is associated with the tradition of complete surrender to Shakti.
- Through the sacrifice, the devotee seeks courage, prosperity and strength from Goddess Durga.
Pooja Vidhi
- The sacrifice is performed in the morning or at the auspicious time of the puja.
- Traditionally goat or buffalo was sacrificed, now fruits or vegetables are used instead.
- After the sacrifice, bhog, flowers and incense are offered to the goddess.
- The process of sacrifice is completed with havan and chanting of mantras.
