Toronto Durgabari

Bijaya Dashami
2023-10-24
Dashami is the last day of Durga Puja when a tearful farewell is offered to the deity. In Bangladesh, Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Aparajita on the day. It is followed by Maha Arati which marks the end of the important rituals and prayers during Durga Puja.
After a shital bhog of Panta Vat, Kochur Shak, and Hilsha fish fry, the purohit performs the Bisarjan Puja. In this ritual, the Devi, who had been invoked in the Navapatrika and divinized idol, is entreated to return to her celestial abode. This is followed by Prasasthi Vandana. In Darpan, a mirror is placed in front of the deity and devotees look into the mirror to see the deity’s feet. The mirror is symbolic in the sense that whenever there is a ritual bathing of Goddess Durga, it is the reflection on the mirror that is bathed and not the original Deity.
Devi Boron is the final sending-off of Uma by the married womenfolk of the locality. The ladies perform Aarti of Goddess Durga and smear Her with vermillion(sindoor) and offer sweets(mishti), and beetle-leaf(paan). Then all the married women paint each other with vermillion(sindoor) and share sweets.
After Boron, the Devi is brought out of the house and readied for departure to the Ganga for immersion. This process is called Visarjan, wherein a grand send-off is arranged by the devotees. Before the immersion of the idol, the last aarti for this year is performed on the bank of the river. She is immersed with great care by some persons who take her into the water. A unique ritual on the day is the Vijaya ceremony. People embrace each other and forgive and forget past offenses and promise a new beginning and the juniors touch the feet of the seniors seeking for blessing.
Puja at Toronto Durgabari: 10/10.15 am
Shidur khela : 12 pm
Special Cultural Program: 8 pm

Maha Nabami
2023-10-23
Maha Navami is observed on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of Ashwin month. The day begins after the end of the Sandhi puja. Mahanavami is also the penultimate day of Durga Puja. Maha Navami rituals are the final rituals associated with Durga Puja. ‘Maha Arti’ is considered a formal end of religious customs. Merriment, music, and dance fill the rest of the day. On Maha Navami, a major bhog is held and Prasad is offered to Goddess Durga. This bhog prasad is shared by devotees.
As the Navami night passes Uma will have to leave her father’s house for her husband’s place. The next day is Durga Murti Visarjan or immersion.
Puja at Toronto Durgabari: 10/10.15 am
Anjali: 12 pm – 3 pm
Prasad/food: 1.30 pm
Evening Puja/Aroti – 7/7.15 pm
Cultural Program: 8 pm

Maha Ashtami
2023-10-22
Durga Ashtami Puja is observed in many parts of India mainly in Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand, and other eastern parts of India. The day is considered significant as life is “breathed” into the idol of Durga by priests who perform elaborate rituals amidst chanting of religious verses.
The devotees of Goddess Durga start the celebrations on the morning of Maha Ashtami with Pushpanjali. Devotees perform ritualistic bathing and fasting before offering Pushpanjali. Fresh flowers are held in hand and the mantra is recited after the priest. After reciting the Sanskrit couplets everyone showers flowers at the Goddess’s feet.
The worship of little girls, called ‘kumari puja, is the main attraction of the day. Kumari Puja is the puja where a young girl, between ages of 12-13 is worshipped, as the young girl representation of Devi Durga.
Yoginis (the companions of Devi Durga) are worshiped on this day. The nine manifestations of the Goddess- Durga, Jayanti, Mangola Kali, Bhadra Kali, Kapalini, Kshama Dhatri, Siva, Svaha, and Svadha are worshiped.
Puja at Toronto Durgabari: 10/10.15 am
Anjali: 12 pm – 3 pm
Prasad/food: 1.30 pm
Evening Puja/Aroti – 7/7.15 pm
Cultural Program: 8 pm

Maha Saptami
2023-10-21
On this day Goddess Durga is invoked in a group of nine plants bunched together called Navapatrika. this is performed only on the early hours of Saptami. The nine different plants which comprise the Nabapatrika actually represent the nine different forms of Goddess Durga. In the early hours of Saptami, the nine leaves from the nine trees are tied to the twigs of the white Aparajita plant with yellow threads. It is then bathed in the Ganga, accompanied by the chanting of mantras.
Then the Pranpratisha ritual is performed to divinize the clay idol of Uma. The aim of this ritual to awaken the spirit of Durga as a worrier Goddess. From the day of Saptami, Mahisasurmardini Durga starts her battle against the manifestation of all evils in the shape of Mahisasura to save the Srishti- the whole world.
Puja at Toronto Durgabari: 10/10.15 am
Anjali: 12 pm – 3 pm
Prasad/food: 1.30 pm
Evening Puja/Aroti – 7/7.15 pm
Cultural Program: 8 pm

Maha Shoshti
2023-10-20
In Treta Yug, before the beginning of his onslaught on Lanka, Rama performed Durga Puja in Autumn. This is the time of Dakhshinayana- Sun’s Southward journeys and according to Puranas God sleeps during this time. So Rama had to first wake up the Goddess Durga. On this day he began his premature awakening or Akal Bodhan of Maa Durga.
Sasthi is the sixth day of Devi Paksha and marked the formal beginning of Durga Puja in Bengal. In Bangladesh, there are four rituals- Kalparamvo (the beginning of the Pujas), Bodhan (the consecration of Ma Durga’s idol), Amantran (inviting the Goddess), and Adhivas (sanctifying the stay of the Goddess in the puja area of the pandals) – are performed on Sasthi. The ‘Bodhon’ rituals include the unveiling of the face of the idol. Bodhon, Amontron and Adibas are the important rituals of Sasthi apart from Kalparambho.
But Bengalis believe that on the day of Sasthi Uma(Goddess Durga), who is identified with Parvati the divine consort of Shiva comes to the home of her father from her husband’s place with her four Children- Ganesha, Kartika, Laxmi, and Saraswati. This is why all the ladies participate in the setting up of the Durga Ghat before the idol on Sasthi. They are formally welcoming Uma as a daughter on her arrival for three day trip to his father’s house.
Puja at Durgabari : 7pm
Anjali : 8 pm

SHAROD MELA
2023-10-14 10:00 - 22:00 UTC | Toronto Durgabari, 427 Birchmount road, Scarborough, Ontario, M1K 1N3,, Canada
**SHAROD MELA** is coming to Toronto Durgabari for the very first time, and you won't want to miss it!
**Sharod Mela** is a vibrant showcase of our rich cultural heritage, bringing together the finest traditional clothing and craft vendors under one roof.
Explore the finest traditional clothing, perfect for the upcoming festive season.

**Date:** October 14, 2023
**Time:** 10 AM – 10 PM

**Contact for Booking Stall & Sponsorship:
**Protima Sarker**
416-838-4058
**Nipa Roy**
** 647-770-9383

Shyama (Kali) Puja 2021
2021-11-03 19:00 - 23:00 | Toronto Durgabari, 427 Birchmount road, Scarborough, Ontario, M1K 1N3,, Canada
Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Puja or Mahanisha Puja is a festival dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, celebrated on the new moon day (Dipannita Amavasya) of the Hindu month Kartik. It is also known as Dipanwita Kali Puja, Shyama Puja, or Mahanisha Puja. The puja is celebrated in Bangladesh, West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, and other parts of India and Nepal. Dewali & Deepabolee Utsob also normally coincide with this day. It was introduced in Bengal during the 18th century, by King (Raja) Krishnachandra of Krishnanagar, Nadia, West Bengal. Kali Puja gained popularity in the 19th century, with Krishanachandra’s grandson Ishvarchandra and the Bengali elite; wealthy landowners began patronizing the festival on a grand scale. Along with Durga Puja, Kali Puja is the biggest festival in Bengal and Assam.
According to one version of the legend, after the gods lost a battle with the demons, Goddess Kali was born from the forehead of Goddess Durga. Kali is said to be the personification of Shakti (female power), which she wielded to kill all the demons and save the earth. The puja rituals of Kali Puja take place at night. Devotees perform the puja using red hibiscus flowers as it is said to be her favorite.
Kali Puja is celebrated to seek the help of the goddess in destroying evil and get her blessings for general happiness, health, wealth, and peace.
Date (Bangla):
17 Kartik (O3 NOVEMBER, Wednesday, 2021)
Aarati : 7 PM
Cultural Events : 7.30PM
Puja Start: 9 pm
Anjali : 10 pm
Prashad: 10.30 pm

Kojagori Laxmi Puja 2020
2020-10-30 19:00 - 21:00
The Kojagori Lakshmi Puja is another Bengali festival that is celebrated in every household. Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth is worshipped just after Durga Puja. Lakshmi is one of the daughters of Durga who symbolizes wealth, peace, and prosperity. On a full moon night, people worship her at their homes and pray for her blessings. All the rites performed during the Lakshmi Puja are followed with the utmost care and the time schedule is also maintained well by the devoted. People, especially women observe the day-long fast and prayers to Goddess Laxmi. Alpana or patterns are drawn on the floor before the goddess with a paste made with rice flour and water is an absolute must. Delicious Bengali Recipes on Lakshmi Puja night are cooked and are then given to Goddess Laxmi as an offering. It is considered that Goddess Lakshmi visits the homes of the devotees and replenishes them with wealth.
Due to the COVID-19 health hazard issue, We are not allowing visitors to Temple premises for Kali Puja. All devotees can watch the event as live through the Facebook page: Toronto Durgabari
