Bath, October 15, 2024 — Shree Jagannatha Temple in the city of Bath, in collaboration with the Bath Hindu Community, celebrated Durga Puja 2024 with grandeur, bringing devotees and families together for a series of traditional and spiritually enriching events. The festivities, which began on October 3rd and continued through October 12th, featured vibrant rituals, traditional dances, and the iconic Dussehra celebration.
About Navratri and Dussehra:
Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. Dussehra, celebrated on the tenth day, honours the triumph of good over evil, as symbolized by Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
Navratri Celebrations: Dance and Devotion
The Navratri celebrations, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, began with the Navratri Puja on October 3rd at 6:00 p.m. This auspicious occasion set the tone for the following days, as devotees engaged in Garbha and Dandiya Raas, traditional folk dances accompanied by live music. The dances were held on Thursday, October 10th, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, October 12th, at 4:30 p.m., attracting participants of all ages in colourful ethnic attire, as the community came together in joyous harmony.
Durga Puja: Power and Victory
The Durga Puja rituals were the highlight of the celebration, with Maha Ashtami and Kanya Pujan on October 10th at 6:00 p.m., where devotees offered their prayers to the Goddess in her powerful form, seeking blessings for strength and prosperity. The Maha Navami Puja, held on October 11th, continued the spiritual journey, followed by the grand finale of the festival—Dussehra, celebrated on October 12th.
Dussehra: The Triumph of Good Over Evil
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The Dussehra celebration began at 2:00 p.m. with special prayers, and the much-anticipated Ravan Dahan took place at 6:30 p.m., marking the burning of effigies representing evil forces. Devotees, dressed in shades of red and maroon, gathered to witness the symbolic event, filling the air with chants of “Jai Shree Ram” as they celebrated this ancient tradition.
A Community Effort: 20 Years of Dedication
The Shree Jagannatha Temple in Bath is the first temple in the UK dedicated to Lord Shree Jagannatha, and it stands as a testament to the community’s dedication and faith. The temple’s establishment took over 20 years of effort, perseverance, and devotion. The organizers invited everyone to support the temple by enrolling as life members, ensuring the continued growth and sustenance of this sacred space.
The festival brought together hundreds of families from Bath and neighbouring areas, strengthening cultural and religious bonds. As the festival concluded, the community was left with a sense of fulfilment, having paid homage to the divine feminine energy and celebrated the victory of good over evil.
