Durga is an ancient deity of Hinduism, according to archeological and textual evidence. However, the origins of Durga Puja are unclear and undocumented. Surviving manuscripts from the 14th century provide guidelines for Durga Puja, while historical records suggest royalty and wealthy families were sponsoring major Durga Puja public festivities since at least the 16th century.The 11th or 12th century Jainism text Yasatilaka by Somadeva mentions a festival and annual dates dedicated to a warrior goddess, celebrated by the king and his armed forces, and the description mirrors attributes of a Durga Puja. In 1757 Raja Nabakrishna Deb of Sovabazar celebrated Durga Puja as a public festival, to celebrate the East India Company’s victory over Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah at Plassey — since then it has been celebrated as a public festival. Lord Clive was guest of honor at that Durga Puja, bringing Rs 101, baskets of fruits and a goat for sacrifice. At that time it was a ...
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