Lucknow: On the auspicious occasion of Maha Ashtami, the Ramakrishna Math in Nirala Nagar, Lucknow, observed the fourth day of its six-day Durga Puja celebrations with elaborate rituals, devotional music, and cultural performances.
The day began at 4:40 a.m. with Mangalarati, followed by traditional shehnai recitals. Swami Muktinathananda Maharaj delivered an online discourse at 7:15 a.m. A grand ritual bathing of the deity with water collected from 50 sources was performed, followed by worship of Goddess Durga along with her family and their divine vehicles, in accordance with scriptures.
The highlight of the morning was Kanya Pujan, where a five-year-old girl, symbolizing the living form of the Goddess, was worshipped. The ritual emphasized respect for women in all spheres of life. Large numbers of devotees also joined in the Pushpanjali both in person and online via the Math’s YouTube channel.
In the evening, Sandhi Puja was performed during the most sacred muhurta, signifying the triumph of divine over demonic tendencies. The cultural program featured a mesmerizing sarod recital by Kolkata’s Dwiptaneel Bhattacharjee, accompanied on tabla by Lucknow’s renowned percussionist Sumit Kumar Mallik, enthralling the audience.
The day concluded with bhog prasad distribution to devotees, reinforcing the spirit of devotion and community.
