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In 2020, the goddess Durga arrives by palanquin and departs by boat; what does it signify?

The traditional dhak (percussion instrument) have begun their beats and the installations across the country are nearing completion. In the midst of so many questions being raised about the need to hold these festivities heralding the 10-armed-goddess in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, scriptures indicate that a catastrophe was to befall this year.

How do we know this?

The mode or vahaana that Goddess Durga uses for her arrival and departure often is indicative of how the year, or the one next, will unfold. For example, if the Goddess arrives to the mortal realm on an elephant (gaja), it means that there will be a period of peace and prosperity to follow.

However, if she chooses the horse as her steed, it means a period of dispersal and destruction will soon wreak havoc.

This year Mahisasurmardini arrives on a palanquin and departs on a boat.

As per the scriptures, her arrival on the palanquin indicates plague.

The boat indicates flood, but leaves fertility and a high yield of crops at its wake as well.

So it is being believed that even if the arrival of the Goddess means a plague will haunt Earth, she will continue to provide food security to her devotees.

In 2019, as per the scriptures, Goddess Durga had arrived and departed on the horse. According to scholars, the arrival and departure on the same vahana is an ill omen. The corona pandemic reared its ugly head just a few months after the pujo celebrations last year.