Online Debate Over Durga Puja Origin Sparks Historical Scrutiny

A viral claim attributing the origin of Durga Puja to Mithila, Bihar, rather than Bengal has ignited intense online debate. While some argue for Mithila's ancient Shakti traditions, others point to medieval Bengali records and 16th-century large-scale celebrations in Bangladesh as evidence of the festival's roots.

Historical records confirm Bihar was part of the Bengal Presidency until its administrative separation in 1912, though this political boundary does not define the cultural origins of religious rituals. Experts emphasize that the festival's evolution from ancient worship to grand public celebration involves complex, interconnected regional histories that predate modern state identities.

Editor's note: The brief provides a balanced summary of the ongoing debate regarding the origins of Durga Puja, accurately reflecting the complexity presented in the source.