This festival holds immense cultural and religious importance, celebrated with full greatness across India, especially in states like West Bengal and Bihar.

Durga Puja also known as Durgotsava, is one of the most famous Hindu festivals, especially for the Bengali community. This festival celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and is observed with huge devotion in many states of India. Let’s understand everything about Durga Puja 2024, including its date, timings, rituals, history, and significance.

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What is Durga Puja?

Durga puja is mainly celebrated in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha and Bihar. This is a time when communities come together to worship Goddess Durga. While this is a 10-day festival, the last 5 days Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami are most important. Along with Goddess Durga, other deities like Saraswati, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Kartikeya are worshipped during this time.

Durga Puja 2024: Date and Timings

Durga Puja 2024 will be from 9th October to 12th October. This festival is linked with Navratri, a 9-day celebration of many forms of goddess. Durga Puja 2024 officially starts from Shashthi and concludes with the immersion of the idol on Vijayadashami.

Durga Puja start date: 9th October, 2024

Durga Puja end date: 12th October, 2024

1st day (Maha Sashti): 9th October 2024

2nd day (Maha Saptami): 10th October 2024

3rd day (Maha Ashtami): 11th October 2024

4th day (Maha Navami): 12th October 2024

5th day (Vijaya Dashami): 12th October 2024

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Durga Puja: Rituals

Durga Puja is marked by many significant rituals, each adding a different flavor to the celebration. Let’s explore the important ones:

Mahalaya: Marks the start of Durga’s journey to Earth.

Shashthi: This is the day when Durga’s idol is unveiled to the public.

Saptami: The immersion of banana tree or “Kola Bou” in water, marks a part of Durga’s essence.

Ashtami: This is the most important day, in this day Sandhi puja is performed, marking Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.

Navami: People offer prayers and perform the Maha Aarti.

Dashami: This is a day for Durga Visarjan, when the idol is immersed in water, marking Durga’s return to her celestial abode.

How is Navratri connected with Durga Puja?

Navratri: Navratri means “9 days” and is a festival that honors the Hindu goddess Durga in her many forms, like Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. This festival celebrates the power of divine femininity and the victory of good over evil.

Durga puja: This festival is mainly focused on worshipping Goddess Durga. This is the major festival of easter India, especially in West Bengal. This festival marks goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura.

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Durga puja: History

The roots of Durga puja date back to ancient mythology. The festival celebrates goddess Durga’s battle with the demon Mahishasura. According to mythology, Mahishasura received a boon from Lord Brahma that made him safe. But goddess Durga, created with the combined power of God Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, took on the terrifying task of defeating him.

The battle lasted for 10 days, and on the last day, Durga triumphed, beheading Mahishasura. This victory is celebrated as Vijayadashami, representing the victory of good over evil.

Durga Puja 2024: Significance

Durga Puja holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. It is believed that in this time, goddess Durga returned to her parental home on earth with her children. This festival is not just a religious ritual but this is a time for family reunions, cultural celebrations, and community bonding. The sound of “Dhak”, the scent of incense, and vibrant decoration create a festive atmosphere that relates with every devotee.

Durga Puja: Traditions and celebration

Durga Puja 2024 will be a combination of traditional rituals and modern celebrations. From visiting pandals to enjoying cultural performances, the festival brings together people from all walks of life. Food plays an important role in the celebration, with dishes like khichuri, blog, and many sweets prepared and shared among family and friends.

On the last day, married women celebrate the traditional ritual of Sindoor Khela, where they put vermilion on each other, celebrating the goddess and womanhood.

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