Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, especially for the Bengali community. It is a time of immense joy, devotion, and cultural richness, with its roots in mythology and tradition. Celebrated with great enthusiasm in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Tripura, this festival signifies the triumph of good over evil, honoring Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura.
In 2024, Durga Puja will be celebrated over a span of 10 days, beginning from October 3rd (Pratipada) and culminating on October 12th (Dashami). The main festivities, starting with Shashthi on October 9th and concluding with Durga Visarjan on October 12th, will once again unite families, communities, and friends in a celebration of devotion, tradition, and cultural heritage. However, Durga Puja is much more than just a festival; it symbolizes a profound connection to spirituality, a rich cultural identity, and an enduring belief in the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It is a time to embrace both personal and communal reflection, while honoring Goddess Durga’s powerful presence and divine victory.
When is Durga Puja 2024?
Durga Puja in 2024 will be celebrated over 10 days, starting from October 3rd to October 12th, aligning with the Navratri festival. The key days of the festival, such as Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami, fall between October 9th and October 12th, with the final day marked by the immersion of Goddess Durga’s idol in water (Durga Visarjan). This period corresponds to the most significant days of the lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Ashvin. The festival begins with Ghatasthapana on October 3rd, which marks the installation of the sacred pot to invoke the goddess. Throughout these days, devotees across India and the world celebrate Goddess Durga’s homecoming, honoring her with devotion, love, and elaborate rituals.
Below are the key dates of Durga Puja 2024:
| Day | Date | Tithi | Rituals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | October 3, 2024 (Thursday) | Pratipada | Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja. Ghatasthapana Muhurat is from 05:28 AM to 06:31 AM. |
| 2nd | October 4, 2024 (Friday) | Dwitiya | Chandra Darshana, Brahmacharini Puja. |
| 3rd | October 5, 2024 (Saturday) | Dwitiya | Dwitiya. |
| 4th | October 6, 2024 (Sunday) | Tritiya | Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja, Vinayaka Chaturthi. |
| 5th | October 7, 2024 (Monday) | Chaturthi | Kushmanda Puja, Upang Lalita Vrat. |
| 6th | October 8, 2024 (Tuesday) | Panchami | Saraswati Avahan. |
| 7th | October 9, 2024 (Wednesday) | Shasthi | Saraswati Avahan, Katyayani Puja. Mula Nakshatra Avahan Muhurat is from 10:25 AM to 04:42 PM. |
| 8th | October 10, 2024 (Thursday) | Saptami | Saraswati Puja, Kalaratri Puja. |
| 9th | October 11, 2024 (Friday) | Ashtami | Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja, Maha Navami. |
| 10th | October 12, 2024 (Saturday) | Navami, Dashami | Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan, Vijayadashami. |
Also Read दशहरा 2024 की शुभकामनाएं, संदेश, और कोट्स: अपने प्रियजनों के साथ साझा करें!
Key Highlights and Rituals of Durga Puja 2024
Day 1: Pratipada – October 3, 2024 (Thursday)
Rituals: Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja
The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, marking the installation of a sacred pot symbolizing the start of Navratri. This ritual is performed early in the morning during an auspicious time called Ghatasthapana Muhurat, which is from 05:28 AM to 06:31 AM. The first day is dedicated to Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga, representing purity and strength.
Day 2: Dwitiya – October 4, 2024 (Friday)
Rituals: Chandra Darshana, Brahmacharini Puja
On the second day, devotees worship Brahmacharini, the second form of Durga, known for her austerity and devotion. Chandra Darshana or the sighting of the moon is also observed, which holds significant importance in Hindu tradition.
Day 3: Dwitiya – October 5, 2024 (Saturday)
Rituals: Dwitiya
This day is an extension of the previous day, allowing more time for prayers and rituals dedicated to Brahmacharini. Devotees focus on their spiritual connection, meditating and offering prayers.
Day 4: Tritiya – October 6, 2024 (Sunday)
Rituals: Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja, Vinayaka Chaturthi
On this day, the worship of Chandraghanta, the third form of Durga, takes place. She is known for her bravery and protection against evil forces. Sindoor Tritiya is celebrated in many parts of the country as a symbol of marital bliss. In addition, Vinayaka Chaturthi is observed to worship Lord Ganesha for removing obstacles and seeking prosperity.
Day 5: Chaturthi – October 7, 2024 (Monday)
Rituals: Kushmanda Puja, Upang Lalita Vrat
The fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Kushmanda, the goddess believed to have created the universe with her divine smile. Upang Lalita Vrat is observed on this day, which involves fasting and performing prayers for the well-being of family members.
Day 6: Panchami – October 8, 2024 (Tuesday)
Rituals: Saraswati Avahan
Saraswati Avahan, the invocation of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, and learning, begins on this day. Devotees pray for enlightenment and success in academics and arts.
Day 7: Shashthi – October 9, 2024 (Wednesday)
Rituals: Saraswati Avahan, Katyayani Puja
On Shashthi, the formal Durga Puja rituals start with the invocation of the goddess through Katyayani Puja, symbolizing power and courage. The goddess is welcomed to Earth with grand fanfare, and this day marks the unveiling of her idol in the pandals. The Mula Nakshatra Avahan Muhurat is between 10:25 AM to 04:42 PM, a highly auspicious time for prayers.
Day 8: Saptami – October 10, 2024 (Thursday)
Rituals: Saraswati Puja, Kalaratri Puja
On Saptami, the most significant ritual involves invoking life into the Durga idol through the Pran Pratisthan ceremony. The Kola Bou (banana tree bride) ritual is performed, symbolizing Goddess Durga’s arrival. Kalaratri Puja is also performed on this day, where devotees pray to Goddess Durga’s fiercest form, who offers protection from evil spirits.
Day 9: Ashtami – October 11, 2024 (Friday)
Rituals: Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja, Maha Navami
The eighth day, or Maha Ashtami, is the most auspicious day of Durga Puja. Devotees perform Kumari Puja, where young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the goddess. Mahagauri Puja is performed to worship Durga’s form that embodies serenity and beauty. The Sandhi Puja, marking the moment of Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, is also a key event, often performed with great devotion.
Day 10: Navami & Dashami – October 12, 2024 (Saturday)
Rituals: Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan, Vijayadashami
On Navami, the final rituals of Durga Puja are performed. The Maha Aarti symbolizes the conclusion of the prayers. Ayudha Puja is observed by worshiping tools and weapons, honoring Durga’s power. The day transitions into Dashami, when the idols of Durga are immersed in water, marking the goddess’s return to her celestial abode. Sindoor Khela is a joyous tradition where married women apply vermillion on each other, symbolizing the celebration of womanhood. The day ends with the exchange of Bijoya Dashami greetings, signifying the conclusion of the festival.
The Significance of Durga Puja
Durga Puja is not just a festival; it is a representation of the eternal struggle between good and evil. The origins of Durga Puja can be traced back to the mythology of Mahishasura, a demon who received a boon that no man or god could defeat him. To protect the universe, the gods created Goddess Durga, embodying the combined powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. After a fierce 10-day battle, Durga defeated Mahishasura, restoring peace and balance in the world.
The festival celebrates this victory, but it also symbolizes the goddess’s maternal homecoming, as she visits Earth with her children, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Durga Puja is a time to not only honor the divine feminine power but also reconnect with family, tradition, and the community.
Durga Puja in Modern Times
Today, Durga Puja has evolved into a grand cultural event that extends far beyond its religious origins. Elaborate pandals (temporary structures) are built in various artistic themes, ranging from traditional depictions of the goddess to contemporary designs that reflect modern issues. The streets come alive with lights, music, and the aroma of street food as people from all walks of life join in the celebrations.
With the advent of technology, many Durga Puja events are now live-streamed, allowing people from across the globe to participate virtually. This accessibility has made Durga Puja a global event, celebrated not only in India but by the Bengali diaspora worldwide.
Conclusion
Durga Puja 2024, spanning over 10 days, is not just a religious observance but a cultural phenomenon that connects people through spirituality, tradition, and celebration. Each day carries its own significance, and through prayers, rituals, and community gatherings, devotees come together to honor the divine feminine power of Goddess Durga. Whether through the beating of the dhak drums, the smell of incense, or the vibrant colors of the pandals, Durga Puja creates an atmosphere that merges joy, devotion, and unity.
By following this 10-day journey of rituals and festivities, devotees can immerse themselves fully in the spiritual energy of Durga Puja, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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