Durga Puja 2024: Time to Indulge in Worship and Ultimate Feast

Durga Puja 2024, celebrated from October 3 to October 12, is a grand Hindu festival honoring Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. The festivities begin with Mahalaya, marking Durga's descent to Earth. Key days include Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijayadashami. Rituals involve elaborate prayers, cultural performances, and sumptuous feasts. Idols of Durga are beautifully crafted and displayed in intricately decorated pandals. The festival fosters community bonding and cultural expression, culminating in the immersion of Durga's idols in water on Vijayadashami, symbolizing her return to her celestial abode.

When is Durga Puja in 2024?

To commemorate the return of Goddess Durga and her offspring, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh, and Kartik, people celebrate Durga Puja. Durga Puja, sometimes referred to as Durgotsav, is observed continuously for five days. On the fourth day of Navratri, it starts (Mahalaya). As a result, eight days of festivities will be observed: Mahalaya, Maha Panchami, Maha Sasthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami, and Vijay Dashami.

The Key Days During Durga Puja 2024

The major Durga Puja celebration dates are as follows, in case you are already at the pandal taking in the festive atmosphere. If you don’t want to miss anything, be ready and arrive at the Durga Puja pandals on time.

The celebrations for Durga Puja 2024 will start on October 3rd:

How is Durga Puja Celebrated?

Durga Puja is celebrated with all the pomp and joy across India, and just after Mahalaya, people indulge in puja shopping. Most stores provide discounts on clothing and other items at this time of year. Men typically dress in Kurta pyjamas on ‘Maha Ashtami,’ while ladies typically wear sarees.

Many locations have cultural events, and puja organisers compete with one another by creating theme-based amazing puja pandals. Every pandal has a narrative to tell through its artwork and furnishings, which is one of the charms of Durga Puja. Visitors wait in line merely to enter the pandal so they can admire the exquisite artwork and furnishings.

There are food stands set up everywhere, and restaurants cook special Durga Puja delicacies. To create a festive atmosphere, different lights are used to decorate the streets. 

This festival is the Bengali community’s largest traditional event. In addition to the festivities, the event necessitates a family gathering. During this period, people put aside their differences and unite to celebrate unity. All in all, Durga Puja honours the human spirit and crosses religious boundaries.

Significance of Durga Puja

Durga Puja is a ten-day long festival celebrated in India, particularly in the state of West Bengal. Each day of the festival holds a significant meaning and is dedicated to the worship of a different form of the goddess Durga. The following are the significance of the different days in the celebration of Durga Puja:

Day 1 – Shailputri Puja: This day marks the beginning of the festival and is dedicated to the worship of Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains. She is the embodiment of the power of nature and represents the purity and divinity of Mother Earth.

Day 2 – Brahmacharini Puja: On the second day, the goddess in her form of Brahmacharini is worshipped. She is known for her penance and devotion and represents the virtue of self-discipline.

Day 3 – Chandraghanta Puja: The third day is dedicated to the worship of Chandraghanta, who is depicted as a fierce goddess riding a tiger. She represents bravery and courage and is believed to protect her devotees from all forms of harm.

Day 4 – Kushmanda Puja: This day is dedicated to Kushmanda, the creator of the universe. She is believed to be the source of all life and energy, and she represents the power of the sun.

Day 5 – Skandamata Puja: The fifth day is dedicated to the worship of Skandamata, who is the mother of Lord Skanda. She represents the nurturing and protective aspects of motherhood.

Day 6 – Katyayani Puja: On the sixth day, Katyayani, the warrior goddess, is worshipped. She is believed to have fought against evil and represents the power of righteousness.

Day 7 – Kalaratri Puja: The seventh day is dedicated to the worship of Kalaratri, who is the fierce and dark aspect of the goddess Durga. She represents the power to destroy all forms of evil.

Day 8 – Mahagauri Puja: On the eighth day, the goddess in her form of Mahagauri is worshipped. She represents purity, peace, and serenity.

Day 9 – Navami Puja: The ninth day is the main day of the festival and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga in her nine forms. It is believed that on this day, the goddess fought and defeated the demon Mahishasura.

Day 10 – Vijayadashami: The final day of the festival marks the victory of good over evil, and the goddess Durga bids farewell. The idols are immersed in water, symbolising the goddess back to her divine abode.

What Traditions are Observed for Durga Puja?

During Durga Puja, celebrations last nearly a week, making it one of the nation’s most lavish holidays. The significance of each day is unique and distinct from the next. These include:

Maha Sashti

Maha Shashti is the day on which Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, Laxmi, and Lord Kartikeya are said to have arrived on earth with their four children, Goddess Saraswati, Laxmi, Lord Ganesha, and God Kartika. Maha Shashti marks the unveiling of the face of the Lady Durga statue. These ceremonies are conducted on this day: Amontron, Bodhon, and Adhibash. As Goddess Durga approaches, ‘Dhaak’ drums are beaten everywhere.

Maha Saptami

Maha Puja is traditionally performed on the eve of Maha Saptami. Immediately before dawn, a banana tree is immersed in holy water and dressed in a new sari in order to resemble a newlywed. The practice is referred to as ‘Kola bou’ or ‘Nabapatrika.’. A banana tree is used to house the idol of Lady Durga. The nine manifestations of Goddess Durga are also represented by nine plants.

Maha Ashtami

On Maha Ashtami, Goddess Durga was said to have slain Mahishasura, or the ‘Buffalo Satan.’. In the past, buffaloes were sacrificed in commemoration of the event. Sanskrit hymns are recited while prayers are said. The prayers are called ‘Anjali.’. Goddess Durga is revered and portrayed by girls under the age of nine. It is referred to as Kumari puja. In the following days, a ‘Sandhi puja’ is conducted.

Maha Navmi

Upon the completion of the ‘Sandhi puja’, Maha Navami begins. ‘Maha arati’ is conducted on the eve of Maha Navami. Following the leisure planning, everyone gets their ‘bhog.’

Maha Dashmi

As part of Maha Dashami rituals, the idol of Goddess Durga is submerged in the holy Ganges water. Music and drums are sung and danced to as worshippers ride on vehicles, leading up to the immersion. Vermilion is thrown at one another by married women participating in the procession. On this day, people visit each other’s houses to wish each other a happy ‘Vijoy Dashmi.’ Some homemade meals are prepared to mark this day.

Durga Puja 2024 Activities

On the night of the Durga Puja celebration, a number of fun festive events are planned. Among them are:

Pandals

A ‘Pandal’ is a location where the Durga idol is kept. The pandal is where all of the ceremonies and prayers are performed. Beautiful pandals are erected before the puja gets going. Replicas of the world’s most recognisable structures can be found. Also presented are fresh designs.

Food Stalls

Several food stands selling a range of street delicacies, such as golgappas, bajjis, and samosas, are erected next to pandals.

Shopping

In some states, such as West Bengal, it is customary for people to don new clothes each day.

Which States Celebrate Durga Puja?

The nation’s several states each observe Durga Puja in a distinctive manner. Among them are:

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

Because villagers in both areas arrange to feed young girls on the final day of the holiday, the Durga Puja celebrations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are extremely similar. In temples, the verse ‘Durga Saptashati’ is also recited.

Assam and West Bengal

Grand pandals with various themes are erected all over Assam and West Bengal. On the festival’s final day, the idol is submerged in the sacred Ganges river.

Gujarat

The Durga Puja festival is observed as Navratri in Gujarat, and locals participate in nighttime celebrations by dancing the well-known ‘garba’ dance.

Tamil Nadu

Locals in Tamil Nadu adore the goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswathi, and Durga during the festival. Young local girls present wooden dolls in a ritual that is specific to the state of Tamil Nadu. The ceremony is called Golu.

Punjab

Every night during the festival’s nine days of festivity, ‘Jaagrans’ take place. Little girls between the ages of 5 and 10 get food, presents, and money on the eve of Ashtami.

Andhra Pradesh

According to tradition, married women in Andhra Pradesh worship Goddess Gauri on the night of the festival, while single women pray for the partner of their choice. Bathukamma Panduga is the name of the Durga puja celebrated in Andhra Pradesh. The women construct flower stacks for worship, which are later submerged in the river.

Chhattisgarh

Over the course of 75 days, the event is celebrated by the people of Chhattisgarh. The celebration has been observed in Bastar, a town in Chhattisgarh, for more than 500 years.

Karnataka

In Karnataka, the Durga Puja event is referred to as Dussehra. The festival celebrations in Mysore are well known.

Maharashtra

On the eve of the celebration, Garba is played in Maharashtra. Buying real estate and completing business transactions are regarded as fortunate endeavours during the Durga Puja holiday.

Himachal Pradesh

When the festival is just about to conclude in the rest of the nation, the people of Himachal Pradesh begin their celebrations. The celebrations at Dhalpur Maidan, which is located in the Kullu Valley, are well known.

One of the most important holidays observed by the people of this nation is Durga Puja. It is celebrated with great fervour and passion everywhere you go, from Tamil Nadu in the south to Himachal in the north.

Durga Puja 2023 dos and don’ts

While celebrating Durga Puja, one must remember some of the most important dos and don’ts that the festival entails. Below are some of the major dos and don’ts listed:

• Do not offend women in the first place. Goddess Durga is adored in her nine various forms during the Navratri festival. This occasion should emphasise the importance of showing respect to the women around you. Always keep in mind to respect women in order to get Maa Durga’s celestial blessings, not just during these nine days.
• Early bathing during Navratri, followed by puja rituals, is thought to bring luck.
• Make careful to direct your ‘Akhand jyot’ towards the southwest when lighting it for the Goddess. If you follow a ‘Akhand jyoti’ for nine days, make sure you don’t violate any Puja rules or practices.
• Remember that a peaceful house fosters joy and prosperity all year round. Try to avoid any conflicts, disputes, or fighting in your home throughout the nine days of Navratri.
• During Navratri, it is advised to abstain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating non-vegetarian food.
• Make sure there are no garlic or onions in the offerings you present to Maa Durga. Use rock salt rather than regular, refined salt.