Durga Puja 2024, observed in the month of Ashvin, is a highly anticipated Hindu festival, especially among Bengalis. This vibrant celebration marks the triumph of good over evil, symbolized by Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
It also signifies Goddess Durga’s return to her earthly home. The grandeur of the Durga Puja festivities creates a magical atmosphere that captivates all who participate. Below are the important dates for this year’s Durga Puja celebrations, inviting everyone to join in the joy.
Durga Puja 2024
Durga Puja 2024, also called Durgotsava, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated each year by the Bengali community, particularly in the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Tripura, as well as among the global diaspora from these regions.
This vibrant festival honors Goddess Durga, who is believed to have come to Earth to defeat the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Durga Puja takes place over four days, coinciding with the final five days of the nine-day Navratri festival.
Celebrating the goddess’s return to her maternal home with her children, Durga Puja embodies her victory over Mahishasura.
Durga Puja 2024 Dates and Timing
Durga Puja 2024 is usually celebrated in September or October, occurring from the sixth to the tenth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin. This festival runs concurrently with Navratri, a nine-day celebration, but specifically lasts for five days, with Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami being the most important.
Navratri 2024 begins with Ghatasthapana, which marks the start of the nine auspicious days. Durga Puja officially kicks off on the sixth day (Shashthi), which falls on October 9th, 2024. The festivities continue with significant rituals, culminating on the tenth day with Durga Visarjan (the immersion of the idol) on October 12th, 2024, according to Drik Panchang.
Below is a table outlining all the Durga Puja dates and auspicious timings for 2024.
| Durga Puja 2024 Dates and Timing | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Durga Puja 2024 Rituals
Mahalaya – October 2
Mahalaya marks the countdown to Durga Puja, signaling that only a week remains until the festivities commence. This auspicious day signifies the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Debi Paksha, the fortnight dedicated to celebrating the divine feminine.
For Bengalis, Mahalaya holds profound cultural significance. A sacred ritual called ‘Chokkhu Dan’ takes place, during which the artist paints the divine eyes on Goddess Durga’s idols, symbolizing her journey to the mortal realm. On this day, Bengalis rise early to listen to Mahishasura Mardini by Birendra Krishna Bhadra, a divine shloka that invites devotees to welcome the incoming Goddess.
Mahashashti – October 9
The festivities officially begin on Maha Shashti when the Durga idols (pratima) are placed in the pandals. A sacred ritual known as ‘Bodhon’ marks the first reveal of the goddess’s face.
Mahasaptami – October 10
On Mahasaptami, the Nabapatrika Puja is performed, honoring nine plants that represent the nine forms of Goddess Durga. This ritual is also referred to as Kola Bou, which involves immersing a banana plant draped in a traditional white saree with a red border.
Mahaashtami – October 11
Mahaashtami is considered one of the most auspicious days of Durga Puja. On this day, Pushpanjali, a prayer offering with flowers, is conducted for the Goddess, along with the Kumari Puja.
According to the Gupta Press almanac, the timing for Pushpanjali this year is scheduled for early morning, between 5:45 AM and 6:00 AM. However, since this timing may not be practical for many, those following the Bisuddha Siddhanta almanac will observe Pushpanjali between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM.
Sandhi Puja, which marks the beginning of Mahanavami, will start at 11:30 AM. Mahanavami will last for a day and a half, beginning in the afternoon of October 11th and continuing throughout October 12th.
Durga Puja 2024 Significance
Durga Puja is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. During this time, devotees celebrate Durga Utsav with great enthusiasm and joy, engaging in various rituals to honor the Goddess. This festival commemorates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
The days of Navratri serve as a reminder that evil must be vanquished and that feminine energy is powerful enough to restore righteousness and peace in the universe. These days are dedicated to honoring Goddess Durga, and devotees make extensive preparations ahead of Ghatasthapana, the ritual that marks the beginning of the festivities.
Throughout Navratri, special foods are prepared, and many devotees observe strict fasts to please the Goddess. This festival not only remembers the fierce battle between Maa Durga and Mahishasura but also teaches devotees the importance of resilience against negative energies. It encourages them to remain steadfast, worship the feminine energy, and protect themselves from harm.
It is believed that those who worship Goddess Durga with deep devotion receive her protection from evil spirits, black magic, and negative energies.
| Related Links | |
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| Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 | Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti 2024 |
| International Translation Day 2024 | International Day of Older Persons 2024 |
| International Coffee Day 2024 | Gandhi Jayanti 2024 |
Durga Puja 2024 FAQs
Q.1. What is the significance of Durga Puja?
Ans. Durga Puja honors Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the empowerment of feminine energy.
Q.2. When is Durga Puja celebrated in 2024?
Ans. Durga Puja 2024 will be celebrated from October 9th to October 12th, with key rituals beginning on Mahalaya, October 2nd.
Q.3. What rituals are performed during Durga Puja?
Ans. Important rituals include Ghatasthapana, Bodhon, Nabapatrika Puja, Pushpanjali, and Durga Visarjan, each symbolizing different aspects of the goddess and her journey.
Q.4. What is Mahalaya?
Ans. Mahalaya marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Debi Paksha, signaling the countdown to Durga Puja. It involves rituals like Chokkhu Dan, where the goddess’s eyes are painted.
Q.5. How do devotees prepare for Durga Puja?
Ans. Devotees prepare by fasting, preparing special foods, and engaging in various rituals to honor Goddess Durga, ensuring a heartfelt celebration of the festival.
