Durga Puja 2024: Dates, Rituals and Meaning Revealed
Durga Puja 2024 in India: Durga Puja is celebrated throughout the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin and is one of the most awaited galas in India, especially in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand and Tripura. In 2024, this great pageant will be discovered from October 9th to October twelfth, coinciding with the remaining five days of Navratri.
Understanding Durga Puja: Durga Puja, also referred to as Durgotsava, honors the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of right over evil. The birthday celebration marks the return of the goddess to her maternal home with her children, reflecting warmth, delight and cultural delight.
When is Durga Puja 2024? Traditionally celebrated in September or October, Durga Puja takes place from the sixth to the tenth day of the brilliant lunar fortnight of Ashvin. In 2024, the key dates to keep in mind are from October 9 (shashti) to October 12 (dashami), with each day retaining unique rituals and significance.
Key Rituals and Timings for Durga Puja 2024:
- Ninth of October (Shashti): The pageant begins with the awakening of the Goddess, marked by “Saraswati Avahan” and “Katyayani Puja.”
- 10. October (Saptami): The day begins with “Saraswati Puja” and “Kalaratri Puja”.
- Eleventh of October (Ashtami): Known as “Durga Ashtami”, these days consist of the crucial “Sandhi Puja.”
- Twelfth of October (Navami and Dashami): The procession ends with “Durga Visarjan”, symbolizing the departure of the Goddess once again to her heavenly abode.
Origin and Significance of Durga Puja: According to Hindu mythology, Durga was created by the combined forces of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva to defeat the demon Mahishasura, who ended up invincible to gods and humans. After a fierce war lasting ten days, Durga was triumphant, a victory celebrated as Vijayadashami.
Cultural Celebrations: Festivities begin with Mahalaya, which marks Durga’s journey to earth. Durga Puja is a blend of spirituality, lifestyle and networking, from colorful ‘Dhaka’ beats on Shashti to grand processions on Dashami. The ‘Sindoor Khela’ ritual on Dashami where married girls rub vermilion on each other adds a touch of culture and pleasure.
For those planning to attend Durga Puja 2024, these dates and rituals provide a complete guide to experience the pageant in all its glory.
Explore the rich historical past and spiritual significance of Durga Puja as you join hundreds of thousands in celebrating this iconic pageant.