India is a country of festivals. From time to time there are various festivals celebrated across the country. Durga Puja is one of such major festivals celebrated mainly by the Bengali community.
The major states that celebrate Durga Puja with full enthusiasm and energy are West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Tripura and Jharkhand. Goddess Durga incarnated on earth for the battle with Mahishasura. She killed Mahishasura, signifying the victory of righteousness over evil.
The festival Durga Puja is celebrated on the last 5 days of the Navratri Festival. In the blog, you can check When Durga Puja 2024 will be celebrated. We are providing dates, timings and many more details related to the Durga Puja in the blog.
When is Durga Puja 2024 Celebrated ?
The festival is mainly celebrated in the months of September and October. It is celebrated among the Navratris, which is a 9-day festival. Navratri starts with Ghatasthapana, while Durga Puja begins on the 6th day of Navratris.
The official starting day of the Durga Puja this year is 9th October 2024. It will be concluded on October 12th with the immersion of the idol in the river Ganga.
|
Day |
Date |
Tithi |
Rituals |
|
1st |
3rd October, 2024 (Thursday) |
Pratipada |
Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja. Ghatasthapana Muhurat is from 05:28 AM to 06:31 AM. |
|
2nd |
4th October, 2024 (Friday) |
Dwitiya |
Chandra Darshana, Brahmacharini Puja. |
|
3rd |
5th October, 2024 (Saturday) |
Dwitiya |
Dwitiya. |
|
4th |
6th October, 2024 (Sunday) |
Tritiya |
Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja, Vinayaka Chaturthi. |
|
5th |
7th October, 2024 (Monday) |
Chaturthi |
Kushmanda Puja, Upang Lalita Vrat. |
|
6th |
8th October , 2024 (Tuesday) |
Panchami |
Saraswati Avahan. |
|
7th |
9th October, 2024 (Wednesday) |
Shasthi |
Saraswati Avahan, Katyayani Puja. Mula Nakshatra Avahan Muhurat is from 10:25 AM to 04:42 PM. |
|
8th |
10th October, 2024 (Thursday) |
Saptami |
Saraswati Puja, Kalaratri Puja. |
|
9th |
11th October, 2024 (Friday) |
Ashtami |
Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja, Maha Navami. |
|
10th |
12th October, 2024 (Saturday) |
Navami, Dashami |
Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan, Vijayadashami. |
Mythological Story Behind Durga Puja
According to mythology, there was a demon, Mahishasura, who got a boon from the Lord Brahma. Any man or god can’t defeat him. It created a problem for all the gods in heaven. Mahishasura became a distress for everyone on heaven and earth. All the gods went to Lord Brahma and asked for help. After hearing all the pleas, Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva created Goddess Durga. She was born with supreme powers so that she could kill Mahishasura.
Also Read - Significance Behind the 10-hands Iconography of Durga Maa
Battle Between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura
A fierce battle was fought between Goddess Durga and demon Mahishashura. In between the battle, Mahshasura transformed himself into a buffalo to disguise himself. The battle was fought for 10 straight days. The day when Durga beheaded the demon is celebrated as the Vijayadashami. She emerged victorious, signifying victory of good over evil.
Also Read - 108 Names of Lord Krishna with Meaning
Durga Puja Festival 10 Days Significance
Durga Puja celebrations started with Mahalaya, depicting the beginning of Durga’s journey to the earth. For the first 5 days, everyone celebrates this pious event. On the 6th day, the idol of the Goddess Durga is unveiled among the vibrant and lively beats of the drum.
This tradition is majorly celebrated by the Bengali. On the 7th day, which is Maha Saptami, there is a morning ritual in which people immerse banana trees in water. After this, it is believed that it transforms into Kola Bou, i.e. banana bride - dressed in a saree and placed behind Lord Ganesha's idol.
Some people also interpret Kola Bou as the Ganesha’s bride and a sacred assembly of 9 plants.
The 8th day of the Durga Puja is known as Vijayadashami. It is commemorated to celebrate the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahisasura. Devotees offer prayer to the goddess and enjoy festive meals like Khichdi.
The next day, which is the 9th day of Durga Puja, Mahanavami starts with Sandhi Puja, and it culminates with the Grand Arti. The large crowd participates in the Grand Arti.
Durga Puja is concluded with Maha Dashmi with the immersion of the Durga idol and other deities in the Ganga river. Before immersion in the idol married women participate in “Sindoor Khela” and apply vermillion on each other's faces. As per tradition, people visit their relatives on this day and greet each other. That's how Durga Puja is celebrated.
Also Read - 108 Names of Goddess Durga | Ashtottara Shatanamavali of Goddess Durga
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques. How many days are Durga Puja in 2024?
Ans. Durga Puja is celebrated for 10 days. Officially, it begins on the 6th day, which is 9th October 2024.
Ques. In which vehicle Durga is going in 2024?
Ans. Durga pooja begins on 9th October, and the vehicle of the Durga is a horse.
Ques. What is the first date of Durga Puja?
Ans. The first date of Durga Pooja is 9th October 2024.
Ques. Can we buy a vehicle in Navratri?
Ans. Navratri is considered an auspicious period for the new beginnings. You can buy a vehicle in this period, and it will bring good luck and prosperity.
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