Durga Puja 2024: Start And End Date; Check Complete Schedule, Significance And Rituals

Durga Puja 2024 Date: Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsav, is a prominent Hindu festival predominantly celebrated in West Bengal, particularly Kolkata. It commemorates the legendary battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Additionally, the festival honours Durga's maternal affection and significance in agriculture as a harvest celebration. The Navpattrika ritual, incorporating nine distinct plants, underscores Durga's manifestation in nature. Alongside Durga, key deities such as Ganesha, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Kartikeya are also revered during this festive period. This year, Durga Puja is set to begin on 9th October 2024.

Check out the start and end date, complete schedule, significance and rituals associated with this extravagant festival.

Durga Puja 2024: Start And End Date

This year, Durga Puja commences on 8th October 2024 with Bilwa Nimantran and will conclude on 13th October 2024 with Vijayadashami.

Durga Puja 2024: Schedule

Durga Puja 2024: Significance

The Durga Puja ritual involves the installation of Goddess Durga alongside her children - Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya - with Lord Shiva, her consort, by her side. The festival commences with Mahalaya, marking the beginning of Goddess Durga's battle against evil and ego to uphold righteousness and restore peace. On the sixth day, known as Shashthi, the Goddess is formally welcomed in homes, pandals, and temples, signalling the start of the festivities.

The subsequent days hold significance as well. On the seventh day (Saptami), Goddess Lakshmi is revered, while the eighth day (Ashtami) is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The festivities culminate on the tenth day, Vijayadashmi, which commemorates Goddess Durga's triumph over evil. This day is marked by the immersion of the Goddess's idol in a water body, accompanied by vibrant processions and musical festivities. This ritual symbolises the renewal of life and the victory of good over evil. Vijayadashmi also marks the culmination of the Durga Puja celebrations, which are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions of the region.

Durga Puja 2024: Rituals And Events

The Durga Puja festivities include six auspicious days, marking the triumph of good over evil. These sacred days, observed during Devi Paksha, hold immense significance in Bengal's cultural and spiritual heritage. Maha Shashti, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijaya Dashami form the crux of the celebrations.

Maha Shashti: Maha Shashti heralds the beginning of Durga Puja in Bengal. Goddess Durga, accompanied by her family, is welcomed on earth through the Bodhon ritual. This day sets the stage for the revered goddess's presence, invoking divine energy among devotees.

Maha Saptami: On Maha Saptami, Goddess Durga is worshipped with Nabapatrika, nine plants representing Shakti's incarnations. The idol is ritually bathed in the Ganges, followed by mantra chanting. This sacred ceremony seeks blessings and boons from the divine.

Maha Ashtami: This is the most sacred day of Durga Puja. Priests awaken the idol through chanting, while devotees offer Pushpanjali, flowers, and prayers. Kumari Puja, worshipping a young girl as Maa Durga's incarnation, is a highlight. Evening Aarti and Sandhi Puja mark the day's spiritual significance.

Maha Navami: The sacred occasion of Maha Navami concludes the formal religious customs with Maha Aarti. Cultural festivities, including music, dance, and drama, ensue. A grand Bhog and Prasad distribution among devotees marks the end of the fast, celebrating Goddess Durga's benevolence.

Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra): Vijaya Dashami commemorates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura. Idol immersion, firecrackers, and cultural programs characterize the celebrations. In Bengal, Goddess Durga bids farewell, and devotees share sweets, dance, and revel in the festive spirit, marking the culmination of Durga Puja.

Durga Puja symbolises the triumph of good over evil, celebrating Goddess Durga's victory, renewal, and divine feminine power and spirituality. (Image Source: Freepik) 

Other significant events associated with Durga Puja include:

Paata Puja

Durga Puja preparations commence with Paata Puja on Rath Yatra day in July. This ritual involves worshipping the wooden frame, or Paata, that serves as the base for the idols. This sacred ceremony marks the beginning of the festivities, setting the stage for the revered goddess's arrival.

Bodhana

On Shashthi, the sixth day, Bodhana takes place, invoking Goddess Durga through ghatasthapana and pranapratistha. This pivotal ritual symbolises the goddess's awakening and welcoming, signifying her presence among devotees. It prepares the idol for worship, imbuing it with divine energy.

Adhivasa

Following Bodhana, Adhivasa involves making symbolic offerings to Goddess Durga, seeking her blessings and protection. This ritual reinforces the devotee-goddess connection, fostering an atmosphere of reverence and devotion.

Navapatrika Snan

On Saptami, the seventh day, Navapatrika Snan is performed, ritually bathing a bundle of nine plants representing Goddess Durga in holy water. This sacred ceremony underscores the goddess's manifestation in nature, reaffirming her role as a nurturing force.

Sandhi Puja and Ashtami Pushpanjali

Ashtami, the eighth day, features pushpanjali (floral offerings) and Sandhi Puja, a 48-minute ritual involving 108 lotuses, lamps, and bhog offerings. This sacred juncture between Ashtami and Navami honours Goddess Durga's majesty, sometimes accompanied by symbolic animal sacrifices.

Homa and Bhog

On Navami, the second-last day, a sacred fire ritual (homa) and bhog offerings are made to Goddess Durga. Some traditions also observe Kumari Puja, venerating young girls as embodiments of the goddess. This ceremony intensifies the spiritual connection with the divine.

Sindoor Khela, Dhunuchi Naach, and Immersion

Vijaya Dashami, the final day, celebrates Durga's triumph over Mahishasura. Married women engage in Sindoor Khela, smearing vermillion for a happy marital life. The festivities conclude with Dhunuchi Naach and idol immersion, symbolising the goddess's return to her celestial abode, leaving behind blessings and spiritual renewal.

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(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)