Durga Puja calendar 2024: Dates, rituals, and significance

Mumbai: Durga Puja, one of the most grand and widely celebrated festivals in India, particularly in West Bengal, is a vibrant and deeply spiritual occasion. The festival spans five days, beginning with Maha Shasthi and culminating on Vijayadashami, which marks the goddess’s victory over evil. While Sharad Navratri lasts for nine days, the focus of Durga Puja is on the last five days when devotees believe that Goddess Durga descends to Earth to visit her maternal home with her children, creating an atmosphere filled with joy, devotion, and celebration. The festivities bring families, communities, and cities to life with elaborate pandals (temporary shrines), cultural performances, rituals, and feasts, all dedicated to the goddess who symbolises strength, protection, and the victory of good over evil.

The spiritual significance of Durga Puja goes beyond just celebration. It is a reminder of the divine feminine energy that combats injustice, restores harmony, and protects the world from demonic forces. Mythologically, the festival commemorates Goddess Durga’s fierce battle with the demon Mahishasura, whom she defeated after nine long days of combat, symbolising the ultimate triumph of righteousness. This victory is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Durga Puja is a time to reconnect with one’s faith, offer gratitude, and seek the blessings of the goddess for protection, prosperity, and peace. It is a festival that blends spirituality, cultural richness, and social unity, making it one of the most cherished events in the Hindu calendar.

Durga Puja 2024 calendar

This year, Durga Puja will begin on 9th October 2024 with the observance of Maha Shasthi and will conclude on 12th October 2024 with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra. The festival spans from Shasthi (the sixth day) to Dashami (the tenth day) of the Ashwin Shukla Paksha.

Important Rituals During Durga Puja

1. Kalparambha Ritual

On the first day of Durga Puja, i.e., on Shasthi, the Kalparambha tradition is observed. During this ritual, Goddess Durga is ceremonially invited to reside within a Bilva tree or a Kalash (a sacred pot). This marks the official commencement of the festival.

2. Akal Bodhan

Kalparambha is also known as Akal Bodhan, which translates to the untimely awakening of the goddess. In Hindu belief, during this period, the gods are in a state of rest. Therefore, awakening Goddess Durga out of her divine sleep is referred to as Akal Bodhan. This ritual holds a significant spiritual value as it symbolises the anticipation of divine intervention.

3. Navapatrika Tradition

A unique feature of Durga Puja is the Navapatrika tradition. Here, Goddess Durga is invited to reside in a group of nine plants. The Navapatrika is decorated with red or orange cloth and is ritually bathed in a nearby river or pond. Following the ceremonial bath, Navapatrika is placed to the right of the deity’s idol or image.

Durga Puja Significance

Durga Puja is steeped in ancient myths and spiritual beliefs. According to Hindu mythology, during this time, Goddess Durga visits her maternal home on Earth with her children. The festival not only celebrates her arrival but also embodies key aspects of Indian spirituality such as:

Women’s Empowerment: Durga Puja honours the power and strength of women, symbolising victory over evil.
Victory of Good Over Evil: This festival commemorates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. After battling him for nine days, she vanquished him on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami.

Goddess Durga

Each day of Durga Puja and Navratri celebrates a different form of Goddess Durga. Devotees offer prayers to the goddess in her various avatars for protection, blessings, and strength.

Durga Puja States

Durga Puja is celebrated with immense grandeur across several states, most notably in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Tripura, with each state adding its cultural nuances to the festival.

Durga Puja is a grand festival that celebrates spirituality, cultural heritage, and the power of women. The rituals performed during this time are an invitation to the goddess to bless the world with peace and prosperity. This festival brings people together, symbolising the triumph of righteousness and the victory of good over evil.

 Durga Puja 2024 starts on 9th October and ends on 12th October. Explore the key rituals, significance, and celebrations of this grand festival celebrated across various states in India.  Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips