Durga Puja 2024 Date: Durga Puja, or Durgotsava, is a major Hindu festival celebrated primarily by the Bengali community in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tripura, and their diasporas. The festival honors Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It spans four days and coincides with the last days of Navratri, marking the goddess’s homecoming with her children.
Durga Puja 2024 Date: Date and Timings
Durga Puja is celebrated from the sixth to the tenth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Ashvin, usually in September or October. In 2024, Durga Puja begins on October 9th (Shashthi) and concludes on October 12th (Dashami) with Durga Visarjan, according to the Drik Panchang. The festival coincides with the last five days of Navratri, with the most significant days being Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami.
Here’s a summary of the key dates:
- Shashthi (6th day): October 9, 2024
- Saptami (7th day): October 10, 2024
- Ashtami (8th day): October 11, 2024
- Navami (9th day): October 12, 2024
- Dashami (10th day): October 12, 2024
Key Rituals and Celebrations
- Mahalaya: This day represents the coming of the Mother Goddess to the earth or the mortal plane. For many, this is the start of the 10-day-long celebration of Durga Puja. For Durga Puja 2024, Mahalaya will be on October 2.
- Bodhon: This marks the beginning of the festival when the idols of Goddess Durga, her children (Ganesha, Kartik, and Lakshmi), and her vehicle (lion or tiger) are brought to life through a special ritual. This ritual will take place on October 6 this year.
- Anjali: Devotees offer prayers, flowers, and prasad (offerings) to the goddess during the Anjali ritual. This is a time for personal reflection and seeking blessings.
- Sandhi Puja: The most significant ritual of the festival, Sandhi Puja. It is believed to be the most auspicious time for worshipping the goddess. This year, the timing for the same has been mentioned to be 04:14 PM- 05: 02 PM on October 10.
- Bisarjan: On the last day (Dashami), the idols are immersed in a nearby river or pond, symbolizing the goddess’s return to her heavenly abode. This ritual will take place on October 13.
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami:
What is Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami?
- Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami are significant days during the Durga Puja festival, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga.
When do Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami occur?
- Durga Ashtami falls on the eighth day, and Mahanavami falls on the ninth day of the Navratri festival (11 October 2024), typically in September or October.
What is the significance of Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami?
- Durga Ashtami marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Mahanavami signifies the culmination of the nine-day-long Navratri festival and is considered highly auspicious for seeking blessings from the goddess.
How are Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami celebrated?
- Devotees observe rigorous fasting, offer prayers, and engage in special rituals such as ‘pushpanjali’ and ‘Kumari Puja.’ Pandals are beautifully decorated, cultural programs are organized, and community feasting (‘bhog’) is arranged to celebrate these days.
What are some common rituals performed during Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami?
- Common rituals include offering prayers to Goddess Durga, performing ‘Abhishekam’ (ritualistic bathing of the deity), reciting mantras and hymns, and waving a lit lamp during Arati.
How do people celebrate Durga Puja during Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami?
- People visit pandals to admire the artistic decorations, participate in cultural events, and offer prayers to the goddess. Community feasts are organized, and prasad is distributed among devotees.
What is the significance of ‘bhog’ during Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami?
- ‘Bhog’ refers to the community feasting where devotees partake in a meal offered to the goddess. It symbolizes sharing and abundance, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness among devotees.
How does Durga Puja promote cultural diversity and unity?
- Durga Puja transcends religious boundaries and brings people from diverse backgrounds together to celebrate art, culture, and heritage. Cultural programs, artistic displays, and communal feasting create an atmosphere of inclusivity and harmony.
Why is Durga Puja considered significant in Hindu spirituality?
- Durga Puja is considered significant as it symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the divine feminine energy. It fosters devotion, gratitude, and spiritual connection among devotees, reinforcing timeless values of love, compassion, and righteousness.
How can one participate in Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami celebrations?
- Individuals can participate by visiting pandals, offering prayers, attending cultural events, and partaking in community feasts. It’s an opportunity to seek blessings from Goddess Durga and immerse oneself in the festive spirit of joy and togetherness.
