Durga Puja 2024: Date, Time, and Significance

Durga Puja, one of the most revered festivals in Hinduism, celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. In 2024, Durga Puja will start from Tuesday, October 08, marking the beginning of a vibrant five-day celebration known as Durgotsava. This festival not only epitomises the triumph of good over evil but also serves as a cultural and spiritual gathering for millions of devotees, particularly in India.

Durga Puja 2024: Date and Time Calendar

The five days of Durga Puja, celebrated with great fervour and devotion, are observed as follows:

• Shashthi: This day marks the beginning of the celebrations, where the idol of Goddess Durga is unveiled, and her presence is invoked.
• Maha Saptami: On this day, the rituals become more elaborate, and the festivities intensify.
• Maha Ashtami: Considered the pinnacle of the celebrations, this day includes the iconic Kumari Puja, where young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the goddess.
• Maha Navami: This day signifies the concluding rituals of the festival, where devotees express their gratitude and reverence.
• Vijayadashami: The final day of the festival, symbolising the victory of Goddess Durga, is marked by the immersion of her idol in water, known as Durga Visarjan.

According to Hindu religious texts, Durga Puja commences the day after Mahalaya Amavasya, which is a significant occasion in the Pitru Paksha period. On this day, Hindus pay homage to their ancestors, and it is considered inauspicious to initiate any new ventures. Most regions, apart from West Bengal, observe Ghatasthapana on Pratipada, the day following Mahalaya Amavasya. Ghatasthapana, akin to Kalparambha, is the ceremonial invocation of Goddess Durga and typically takes place on the Shashthi Tithi during Devi Paksha.

Durga Puja 2024: Cultural Significance

The festival not only serves as a religious observance but also promotes cultural unity and social harmony among communities. The arrival of Goddess Durga on Earth during Devi Paksha, which commences on the day following Mahalaya Amavasya, is believed to herald a time of auspiciousness. Her departure on Durga Visarjan is equally significant, as it symbolises the cyclical nature of life and the return of the goddess to her celestial abode.

The days leading up to and during Durga Puja are filled with various rituals and festivities, including elaborate decorations, traditional music, dance performances, and sumptuous feasts. The celebration fosters a sense of belonging and togetherness among participants, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

Durga Puja is more than a mere festival; it is a profound expression of faith, culture, and community. As the date approaches, devotees prepare to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of rituals and celebrations, honouring the goddess and her timeless legacy. This year, as we celebrate Durga Puja on Tuesday, October 8, let us embrace the spirit of the festival and reflect on the values of courage, compassion, and resilience that Goddess Durga embodies.