Durga Puja 2024: History, Myths, and Legends

Maa Durga

Durga Puja is one of the grandest Hindu festivals celebrated with zeal and devotion across several Indian states, especially in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Manipur, and Tripura. Durga Puja 2024 will begin on October 8 (Panchami) and conclude on October 13 (Vijayadashami). The six-day celebration starts with Panchami and ends with the grand immersion of the Goddess Durga's idols on Vijayadashami.

The festival honours the divine power of Goddess Durga and her victory over the evil demon Mahishasura. As the most important celebration in these regions, Durga Puja is not only a religious event but also a vibrant cultural and social extravaganza, bringing people together to pay homage to the Goddess.

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Durga Puja 2024: History of Durga Puja

The origin of Durga Puja dates back to ancient times. As mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, the most significant period to worship Goddess Durga was during Chaitra Navratri, held in spring. However, the celebration was shifted to the present time of Ashwin month during the era of Lord Rama.

According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama performed a special worship ceremony known as Chandi Homa to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga before going to battle against the mighty demon Ravana. This act of worship was considered untimely or Akal Bodhan, as it did not fall during the traditional period of Durga’s worship. Due to Lord Rama’s devotion and reverence, Goddess Durga blessed him with victory over Ravana. This victory over the forces of evil became a symbol of hope and triumph, and the timing of Durga Puja was shifted to its present schedule, which is observed during the Ashwin month of the Hindu lunar calendar.

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Durga Puja 2024: Myths and Legends of Durga Puja

The story of Durga Puja revolves around the fierce battle between Goddess Durga and the shape-shifting demon Mahishasura. The legend states that Mahishasura, after gaining immense power through a boon, unleashed havoc on heaven and earth. No male deity could defeat him due to the special blessing he had received.

Seeing the plight of gods and mortals, Goddess Durga emerged from the combined energies of all the gods. Riding a lion, wielding numerous weapons, and adorned with radiant beauty, Durga fought fiercely against Mahishasura for nine days and nights. On the tenth day, she vanquished the demon, restoring peace and balance in the universe. This day, known as Vijayadashami, marks the ultimate triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with great joy and splendour.

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Durga Puja 2024: Celebrations in West Bengal

In West Bengal, Durga Puja is a six-day-long celebration that begins with Mahalaya, the day when Goddess Durga is believed to descend to earth. The actual festivities start on the sixth day of Devi Paksha with Shashthi and continue till Vijayadashami, when the Goddess is bid farewell in a grand procession.

The festivities include the installation of beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga in elaborately decorated pandals (temporary structures). Devotees offer flowers and prayers in the morning during Pushpanjali, followed by elaborate rituals like Shodashopachar Puja. On the eighth day or Maha Ashtami, the Sandhi Puja is performed to mark the moment of the Goddess’s victory over Mahishasura. Another unique tradition is the Dhunuchi Naach, where devotees perform a special dance holding clay pots with burning incense.

On the final day, Vijayadashami, the idols of Goddess Durga and her children are carried in a procession and immersed in rivers or lakes as a part of the ritual known as Durga Visarjan. The ritual symbolises the departure of the Goddess to her heavenly abode and the promise of her return next year.

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Durga Puja 2024: Significance

Durga Puja signifies the power of the feminine divine and the triumph of good over evil. It is a time for spiritual awakening and renewal. Devotees believe that worshipping Goddess Durga during these auspicious days cleanses their soul, removes negativity, and bestows strength, wisdom, and prosperity.

In addition to the religious significance, Durga Puja has become a major cultural event. It includes traditional music, dance, art exhibitions, food fairs, and much more. Families reunite to celebrate, and communities come together to create a festive atmosphere.

Although Durga Puja is most prominent in West Bengal, other states celebrate the festival with equal fervour. In Gujarat, the nine days of Navratri are celebrated with Garba and Dandiya nights. In Karnataka, the festival is known as Mysore Dasara, marked by a royal procession and the lighting of the Mysore Palace. Similarly, in Nepal, the festival is observed as Dashain, where people worship Goddess Durga and seek her blessings.

Durga Puja is not just a festival; it is an emotion that brings communities together to celebrate the divine feminine power. It is a celebration of faith, culture, and tradition, where art and devotion blend to create a unique atmosphere of joy and spirituality. As we celebrate Durga Puja 2024, let us invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga and pray for peace, prosperity, and the victory of good over evil. May her divine presence fill our lives with courage, wisdom, and happiness.

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