Durga Puja, one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India, especially in West Bengal, is an annual event that unites people in joyous festivities, cultural performances, and religious observance.
The festival honors Goddess Durga, who symbolizes the victory of good over evil. In 2024, Durga Puja promises to be as grand and spiritual as ever, with celebrations spreading across five days.
This blog provides a detailed 2024 Durga Puja calendar, exploring the significance of each day, important rituals, and how devotees across the world can celebrate this divine occasion.
Introduction to Durga Puja
Durga Puja is more than just a religious festival; it is a celebration of life, culture, and spirituality. It marks the triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Traditionally, the festival is observed in the Hindu month of Ashwin, which typically falls between September and October. In 2024, Durga Puja will be observed from October 8th to October 13th.
2024 Durga Puja Calendar
| Day | Date | Weekday | Tithi | Festival |
| Durga Puja Day 1 | 8th October 2024 | Tuesday / মঙ্গলবার | Panchami, Ashshin 22, 1431 | Bilva Nimantran |
| Durga Puja Day 2 | 9th October 2024 | Wednesday / বুধবার | Shashthi, Ashshin 23, 1431 | Kalparambha, Akal Bodhon, Amantran and Adhivas |
| Durga Puja Day 3 | 10th October 2024 | Thursday / বৃহস্পতিবার | Saptami, Ashshin 24, 1431 | Durga Saptami, Kolabou Puja |
| Durga Puja Day 4 | 11th October 2024 | Friday / শুক্রবার | Ashtami, Ashshin 25, 1431 | Durga Ashtami, Kumari Puja, Sandhi Puja, Maha Navami |
| Durga Puja Day 5 | 12th October 2024 | Saturday / শনিবার | Nabami, Ashshin 26, 1431 | Maha Navami, Durga Balidan, Navami Homa, Durga Visarjan |
| Durga Puja Day 6 | 13th October 2024 | Sunday / রবিবার | Dashami, Ashshin 27, 1431 | Vijayadashami, Bengal Durga Visarjan, Sindoor Utsav |
The Legend Behind Durga Puja
The legend of Durga Puja is rooted in ancient Hindu mythology. According to the scriptures, Mahishasura, a demon with the ability to change his form at will, created havoc in the three worlds after receiving a boon that he could not be killed by any man or god.
As his tyranny grew, the gods approached Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva for help. The trinity combined their energies to create Goddess Durga, a powerful warrior goddess with ten arms, each wielding a weapon.
After a fierce battle that lasted for nine days, Goddess Durga finally defeated Mahishasura on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Durga Puja, therefore, is the celebration of this victory, with each day of the festival representing a significant event in the battle.
Significance and Rituals of Each Day
Mahalaya
Mahalaya marks the beginning of Durga Puja and is considered the day when Goddess Durga descends to Earth from her heavenly abode, accompanied by her children—Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
Traditionally, on this day, people wake up early in the morning to listen to the Mahishasura Mardini, a devotional song narrating the creation of Goddess Durga and her battle against Mahishasura.
In 2024, Mahalaya falls on October 3rd, and the day is observed with the ritual of Tarpan, where offerings of water are made to ancestors. This ritual is particularly significant for Bengali Hindus, who perform it on the banks of rivers or other water bodies.
Shashthi
Shashthi, the sixth day of Navratri, is the official beginning of Durga Puja. On this day, the face of the goddess is unveiled, and the main festivities begin.
The Kalparambha ritual is performed early in the morning, followed by the Bodhon, Amantran, and Adhibas rituals in the evening, which signify the invocation of Goddess Durga.
On Shashthi, devotees throng to the beautifully decorated pandals (temporary structures) to offer their prayers to the goddess. The pandals are often themed, showcasing artistic brilliance and creativity. In 2024, Shashthi will be celebrated on October 9th, with the streets and homes resonating with the beats of dhak (traditional drums), marking the start of the grand celebration.
Saptami
Saptami, the seventh day, is when the actual worship of Goddess Durga begins. The day starts with the Nabapatrika ritual, where nine different plants, symbolizing the nine forms of Goddess Durga, are bathed in holy water and adorned with a sari. This ritual is deeply symbolic, representing the goddess's divine connection with nature.
On Saptami, the priest performs the Pran Pratishtha, where the life force of the goddess is invoked in the idol. This ritual is followed by elaborate pujas, including the offering of flowers (Pushpanjali), and the distribution of prasad (sacred food offerings). In 2024, Saptami will be observed on October 10th, and the day will see a surge in devotion, with people dressed in traditional attire visiting pandals to seek the goddess's blessings.
Ashtami
Ashtami is the most auspicious day of Durga Puja and is marked by the Sandhi Puja, which is performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami. This ritual is of immense significance as it is believed to be the exact moment when Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura.
The Sandhi Puja lasts for about 48 minutes and is characterized by the offering of 108 lotuses, 108 lamps, and the blowing of conch shells.
Kumari Puja, another important ritual, is also performed on Ashtami. In this ritual, young girls, representing the living embodiment of Goddess Durga, are worshipped with great reverence. The day is also known for the Anjali, where devotees offer flowers to the goddess while reciting mantras.
In 2024, Ashtami falls on October 11th, and the day will be celebrated with fervor, with people participating in the rituals and enjoying the cultural programs organized in various pandals.
Navami
Navami, the ninth day of Durga Puja, is the day when Goddess Durga is worshipped as Mahishasuramardini, the slayer of Mahishasura. The day begins with the Navami Homa, a fire ritual that is considered highly auspicious. The Homa signifies the culmination of the Durga Puja rituals and is performed with great devotion and precision.
Navami is also marked by feasting, as many people break their fasts on this day. Special dishes, including bhog (food offered to the goddess) and sweets, are prepared and distributed among family, friends, and the poor. In 2024, Navami will be celebrated on October 12th, and the day will witness a blend of religious fervor and community celebrations.
Vijayadashami
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is the final day of Durga Puja and marks the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. It is a day of mixed emotions, as it signifies both the triumph of good over evil and the departure of the goddess to her heavenly abode.
On Vijayadashami, the idol of Goddess Durga is immersed in a river or sea, in a ritual known as Visarjan. This symbolizes the goddess's return to Mount Kailash, her divine home.
Before the immersion, women participate in the Sindoor Khela, where they smear each other with vermillion, symbolizing the strength and protection that Goddess Durga bestows upon them.
In 2024, Vijayadashami will be observed on October 13th. The day is marked by processions, dance, music, and a sense of camaraderie as people come together to bid farewell to the goddess with a promise to welcome her again the following year.
Celebrating Durga Puja Across India
While West Bengal is the epicenter of Durga Puja celebrations, the festival is also observed with great enthusiasm in other parts of India, albeit with regional variations.
West Bengal
In West Bengal, Durga Puja is the most important festival, with Kolkata transforming into a city of lights and colors. The pandals are known for their elaborate themes, ranging from mythological stories to contemporary issues.
The city comes alive with cultural performances, fairs, and food stalls offering traditional Bengali delicacies like bhog, luchi-alur dom, and sweets like rasgulla and sandesh.
Delhi
In Delhi, Durga Puja is celebrated with grandeur, particularly in areas like Chittaranjan Park, which is known as the "Mini Bengal" of the capital.
The celebrations include cultural events, traditional dance performances, and the staging of plays based on episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai, Durga Puja is celebrated with zeal by the Bengali community. The city witnesses the installation of magnificent idols of Goddess Durga in pandals, where devotees offer prayers, participate in bhog distribution, and enjoy cultural programs.
Assam
In Assam, Durga Puja is celebrated with a blend of traditional customs and cultural events. The festival is marked by the performance of classical dance forms like Sattriya and Bihu, along with the recitation of hymns and mantras.
Odisha
In Odisha, Durga Puja is observed as a community festival, with people from different walks of life coming together to participate in the celebrations. The pandals in Odisha are known for their unique designs, often inspired by the state's rich heritage and culture.
Conclusion
Durga Puja is a festival that embodies the essence of Indian culture, spirituality, and communal harmony. The 2024 Durga Puja calendar is not just a schedule of events, but a reminder of the rich traditions and deep-rooted beliefs that continue to inspire millions of devotees around the world.
As we prepare to celebrate this grand festival, let us do so with reverence, joy, and a commitment to preserving our environment. Whether you are in Kolkata, Delhi, or any corner of the globe, may the blessings of Goddess Durga bring you strength, peace, and prosperity.