Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals for Bengali people. It’s mostly celebrated in West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, and Bihar. This 10-day festival honors Goddess Durga‘s win over the demon Mahishasura. People come together to worship the goddess and enjoy cultural events during this time.
The last five days of Durga Puja are the most important. That’s when the main celebrations happen. Along with Goddess Durga, people also worship her children – Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya. The festival brings families and communities together to celebrate happily.
In 2024, the main days of Durga Puja will be: Mahalaya on October 2, Maha Panchami on October 8, Maha Sashti on October 9, Maha Saptami on October 10, Maha Ashtami on October 11, Maha Navami on October 12, and Vijaya Dashami on October 13. Each day has its own special rituals and meaning.
Durga Puja 2024 Dates and Schedule
Get ready for Durga Puja 2024! The festival starts in October, bringing happiness to many people. Mark your calendars and join the celebration that makes cities and hearts bright across India.
| Day | Date | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Mahalaya | October 2, 2024 | Starts Devi Paksha and calls Goddess Durga to Earth |
| Maha Panchami | October 8, 2024 | Begins main celebrations by welcoming the goddess |
| Maha Shashthi | October 9, 2024 | Shows the Durga idol and starts main puja rituals |
| Maha Saptami | October 10, 2024 | Does Nabapatrika puja, showing nature’s nine forms |
| Maha Ashtami | October 11, 2024 | Gives Pushpanjali and does Sandhi Puja at sunset |
| Maha Navami | October 12, 2024 | Does final prayers and gets ready for Vijaya Dashami |
| Vijaya Dashami | October 13, 2024 | Says goodbye to Goddess Durga by putting idol in water |
Each day of Durga Puja is special. From Mahalaya’s early morning prayers to Vijaya Dashami’s goodbye, every moment has traditions. People do special rituals, making memories they won’t forget during the festival.
The Story Behind Durga Puja
Durga Puja comes from a big story about gods. When a strong demon named Mahishasura scared the gods, they joined their powers to make Goddess Durga, a strong fighter with ten arms and big weapons.
For ten days, Durga fought Mahishasura, who could change shape. The demon tried many tricks, but Durga was stronger and smarter. On the tenth day, she finally won, bringing peace back to the world.
Durga winning shows that good beats bad. It tells us that if we are brave and try hard, we can fix any problem. The festival celebrates this idea, making millions of people feel good each year.
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Durga Puja Celebrations Across India
Durga Puja makes India colorful, with each state adding its own special touch. From big pandals to small home rituals, the festival looks different across the country. Let’s see how different places celebrate this happy time.
- West Bengal and Assam: These states turn into art places. Big pandals come up quickly, showing great skill. At the end, there’s a fun parade to put Durga idols in rivers, saying goodbye with mixed feelings.
- Gujarat: Here, the festival has a different beat. Navratri nights are full of Garba dancing. Men and women dance in circles, their pretty clothes making a nice picture under the night sky.
- Tamil Nadu: Golu is the main thing in Tamil Nadu homes. Families make big displays of dolls and figures, often telling stories from old tales. It’s nice to look at and shows people’s creativity.
- Punjab: Night is important with Jaagrans. People come together to sing all night, filling the air with holy songs. It’s a time to be together and think about god.
- Odisha: This state calls the goddess Durgapuja and Gosani Yatra. Pretty idols are worshipped in homes and community pandals, mixing local ways with Durga Puja ideas.
FAQs About Durga Puja 2024
When is Mahalaya in 2024?
Mahalaya is on October 2, 2024! It starts the Durga Puja time. We ask the goddess to come to Earth and think about our old family members. People who wake up early listen to the famous Mahishasura Mardini show, which many people like.
What is the importance of Vijaya Dashami?
Vijaya Dashami, on October 13, 2024, shows Durga beating bad things. We say bye to the goddess feeling happy and a bit sad. Colorful parades take idols to rivers to put in water, meaning Durga is going back to her home in heaven.
How many days is Durga Puja?
Durga Puja lasts 10 days, but the main fun is in the last 5 days. From Maha Shasthi to Vijaya Dashami, it’s always exciting! Each day has special things to do, but it gets more and more fun in those last days.
What are some famous Durga Puja pandals to see in Kolkata?
Kolkata has many pandals during Durga Puja! Try to see these good ones: Kumartuli Park for its nice art, Mohammad Ali Park for its big designs, and Sreebhumi Sporting Club for its new ideas. Each one gives you a special thing to remember.