Durga Puja is a grand festival that echoes in the hearts of Indians. It is not just a religious celebration, it is a cultural phenomenon that brings communities together with joy, devotion and creativity.
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One of the most awaited festivals of the year, Durga Puja 2024 promises to enchant devotees with its grandeur, artistry and tradition.
You are watching: Durga Puja 2024 Date and Schedule with Significance and Rituals in West Bengal
In West Bengal, Durga Puja is more than just a religious event, it is deeply woven into the identity and culture of the region. This festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, celebrates the victory of goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, and symbolizes the victory of justice and the destruction of ignorance.
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Durga Puja Dates and Schedule 2024
Durga Puja celebrations last for five days, starting from Shashthi and ending with Vijayadashami. In 2024, the festival will take place from October 8 to 13, with each day holding a unique importance.
|
sky |
date |
working day |
Didi |
Rituals and Activities |
|
1 |
October 8, 2024 |
Tuesday |
Panchami |
Bilwa Nemantland |
|
2 |
October 9, 2024 |
Wednesday |
Shashti |
kalumba |
|
3 |
October 10, 2024 |
Thursday |
Saptami |
Durga Saptami |
|
4 |
October 11, 2024 |
Friday |
Ashtami |
Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami |
|
5 |
October 12, 2024 |
Saturday |
Famous Baume |
Maha Navami, Vijayadashami |
|
6 |
October 13, 2024 |
Sunday |
Dashami |
Vijayadashami |
Source: Drikpanchang
Durga Puja 2024: Meaning and Ritual in West Bengal (Kolkata)
In West Bengal, Durga Puja is not limited to religious rituals; it is a celebration of art, culture and creativity. Pandas populate towns and cities, and each community competes to build the most beautiful and themed buildings. These pandas are often inspired by contemporary social issues, historical events or famous landmarks, adding layers of meaning to the holiday. The craftsmanship in making Durga idols is also amazing, with craftsmen spending months preparing the lifelike and intricate idols of the goddess.
Following are some famous Durga Puja rituals in West Bengal
- Paata Puja: The preparation for Durga Puja starts with the ‘Paata Puja’ held on the day of Rath Yatra in July. In this ritual, people worship the wooden frame or ‘Paata’ that forms the base of the idol.
- Bodhana: This important ritual is performed on Shashthi, the sixth day of the festival. It includes ghatasthapana (prayer of the goddess) and pranapratistha (consecration of the idol), symbolizing the awakening and welcome of Goddess Durga.
- Adhivasa: Following Bodhana, people offer symbolic offerings to Goddess Durga to seek her blessings.
- Navapatrika Snan: On the seventh day of Saptami, Navapatrika (nine plants symbolizing the goddess) ritually bathes in holy water.
- Sandhi Puja and Ashtami Pushpanjali: Ashtami, the eighth day, is marked by the offering of Pushpanjali (flower offering). Sandhi Puja is held at the intersection of Ashtami and Navami and the ceremony lasts for 48 minutes and involves 108 lotuses, 108 lamps and bhog offerings. In some traditions, symbolic animal sacrifices are also performed.
- Homa and Bhog: On Navami, the last day of Durga Puja, people perform the sacred fire ritual (homa) while offering bhog. In some places, people will also worship the goddess Kumari, treating young girls as the incarnation of the goddess.
- Sindoor Khela, Dhunuchi Naach and Immersion: Vijaya Dashami (the last day of Navratri) is celebrated by married women playing Sindoor Khela and applying vermilion on each other to pray for a happy married life. This day marks the victory of Durga over Mahishasura. The celebration ends with a vibrant Dhunuchi Naach and immersion of the idol, symbolizing the return of the Goddess to her heavenly kingdom.
Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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