Durga Puja 2024 Date and Schedule with Significance and Rituals in West Bengal

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.

One of the most awaited festivals of the year, Durga Puja 2024 promises to enchant devotees with its grandeur, artistry and tradition.

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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	See more : Optical Illusion Brain Challenge: If you have 50/50 Vision Find the Word Forty among Forth in 13 Secs 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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