Durga Puja 2024 Date in West Bengal Time :- Durga Puja is the most important festival in West Bengal. It is a celebration of culture, tradition, and devotion. In 2024, Durga Puja will be celebrated with great enthusiasm, just like every year. This article will cover everything you need to know about Durga Puja 2024, including the dates, rituals, timings, and significance of the festival.
What is Durga Puja?
Durga Puja is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, the goddess fought for ten days and finally killed Mahishasura. This festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
Durga Puja also marks the harvest season. People believe that during this time, Goddess Durga comes to the earth with her children: Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The festival lasts for five days, from Shashthi (the sixth day of Navaratri) to Dashami (Vijaya Dashami).
Durga Puja 2024 Schedule
| Durga Puja Day | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| Mahalaya | October 02 | Wednesday |
| Maha Panchami | October 08 | Tuesday |
| Maha Sashti | October 09 | Wednesday |
| Maha Saptami | October 10 | Thursday |
| Maha Ashtami | October 11 | Friday |
| Maha Navami | October 12 | Saturday |
| Vijaya Dashami | October 12 | Saturday |
Durga Puja 2024 Dates and Timings
In 2024, Durga Puja will begin on October 9 and end on October 14. Here are the detailed dates and important rituals for each day:
Shashthi (October 9, 2024)
- This is the sixth day of Navaratri.
- The day when Goddess Durga arrives on earth.
- Bodhan (the ritual of welcoming the goddess) takes place in the evening.
Saptami (October 10, 2024)
- Saptami is the day when the main worship of Durga Puja begins.
- On this day, the priest invokes the goddess in the idol through the ritual of Pran Pratistha.
- The holy banana tree, called Nabapatrika, is bathed and placed beside Durga’s idol.
- Saptami Puja Timing: Early morning (before sunrise).
Ashtami (October 11, 2024)
- Durga Ashtami is the most significant day of Durga Puja.
- Devotees offer prayers to the goddess with flowers, known as Pushpanjali.
- The grand Sandhi Puja, which marks the transition from Ashtami to Navami, is performed during this day.
- Ashtami Puja Timing: Early morning.
Navami (October 12, 2024)
- This is the last day of the major Puja rituals.
- Devotees perform Maha Navami Puja and offer a special feast known as Bhog.
- Navami Puja Timing: Early morning.
Dashami (October 13, 2024):
- Vijaya Dashami marks the end of Durga Puja.
- In the evening, people perform Sindoor Khela, where married women smear each other with vermillion.
- The goddess is then given a grand farewell through the Visarjan (immersion of the idols) ceremony.
- Dashami Puja Timing: Morning.
The virtual inauguration of 15 Durga Puja Pandals by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal took place today. Senior officers from Police and Civil Administration as well as people’s representatives, organisers of the Puja Committees and other dignitaries were present at the… pic.twitter.com/YpcXhjvJGf
— Bankura Police (@spbankura) October 2, 2024
Importance of Each Day
- Shashthi: The welcoming of Goddess Durga sets the tone for the festival. People decorate the pandals (temporary structures for worship), and rituals begin.
- Saptami: The first day of the actual worship. The Pran Pratistha ritual is significant because it is believed that Goddess Durga herself comes to the idol.
- Ashtami: This is the most important day of the festival. The Sandhi Puja performed on this day signifies Durga’s transformation into her fierce form to kill Mahishasura.
- Navami: It is believed that Durga killed Mahishasura on this day. The Navami Bhog is considered a divine offering, and many people fast and later consume this holy meal.
- Dashami: This day is marked by celebrations and farewells. The immersion of idols represents the departure of the goddess back to her heavenly abode.
Cultural Significance of Durga Puja in West Bengal
In West Bengal, Durga Puja is not just a religious festival; it is a cultural extravaganza. People from all over the world come to witness the grandeur of the celebration. The city of Kolkata becomes vibrant with lights, music, and decorated pandals.
Here are some of the cultural highlights of Durga Puja in West Bengal:
- Pandal Hopping: Visiting various pandals is a major activity during Durga Puja. Each pandal is uniquely designed, often based on a specific theme. Some pandals are inspired by social issues, while others showcase mythological stories.
- Art and Craft: The idols of Goddess Durga are crafted with great care and artistry. The artisans of Kumartuli in Kolkata are famous for creating stunning idols every year.
- Traditional Dance and Music: The sound of dhak (traditional drum) and dhaak beats fill the air during the festival. People dance to the rhythm and participate in dhunuchi naach, a traditional dance performed while holding incense burners.
- Food and Feasting: Food is an essential part of Durga Puja. From delicious bhog (offered to the goddess) to street food like phuchka, kathi rolls, and mishti, the festival is a food lover’s paradise.
- Sindoor Khela: This is a unique ritual performed on Dashami, where married women apply vermillion on each other, wishing for long-lasting marital bliss.
Preparation for Durga Puja 2024
Preparations for Durga Puja begin months in advance. Here are some of the key aspects of the preparation process:
- Pandal Construction: Pandal construction starts weeks before the actual festival. Each year, pandal committees aim to create something unique, often competing for awards.
- Idol Making: The idols of Goddess Durga, her children, and the demon Mahishasura are made with clay. These idols are painted and dressed beautifully for the Puja.
- Shopping: People buy new clothes and gifts for their family and friends. Markets are crowded with people purchasing sarees, jewelry, and other traditional attire.
- Lighting: Streets, homes, and pandals are illuminated with bright lights and decorations. The lighting adds to the festive atmosphere.
Important Traditions During Durga Puja
Durga Puja is filled with many traditions that have been followed for generations. Some of the key rituals include:
- Bodhan: The welcoming ritual of Goddess Durga on Shashthi.
- Pran Pratistha: The ceremony of invoking the spirit of the goddess into the idol on Saptami.
- Pushpanjali: Offering of flowers to the goddess during Ashtami and Navami.
- Sandhi Puja: Performed during the transition from Ashtami to Navami, this puja is highly significant and marks the moment when Durga killed Mahishasura.
- Visarjan: The immersion of idols on Dashami signifies the end of the festival.
Durga Puja 2024: Astrological Significance
According to Hindu beliefs, the timing of Durga Puja is decided based on the lunar calendar. The dates fall in the Ashwin month, which is considered an auspicious time for worship.
Astrologers believe that performing Durga Puja during this time brings peace, prosperity, and happiness. The goddess blesses her devotees with strength to overcome challenges in life.
Conclusion
Durga Puja 2024 in West Bengal will be celebrated with the same devotion, excitement, and cultural richness as always. The festival is a time for people to come together, worship, and enjoy the festive spirit. Whether it is the rituals, the decorations, or the food, Durga Puja creates memories that last a lifetime.
If you plan to visit West Bengal during this time, make sure to participate in the festivities and witness the grandeur of the celebration.