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Durga Puja, celebrated in the month of Ashwin, is a much-awaited Hindu festival, especially for Bengalis. This revered festival is celebrated with much pomp and enthusiasm to celebrate the victory of good over evil in which Goddess Durga defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It also commemorates the return of Goddess Durga to her maternal home, the mortal realm. The grand scale of Durga Puja celebration makes this festival truly a surreal experience. Here are the key dates of Durga Puja to join the festivities.
Also read: Navratri 2024: Complete list of 9 colors of Navratri and their significance
full calendar
Mahalaya, 2 October
Mahalaya marks the beginning of the countdown to Durga Puja, reminding us that only a week is left for the festivities to begin. It is an auspicious day that marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Debi Paksha. Debi Paksha is a fortnight of celebration of the divine feminine.
Mahalaya has deep cultural significance for Bengalis. On this day, a sacred ritual of ‘Chokkhu Daan’ takes place, when artists paint the divine eyes of the idols of Goddess Durga. It also marks the beginning of his journey into the mortal realm. Bengalis wake up early in the morning and listen to Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s Mahishasura Mardini. The divine verse invites the devotees to welcome the coming goddess.
Mahasashthi, 9 October
After the Durga ‘pratima’ (idols) are placed in the pandal, the first face manifestation takes place on Maha Shashthi during a sacred ritual called ‘Bodhon’.
Mahasaptami, 10 October:
Nabapatrika puja takes place, where nine plants symbolizing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Another name for this ritual is Kola Bau, in which the banana plant is immersed in a pure white saree with a red border.
Maha Ashtami, 11 October
It is considered to be one of the most auspicious days of Durga Puja festival. Pushpanjali is organized on this day, in which the Goddess is worshiped and flowers are offered. Kumari Puja also takes place on this day.
However, according to the Gupta Press Panchang, this year the timing of Pushpanjal is scheduled between 5:45 am to 6:00 am. Since this timing is not practical for many people, many will follow the Vishuddha Siddhanta Panchang, in which the timing of Pushpanjali will be adjusted from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.
Sandhi Puja, marking the beginning of Mahanavami, will begin at 11:30 am. Mahanavami will last for one and a half days, starting from the afternoon of 11th October and continuing till the entire day of 12th October.
Mahanavami, 12 October
Sandhi Puja occurs during the transition between Mahashtami and Mahanavami. This marks the beginning of Mahanavami.
Vijayadashami, 13 October
The immersion of Goddess Durga takes place on the last day of Durga Puja festival. It marks the return of Goddess Durga to her divine abode.
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