Durga Puja 2024 Calendar and Key Dates: The Grand Festival and Navratri Celebrations
Durga Puja 2024 is the biggest and grandest festival celebrated by the Bengali community, symbolizing power, devotion, and tradition. It is a festival dedicated to worshipping and honoring the nine forms of Goddess Durga and is celebrated with immense fervor across India, especially in West Bengal. According to the Durga Puja Calendar 2024, this sacred festival will take place in October and is closely linked with the nine holy days of Navratri. Let’s take a look at the key dates and important events for Durga Puja 2024.
Important Dates of Durga Puja 2024
- Navratri Begins (Navratri 2024 Kalash Sthapana)
Date: 3rd October 2024
Navratri begins with Kalash Sthapana, where devotees set up the holy pot to mark the arrival of Goddess Durga. For nine days, people worship the different forms of Maa Durga. This ritual is referred to as 9 days Maa Durga Puja Vidhi. - Maha Saptami
Date: 9th October 2024
Maha Saptami marks the official beginning of Durga Puja. On this day, special rituals are performed to worship the powerful form of Maa Durga. Across Kolkata and other places, the grand decorations and setup of Durga Puja pandals are sights to behold. - Maha Ashtami (Durga Ashtami 2024)
Date: 10th October 2024
Maha Ashtami is the most important day of Durga Puja. This day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Mahagauri, and it is the peak of the festivities. Special havans and Kanjak Puja are held, and devotees seek the blessings of Maa Durga. - Maha Navami
Date: 11th October 2024
On Maha Navami, devotees worship Maa Siddhidatri, marking the last major day of the festival. Preparations for the immersion of Durga idols begin on this day, and people celebrate with great enthusiasm. - Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
Date: 12th October 2024
Vijayadashami marks the conclusion of Durga Puja. On this day, the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It is also the day of Ravana Dahan, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil forces.
Highlights of Durga Puja
Durga Puja Parikrama and Trinayani Durgotsav
During Durga Puja, devotees undertake pandal hopping or Durga Puja Parikrama, visiting various beautifully decorated pandals to witness different forms of Maa Durga. In the Trinayani Durgotsav, the Goddess is depicted with three eyes, representing her all-seeing wisdom and immense power.
Durga Puja Song Collection and Dandiya Nights 2024
Throughout the festival, devotees sing devotional songs from the Durga Puja Song Collection, praising the glory of Maa Durga. These songs fill the air with devotion and positive energy. Additionally, vibrant Dandiya Nights 2024 events are held, where people dressed in colorful outfits enjoy Garba and Dandiya dances.
Religious and Cultural Significance of Durga Puja
Durga Puja is the Biggest Festival of the Bengali Community, but it is not limited to this community alone. This grand festival symbolizes the unity of religion, culture, and devotion across the country. The worship of Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga, is an important part of this festival. This form of the Goddess signifies motherhood and compassion, and devotees pray to her for peace and prosperity in their lives.
Durga Puja 2024 is not just a religious event but a grand celebration of culture, unity, and devotion. The Durgotsava Festival 2024 brings together magnificent pandals, music, dance, and cultural activities, making it one of the most vibrant festivals in India. Every aspect of this celebration—from Durga Ashtami 2024 to Navratri 2024 Kalash Sthapana and Dandiya Nights 2024—brings joy, positivity, and blessings to all.
