Durga Puja in 2024 will be celebrated during the ‘Shukla’ Paksha of the month of Ashvin, according to the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. The festival spans ten days, from ‘Ekam’ (the first day) to ‘Dashami’ (the last day), with the final five days holding particular significance. The last day of Durga Puja coincides with Dussehra, also known as ‘Bijoya Dashami,’ marking the conclusion of the festivities and the celebration of the goddess’s victory over evil.

How do people celebrate Durga Puja?

During Durga Puja, people celebrate by worshipping Goddess Durga, often in her form as Goddess Kali, at home and in public spaces. Large, beautifully decorated pandals are set up, featuring impressive idols of the goddess. In these pandals, devotees engage in various rituals and ceremonies.

Aside from worship, numerous literary and cultural activities take place, including competitions, recitations of scriptures, traditional music, and dance performances. Families and communities come together to encourage children to participate and showcase their talents, fostering a spirit of joy and cultural expression throughout the festivities.

Why is Durga Puja celebrated?

Durga Puja is celebrated to honor the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil as per Hindu scriptures. This festival not only commemorates this divine victory but also coincides with the harvest season, making it a time to celebrate new crops, abundance, and the cycle of life and creation. The festival embodies themes of renewal and gratitude, bringing communities together in joy and devotion.

The Legend of Durga

In the age of Satyug, the gods (devtaas) were engaged in a constant battle against demons. Among them was a formidable demon named Mahishasura, whose name translates to “buffalo demon,” as “mahisha” means buffalo and “asur” means demon. Mahishasura was powerful and possessed a boon that made him invulnerable to male foes, along with the ability to shapeshift. With these advantages, he challenged and defeated the gods.

In their defeat, the devtaas decided to unite against Mahishasura. The trinity of gods—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—came together to create a powerful female warrior with ten hands. This divine form emerged from the sacred waters of the river Ganga, as the gods combined their energies to bring her to life. Thus, Goddess Durga, also known as Mahamaya, was born. The term “Durga” in Sanskrit means a fortress, symbolizing something that is difficult to overcome or penetrate, representing her invincibility.

Another name for her is “Durgatinashini,” meaning “the one who eliminates suffering.” This name signifies her role as a protector of her devotees, destroying evil forces in the world.

Empowered by the blessings of the gods and armed with their divine weapons, Goddess Durga rode into battle on a lion. A fierce confrontation ensued, culminating in her slaying Mahishasura with her trident (Trishul). This victory earned her the title of “Mahishasuramardini,” meaning “the killer of Mahishasur,” solidifying her role as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil.

How is the festival celebrated? 

Durga Puja is a ten-day celebration that begins on the first day of Navratri (Ekam Tithi) and culminates on the tenth day (Dashami) of the Ashvin month during the Shukla Paksha, the phase of the waxing moon. The last five days of the festival are particularly significant, involving various rituals and practices.

Mahalaya:
The festival kicks off with Mahalaya, which falls on the fifth day of Ashvin. This day is dedicated to honoring ‘Pitru Dev’ (ancestral spirits). Hindus perform ‘tarpana,’ offering water and food to their ancestors, symbolizing their respect and remembrance. Mahalaya also marks the arrival of Goddess Durga from her mythological marital home in Mount Kailash.

Sashti:
The sixth day, known as Sashti, is crucial as it marks the installation of the idols of Goddess Durga in beautifully decorated pandals. This day officially starts the main festivities.

Saptami to Navami:
From the seventh day (Saptami) to the ninth day (Navami), devotees worship Goddess Durga in her various forms, including Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Saraswati (goddess of knowledge). Additionally, Lord Ganesh (the remover of obstacles) and Lord Kartikeya (the god of war) are also honored during this period. These days are the highlight of the festival, where people visit elaborately decorated Durga pandals to offer their prayers and participate in cultural activities.

Throughout these three days, various cultural performances, recitations of holy scriptures, and storytelling of the legends of Durga take place. The atmosphere is filled with joy and devotion, as friends and families come together to celebrate, share greetings, and strengthen their bonds during this festive time.

Rituals performed before the Durga Puja:

Before the Durga Puja festivities commence, several important rituals are performed:

Bodhana:
Meaning “awakening,” this ritual is performed on Sashti (the sixth day of Navratri). It involves ceremonial rites to invite Goddess Durga as a revered guest to the pandals.

Adhivasa:
Translating to “inviting,” this ritual occurs on Sashti as well. It involves anointing the goddess with various offerings, each symbolizing her different subtle forms.

Navapatrika Snaan:
On Saptami (the seventh day), this ritual is conducted early in the morning. Devotees gather to prepare a bunch of nine plants, tied together with a yellow thread using twigs from the white Aparajita plant. Each of these nine plants represents one form of Goddess Durga, collectively referred to as “Nabapatrika” (meaning nine leaves). The bunch is given a sacred bath in Ganga water (gangajal). Following this, a mirror is placed before the idol, and the reflection is given a ritual bath known as “Maha Snaan.”

Sandhi Puja and Ashtami Pushpanjali:
Ashtami (the eighth day) is the busiest day of the festival. It begins with a grand pushpanjali (flower offering). According to scripture, during the fierce battle between Goddess Durga and the buffalo demon Mahishasura, two demon brothers named Chanda and Munda appeared. At that crucial moment, Goddess Kali emerged, and a fierce battle ensued. It was during the transition from Ashtami to Navami that Kali killed the brothers, earning her the name Goddess Chamunda.

To commemorate this pivotal moment, Sandhi Puja is performed, involving the offering of 108 lotuses and lighting 108 lamps. This ritual takes place in the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami, totaling 48 minutes to honor the climax of the battle. Red sindoor (vermilion) is smeared on the surrogate effigy, symbolizing the blood shed in battle. Devotees offer food to the goddess as bhog, which is then distributed as prasad.

In many regions, Kumari Pooja is also performed, where pre-pubescent girls are invited, their feet are washed, and tilak is applied to their foreheads. They are worshipped and later given prasad, gifts, or cash, with devotees seeking their blessings.

Homa and Bhog

On Navami (the ninth day of the festival), devotees perform Homa or Hawan, a ritual where offerings known as bhog are made to Agni Dev (the Fire God) as a sacred oblation. This act symbolizes purification and the seeking of blessings.

During Navami, a lively ritual called Dhunuchi Naach takes place. Participants dance joyfully while holding burning charcoal in clay pots, moving to the rhythmic beats of the dhaak (drum). This vibrant celebration adds a festive spirit to the day.

Additionally, some people observe Kanchika or Kumari Pooja on Navami, inviting pre-pubescent girls to participate in the worship. This practice honors their purity and invokes the blessings of the goddess through their presence, further enriching the festival’s spiritual significance.

Sindoor Khela and Immersion

The final day of Durga Puja, known as Dashami, is celebrated as Vijayadashmi or Bijoya Dashomi in Bengali. This day is marked by the joyful ritual of Sindoor Khela (play with sindoor), where married women smear traditional red sindoor (vermilion) on the idols of the goddess and on each other. This act symbolizes their wishes for a happy and blissful married life.

Historically, Sindoor Khela has been a ritual primarily observed by married women, reinforcing the cultural significance of marriage and the bonds between women in the community.

As the day progresses, the celebrations culminate in the immersion of the idols in water, symbolizing Goddess Durga’s return to her celestial abode after visiting her devotees. This poignant moment signifies the cycle of life and the promise of her return next year, concluding the festivities on a note of joy and reflection.

Dashami: The Final Day of Celebration

Dashami is the day when Goddess Durga vanquished Mahishasura and returned to Mount Kailash. To commemorate this event, devotees take the idols of Goddess Durga in a grand procession to a nearby water body for immersion. During this ceremonial journey, people sing, dance, and chant slogans praising the goddess, creating an atmosphere of joy and reverence.

The immersion signifies the goddess’s return to her mythological marital home, symbolizing the departure of sorrows and the bestowal of joy and happiness upon her devotees.

On this day, families and friends gather to celebrate, sharing sweets, exchanging gifts, and offering good wishes. This heartwarming exchange of affection marks the end of the Durga Puja festivities, leaving behind cherished memories and a sense of renewal as the community looks forward to her return next year.

FAQs about Durga Puja

Q. When is Durga Puja celebrated?
Ans. Durga Puja is celebrated during the 10-day period from ‘Ekam’ to ‘Dashami’ of the Ashvin month of the Hindu calendar during the ‘Shukla’ Paksha.

Q. What is the meaning of Mahishasur?
Ans. The word ‘mahisha’ means buffalo, and ‘asur’ means demon. Therefore, Mahishasur translates to “Buffalo Demon.”

Q. What is the meaning of Mahishasuramardini?
Ans. Mahishasuramardini means “the killer of Mahishasur.”

Q. What boon did Mahishasur have?
Ans. Mahishasur had a boon that he could only be killed by a woman.

Q. Which are the significant days in Durga Puja?
Ans. Though a 10-day festival, the last 5 days, from Panchami to Dashami, are particularly significant.

Q. What are the main rituals of Durga Puja?
Ans. Key rituals include Bodhana (awakening the goddess), Adhivasa (inviting her), Navapatrika Snaan (bathing the nine plants), Sandhi Puja, and Sindoor Khela. The festival culminates with the immersion of the idols on Dashami.

Q. What is Sindoor Khela?
Ans. Sindoor Khela is a ritual performed on Dashami where married women smear sindoor (vermilion) on the idols of the goddess and on each other, symbolizing wishes for a happy married life.

Q. What is the significance of the immersion?
Ans. The immersion of the idols marks Goddess Durga’s return to her celestial abode at Mount Kailash. It symbolizes the cycle of life, the departure of sorrows, and the promise of her return next year.

Q. How do people celebrate Durga Puja?
Ans. Celebrations include worshipping the goddess, participating in cultural activities, visiting beautifully decorated pandals, sharing meals, and spending time with family and friends.

Q. Is Durga Puja celebrated outside India?
Ans. Yes, Durga Puja is celebrated by the Indian diaspora around the world and has significant observances in countries like Bangladesh and Nepal.

Q. What is Mahalaya?
Ans. Mahalaya marks the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities, dedicated to honoring ancestors. It is also believed to signify the arrival of Goddess Durga from her mythological home.