Durga Puja Festival 2024
2024 Durga Puja: the Goddess Durga Comes Home
2024 Durga Puja dates are 03rd October to 12th October. Durga Puja comes under the Sharad Navratri, thus, it is a vital time for all the natives of West Bengal. In 2024, Durga Puja will again take place to change the view of Bengal. To know more read further…
Goddess Durga is the essence of women's motherhood and power. Durga Puja is the day when all the devotees worship the Goddess Durga with great devotion. Devotees worship her as the power that formed the universe. Goddess Durga plays the role of protector for their devotees and becomes destructor. Durga Puja is celebrated all over the world but the real celebration of Durga Puja can be witnessed especially in Kolkata.
here, we will ensure you know the complete information about the Durga Puja festival and what should you look for in the upcoming 2024 Durga Puja festival.
During the duration of Durga Puja, devotees worshipped the Goddess Durga as Nav Durga. The exact date and time of Durga Puja are decided according to the Hindu calendar. During the ten auspicious days of Durga Puja celebrations, many different rituals are performed. But in the last five days of Durga Puja- Maha Saptami, Maha Shashthi, Vijay Dashmi and Maha Navami are celebrated with great festivity, zeal and enthusiasm all over the world, especially in Kolkata.
The Durga Puja festival signifies the reunion or gathering of people from all the states of India. Before celebrating the 2024 Durga Puja, let’s know more about the importance of Durga Puja.
On this auspicious day, all pray to Goddess Durga, but we know why the Goddess is called as Durga. So, we help you to know the meaning of the Durga word, before celebrating the 2024 Durga Puja.
Meaning of Durga
Maa Durga is one of the main forms of Goddess Parvati, thus Maa Durga sits on the Lion and acts as a protector. Durga word is taken from the Sanskrit language; the word Durga refers to a fort or place which cannot be swamped. “Durgatinashini” is another meaning of the Durga word, which can be explained as” the one who removes sufferings”. Therefore, Maa Durga is considered as protector of her devotees and for the whole universe. Blessings of Goddess Durga eliminate all the evils and miseries around us.
This 2024 Durga Puja, we all perform the puja for Goddess Durga to get her blessings and wishes and be a protector from evils, wrongs and injustice around us.
Every year the puja of Goddess Durga is performed with great joy and enthusiasm in different parts of India; especially in Bengal and Kolkata. In Bengal, Hindus celebrate the Durga Puja festival as Sharadiya or Sharadotsav Durga puja (the festival of autumn). In Northern India, the Duga Festival is celebrated as Navratri, on this day; people worshipped the nine forms of Maa Durga. Before the predetermined dates of Durga Puja, you can see the preparation and happiness of this day at another level. Various artists start the preparation of making idols of Goddess Durga in advance of the large scale of celebration.
Every year, during Durga Puja, idols of Durga are witnessed in different parts of the country. In 2024, in this Durga puja, we will see the different forms of Goddess Durga, but her idol represents many things. But we didn’t know all such things about the Maa Durga.
Astrosage brings the complete information about Maa Durga like why she is sitting in this form and importance of each form of Maa Durga and what message this puja holds for her devotees.
Durga Puja Festival
When Durga Puja fall in 2024, 2025 and 2026?
- 2024:- 03rd October to 12th October
- 2025:- 22nd September to 02nd October
- 2026:- 11th October to 20th October
The Idol of Maa Durga
Maa Durga’s embodiment in different forms like Bhavani, Ambika, Gauri, Kali and many more for the betterment and improvement of the universe. The different incarnation of Maa Durga represents that whenever evil rises she becomes a destructor and protects the life of devotees. Goddess Durga is the embodiment of the special power of the different Gods. Therefore, these special powers of divine Gods were created by Goddess Durga in weapon form; which is clearly shown in the idols of Maa Durga.
In 2024 Durga Puja, when you want to worship Maa Durga visit the Pandal where Maa Durga idols are established and devotees worshipped her. Everything that she holds in her arms, hands, her eyes and her vehicle has its importance and devotees worship her with great devotion and faith.
Goddess Durga’s Arms
The idol of Maa Durga is always shown with ten arms. The ten arms of Maa Durga represent that she protects the mankind and universe from all four directions. The incarnation of Maa Durga represents the love, concern and protection a mother does for his children. Thus, she is in any form of embodiment always respected and protects their devotees and universe as mother.
In 2024 Durga puja will bring the blessings of Maa Durga along with protection, love and concern.
Therefore, Maa Durga holds several weapons in her arms and every weapon has its importance and these different weapons are different symbols for us. Thus, these are the special powers provided to Maa Durga by divine Gods.
In 2024 Durga Puja, pray to the Maa Durga with great devotion and faith and receive her blessings.
Weapons of Goddess Durga’s
Goddess Durga has ten hands and in each hand, she holds various weapons which people observe during the Durga Puja. Now, in this year 2024 again observe Durga Puja and know about the weapons of Maa Durga.
- Conch Shell: It represents the holding of God in sound form. The conch shell marks the word ‘Om’ or “Pravana”.
- Thunderbolt: It is a sign of positivity in thoughts and it indicates a sign of confidence. Therefore, Goddess Durga wants to message her devotees that they always have a never give up attitude and act courageously.
- Sudarshan Chakra: it is an unfailing weapon and it also represents that the universe is in command of Goddess Durga. Sudarshan Chakra is a weapon to eliminate evil and bring Justice to the universe.
- Sword: it is a sign of knowledge and information that will help an individual from all the doubts and confusion prevailing in mind.
- Trident or Trishul: Maa Durga acts as a protector, destroyer and saviour of all miseries and worries. The sign of Trishul represents three qualities of the universe that are Rajas, Tamas and Satva. Thus, Goddess Durga's weapon Trishul eliminates the suffering and unhappiness from one’s life.
- Bow and Arrow: this weapon of Maa Durga represents energy. Therefore, this weapon clearly states that Goddess Durga has control and helps to manage the energy in the right direction.
- Lotus: maa Durga holds the lotus in their hand; it is a sign of certainty of success but the lotus does not indicate the outcomes. Therefore, Lotus also represents the nature of growth which is constant.
Every year devotees worship Maa Durga, during the Durga Puja. In the 2024 Durga puja, pray the Goddess Durga with full faith and devotion and ask for her blessings. Don’t forget that each weapon of Maa Durga holds a message for the whole universe and mankind.
Goddess Durga’s Eyes
Every year, during Durga Puja devotees worship the Maa Durga with great devotion and celebrate this festival with joy and happiness. But one thing is common in all when we pray to Goddess Durga, we see into her eyes.
The eyes of Maa Durga hold a message to her devotees that she always cares her devotees and protects them from all evils and worries. Goddess Durga has three eyes, which are known as “Tryambake” which means Goddess with three eyes. Thus, each eye of Maa Durga refers to something, the left eye is assumed as the Moon and indicates the desires, the right eye is assumed as the Sun; it shows the actions and the central eye is Lord Shiva’s (it opens to create destruction) is assumed as fire and indicates knowledge.
These three eyes of Maa Durga make a balance and give the message that Maa Durga is always concerned and keeps an eye on her devotees and protects them from evils.
In 2024 Durga puja brings happiness, and joy and Goddess Durga blesses her devotees. we state, that in the 2024 Durga puja, devotees pray to Maa Durga and she gives the message that always she keeps her eyes on the universe and protects their devotees.
Goddess Durga’s Vehicle
We all know that the lion is Maa Durga’s Vehicle. Her Vahana (i.e. Lion) shows a strong will, determination and power. Goddess Durga Vahana is a Lion; it is a sign that Goddess Durga has managed all the power and saved the lives of her devotees.
Every year, devotees pray to the idol of Maa Durga for an important reason. Maa Durga is a Goddess who cannot be failed or defeated. Hence, there are many legends connected to Goddess Durga being shown in this form.
In 2024, Durga puja, the idol of Goddess Durga will be prayed in this form.
Legends of Durga Puja
Goddess Durga is the embodiment of the saviour of the universe. According to Hindu mythology, it stated that there was a demon (Rakshasa) named Mahishasura; he had a boon granted by Lord Brahma, that this Rakshasa is not be murdered by any god or man. On receiving such a boon from Lord Brahma, he begins to do all the wrong deeds. Even though he defeated Indra he started to create more sadness. The misdeeds of demons had to be finished. But, because of Lord Brahma's boon, no man or god could do anything. Then, the Trinity God (Brahma- Vishnu- Mahesh) with the other gods' help called the Parvati. Thus, Goddess Parvati took birth in the form of Maa Durga to end all the miseries and kill the Mahishasura. Goddess Durga faced battle continuous ten days against the Mahishasura with her powerful weapon presented by the Divine Gods and with her ten hands.
The battle of ten days was extremely violent. During this duration, Mahishasura (Rakshasa) took several forms and his Asuras army tried to defeat her. At that time, Goddess Durga proved much stronger and more powerful in comparison to the Army of Asura. And on the last day i.e. tenth day, when Asura was trying to change itself into a buffalo, at same time Goddess Durga with the help of her trident pierced Mahishasura’s heart.
After this incident, the Goddess Durga was recognized as Mahishasura Mardini. Hence, in every Pandal of Durga Puja, you will observe this idol. Goddess Durga is known as the saviour of the universe from all worries and evils. In the 2024 Durga Puja, you will again observe the Maa Durga act as a saviour or protector of the universe.
Another legend associated with Puja of Durga is Lord Rama; he performed Chandi Puja to raise the Maa Durga blessings before his battle against the Ravana. With the help of the blessings of Maa Durga, Lord Rama defeated and killed the king of Lanka i.e. Ravana on Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.
Now, we know the Durga Puja-associated legends. So, During the Puja of Maa Durga in 2024, devotees also worship the idol of Maha Durga in Mahishasura form with great devotion and faith.
Durga Puja Days
Nowadays, the auspicious day of Durga Puja is celebrated with great zeal and happiness in autumn, according to the scriptures, the worship of Goddess Puja this time is not suitable because the reason behind this is explained in Indian mythology.
Thus, this time is named Akal Bodhon; the word Akal stands for ‘A’ is ‘not’ whereas the word ‘Kal’ stands for ‘time’ and similarly the word ‘Bodhon’ means ‘worship’. Therefore, the worship of Maa Durga is an exceptional time.
During the puja of Maa Durga, the last five days are believed to be the most favourable one in comparison to earlier days. In 2024 on Durga Puja, don’t forget to worship the Maa Durga, especially on these days for her blessings.
Maha Sashti: it is believed that on the day of Maha Sashti, Maa Durga comes on the earth i.e. planet. On this auspicious day, the idol of Maa Durga is revealed and a special puja of Durga is performed. On the day of Maha Shasthi, Goddess Durga comes with her sons Kartika and Ganesha along with goddesses Saraswati and Lakshmi. The rituals of Amontron (invitation given to Maa Durga), Bodhaon(pray to Maa Durga), Adhibas ( purify the area of worship) and Kalparambho (before beginning such puja, a ritual is performed).
Maha Saptami: on the auspicious day of Maha Saptami, nine planets are worshipped by devotees; it shows the original power of the Maa Durga.
Maha Ashtami: on this auspicious day of Maha Ashtami, worship of young girls is performed i.e. known as Kumari Puja. In the Northern part of the country, the same rituals are performed, during Navratri. Special Puja of Maa Durga is performed by her devotees, on this day. It is highly believed that during these last days of Durga Puja, Goddess Durga took a terrible and powerful form of Chamundi or Kali, which was prayed by God Rama to win the fight against Demon Ravana.
Maha Navami: maha Navmi is the day of a big feast. On this day, Bhog is prepared and offered to Goddess Durga. And after performing puja and bhog, devotees break their fast.
Vijaya Dashami or Bijaya Dashami: the tenth and the last day of Durga puja is the sign of Goddess Durga's farewell. On this day it is believed that Goddess Durga return to the heavens where Lord Shiva i.e. her husband resides. On the day of Vijaya Dashami, married women apply vermilion to each other and also to the idol of Goddess Durga. The idol of Maa Durga is a dip in the water.
In the 2024 Durga Puja, with the same expectations and blessings, devotees say goodbye to Goddess Durga and also have faith in her that she always acts as a protector for her devotees.
Not only in Bengal but also in the various states of India like Bihar, Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Assam, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, New Delhi, Orissa and many more Durga Puja is celebrated. The festival of Durga Puja is not only celebrated in India but also celebrated in different countries like the U.K., Indonesia, Europe, Nepal, Australia, the USA and many more.
In India, on the auspicious day of Durga Puja, pandas are decorated with various themes. Therefore, especially in the states of Kolkata and Bengal, the Pandal is decorated with special themes that indicate the Durga Puja. During this period, the best and the most beautiful decorated Pandal of Durga Puja are rewarded.
During the time of Durga Puja devotees celebrated these ten days with great enthusiasm, reunion, devotion and joy and asked for her blessings.
In 2024 the festival of Durga Puja, will again celebrated with the same feeling and happiness throughout the world. Various idols of Maa Durga and Pandals will decorate and it shows the real sentiments and feelings of Devotees towards the Maa Durga. In 2024, Durga Puja Pandals were decorated, and dance, songs, drama and many more events were organized.
In 2024, Durga puja don’t forget to show your love, devotion and affection towards the Goddess Durga. Share the greeting cards of Maa Durga in 2024 and love and affection with your loved ones and Goddess Durga will surely bless you.
Share the SMS and wallpapers of Maa Durga with your relatives and friends and spread joy, happiness, and love around this 2024 Durga Puja.
We wish a Happy Durga Puja 2024 to all its readers.
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