Durga Puja 2024: Celebrating Ashtami, Navami, And Rituals Of Navratri

The Hindu festival of Navratri kicked off on October 3, leading into the five-day Durga Puja celebration starting October 9. At the heart of these festivities lie Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, days rich in rituals, prayers, and cultural significance. This festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, marked by Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, as well as her annual return to the mortal realm.

Maha Ashtami: A day of reverence

Maha Ashtami, occurring on October 11 this year, is considered the most auspicious day of Durga Puja. On this day, devotees worship Maa Mahagauri, an incarnation of the divine feminine, embodying purity and tranquility. In the Bengali tradition, Maa Chamunda is also honored for her role in defeating the demons Chanda, Munda, and Raktabija.

Celebrations begin with early morning rituals, including a Mahasnan (holy bath), followed by the Shodashopachar Puja, where nine pots representing the nine forms of Durga are placed for worship. This day is also marked by fasting and the Kanya Puja, where young unmarried girls are revered as embodiments of the Goddess.

The Sandhi Puja, performed at the transition between Ashtami and Navami, holds special significance, symbolizing the merging of energies and the culmination of devotion.

Navami: The victory of good over evil

Navami, celebrated on October 12, signifies the final victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. This day highlights the Goddess's fierce form as Mahishasuramardhini, representing the ultimate triumph of good. Devotees engage in Kanya Pujan again, inviting young girls to their homes, washing their feet, and offering them sweets and fruits, seeking blessings for prosperity and health.