Happy Durga Puja 2024: Significance, Date-Wise Full Schedule And Rituals

The festive season in India has begun, and the celebrations are unstoppable. Adults and children alike are filled with joy, and the festive spirit resonates throughout the country. This year, Durga Puja starts on October 8 and concludes on October 13.

What is Durga Puja?

Durga Puja is one of the grandest festivals for Hindus. It is more than just a religious observance; it brings people together through joy, creativity, and devotion. The festival is celebrated over five days: Shashthi, Mahasaptami, Mahashtami, Mahanavami, and Vijayadashami.

Though Durga Puja is celebrated across India, it is especially prominent in states like West Bengal, Assam , and Tripura. For the people of these regions, Durga Puja is more than a religious festival but it is deeply woven into their cultural and regional identity.

According to Drik Panchang, “Durga Puja is not only the biggest Hindu festival but also the most important socio-cultural event for Bengali Hindu society.”

Happy Durga Puja 2024: Schedule

• 8th October 2024, Tuesday: Panchami
• 9th October 2024, Wednesday: Shashthi
• 10th October 2024, Thursday: Saptami
• 11th October 2024, Friday: Ashtami
• 12th October 2024, Saturday: Navami
• 13th October 2024, Sunday: Dashami

Happy Durga Puja 2024: Main Rituals

While rituals may vary across different states and traditions, the key rituals of Durga Puja, as highlighted by Drik Panchang, include:

• Recite or listen to Chandi Paath
• Setting up decorated pandals to display the unique idols of Goddess Durga
• Offering Pushpanjali to Goddess Durga in the morning on the first four days
• Performing Shodashopachar Durga Puja from Saptami to Navami
• Dhunuchi dance in front of Goddess Durga
• Performing or participating in Chandi Homa on Mahanavami
• Lighting of 108 earthen lamps during Sandhya Puja
• Durga Visarjan on Vijayadashami Day
• Playing with Sindoor during Sindoor Utsav
• Exchanging victory greetings