The triumph of Goddess Durga over the diabolical Mahishasura is honored by the Hindus on Durga Puja break. This five-day festivities on Oct. 8, 2024, depicts the prevailing of morality.
The festival showcases complex rituals, colorful processions, and beautiful decorations that promote community togetherness. Temples and pandals display stunning artwork, while music and dance enhance the ambience. Families come together during celebratory dinners, solidifying their connections.
Durga Puja, being a renowned festivity, draws in visitors and travelers, providing a special understanding of Indian spirituality and culture. This article will examine the:
- customs,
- significance, and
- colorful rituals that bring communities together.
Dates of Durga Puja 2024
The 2024 Durga Puja tithi dates and days are written down in the table below. Take a quick look at this section.
| Event/ Tithi | Date | Day |
| Panchami Tithi | 8 October 2024 | Tuesday |
| Shashthi Tithi | 9 October 2024 | Wednesday |
| Saptami Tithi | 10 October 2024 | Thursday |
| Ashtami Tithi | 11 October 2024 | Friday |
| Navami Tithi | 12 October 2024 | Saturday |
| Dashami Tithi | 13 October 2024 | Sunday |
History of Durga Puja
Below is a summary chart of the main historical events and important milestones of the Durga Puja festival.
| Year | Event Description |
| Late 1500s | First recorded memorialized of Durga Puja in Bengal, organized by zamindars and landlords in Malda and Dinajpur. |
| 1790 | First community celebration known as ‘Baro-Yaari’ puja initiated by 12 friends in Guptipara, Hoogly, West Bengal. |
| 1832 | The first ‘Baro-Yaari’ puja celebrated in Kolkata by Raja Harinath of Cossimbazar, previously performed in Murshidabad (1824-1831). |
| 1765 | The British first performed Durga Puja to appease Hindu subjects after annexing Diwani of Bengal; John Chips organized it in Birbhum. |
| 1840 | British participation in Durga Puja celebrations continued, showcasing the blend of cultures. |
| 1910 | First Durga Puja celebration in Delhi after it became the capital of British India, maintaining a fervor similar to Kolkata and Bengal. |
| Ongoing | Durga Puja retains a great show in Kolkata. Moreover, other regions of Bengal, representing:togetherness, and cultural legacy. |
Celebration of Durga Puja
Every year, Indians enthusiastically celebrate Durga Puja in various ways, as outlined below:
- Shutdown of establishments: Educational institutions and government offices remain closed during Durga Puja.
- Shopping celebrations begin as people start buying new clothes and items right after Mahalaya. Numerous stores provide discounted prices at this period.
- Traditional clothing: During Maha Ashtami, men usually prefer to wear Kurta Pajamas while women opt for gorgeous sarees.
- Neighborhoods host different cultural events, where puja organizers vie with each other by creating theme-based pandals.
- Artistic Pandals: Each temporary structure is characterized by its distinctive art and decorations, narrating a tale and drawing in crowds of visitors who queue up to gain entry.
- Food Stalls: Many food stalls appear all around, and eateries create unique dishes for Durga Puja.
- Festive Decorations: Colorful lights are used to adorn the streets and enhance the festive atmosphere.
- Traffic Control: Additional police officers are assigned to regulate traffic and guarantee safety throughout the festivities.
- Family Gatherings: During Durga Puja, families unite to set aside their disagreements and rejoice together.
- Unity in Diversity: The festival goes beyond religious differences, celebrating the core of humanity and unity.
Conclusion
The festivities of Durga Puja 2024 feature a lively tribute to faith, creativity, and togetherness. From October 8-13, submerge yourself in the happiness, togetherness, and cultural abundance that this famous event offers, commemorating the triumph of righteousness over malevolence.
FAQs
Question 1 What is the birth story of Durga?
Answer. Legend has it that Durga was formed by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and other gods to defeat the buffalo demon Mahishasura when they couldn’t do it alone. She embodies their combined energy (shakti), originating from male deities and serving as their ultimate power source.
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