Durga Puja, one of the most significant festivals in India, is a grand celebration of the divine feminine power. It commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and is a time for joy, devotion, and community bonding. The festival is particularly vibrant in the eastern Indian states, including West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha.
Durga Puja 2024 Dates
Durga Puja 2024 will be celebrated from October 9 to October 13. Sasthi Puja is on October 9, while the Dashami Puja is on October 13.
Key Rituals and Celebrations
- Mahalaya: This day represents the coming of the Mother Goddess to the earth or the mortal plane. For many, this is the start of the 10-day-long celebration of Durga Puja. For Durga Puja 2024, Mahalaya will be on October 2.
- Bodhon: This marks the beginning of the festival when the idols of Goddess Durga, her children (Ganesha, Kartik, and Lakshmi), and her vehicle (lion or tiger) are brought to life through a special ritual. This ritual will take place on October 6 this year.
- Anjali: Devotees offer prayers, flowers, and prasad (offerings) to the goddess during the Anjali ritual. This is a time for personal reflection and seeking blessings.
- Sandhi Puja: The most significant ritual of the festival, Sandhi Puja. It is believed to be the most auspicious time for worshipping the goddess. This year, the timing for the same has been mentioned to be 04:14 PM- 05: 02 PM on October 10.
- Bisarjan: On the last day (Dashami), the idols are immersed in a nearby river or pond, symbolizing the goddess’s return to her heavenly abode. This ritual will take place on October 13.
Cultural Significance
Durga Puja is not just a religious festival but also a cultural extravaganza. It is a time for family reunions, social gatherings, and artistic expression. The streets are also adorned with colourful lights and decorations, and there is a festive atmosphere everywhere. This is also considered to be a very important occasion for a large number of people in Assam.
Themes and Symbolism
The festival is rich in symbolism and themes. The victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura represents the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and power over injustice. The goddess’s various forms and weapons symbolize different aspects of the divine feminine, such as compassion, strength, and wisdom.
Durga Puja in Guwahati
Guwahati, the capital of Assam, is also known for its grand celebrations of Durga Puja. The city is transformed into a festive hub, with thousands of pandals (temporary structures) erected to house the goddess’s idols. The pandals are often decorated with intricate artwork and themes, showcasing the creativity and devotion of the people. Read more about the oldest Durga Puja celebrations in Guwahati in this article.
