Happy Durga Puja – The Famous Indian Festival

Happy Durga Puja 2024 | When is Durga Puja in 2024 | Durga Puja 2024 Calendar, Picture, Image, Wishes and Status | What is Durga Puja Festival

Happy Durga Puja 2024, the ceremonial worship of Devi Durga, is one of the most Famous Indian Festival. Durga Puja Festival is not only a Religious Indian Hindu Festival, but it is also a festival of rejuvenation and reunion and a celebration of ancient customs and culture.

Happy Durga Puja or Navratri festival is most popular among the people of Bengal and Bengalis all over the world. Many people from all over the world celebrated Devi Durga’s arrival from heaven to earth.

During the festival duration of ten days of worship, devotion, quick and feast, the Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Vijaya Dashami or Dussera means the last four days celebrated with great joy and grandeur in India and abroad. Particularly in West Bengal, the ten-armed goddess Durga riding the lion is adorned with great devotion and passion.

The Mythology of Happy Durga Puja | Why do we celebrate Durga Puja

The Durga Puja festival celebration happens every year in the month of Ashwin (September-October). It honours Lord Rama’s invocation of the Devi Durga before attending war with the demon king Ravan. This autumnal ritual was different from the standard Durga Puja, typically celebrated within the year’s Springtime. So, this Durga puja during Autumn is famous as ‘Akaal bodhan‘ or the untimely awakening of Devi Durga. 

It is considered untimely because, as per myth, Puja can perform when the Gods and Goddesses are awake, i.e., “Uttarayan,” and cannot be performed when the Gods and Goddesses were in rest, i.e.,” Dakshinayan.”

Devi Durga is an aspect of Devi Parvati or Adi-shakti. Adi Shakti is the supreme spirit without form and the goddess of Eternally limitless power. And Goddess Durga is the united front of all Divine forces against evil. 

As per Indian mythology, Lord Rama started the Durga puja during Autumn. Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga before going to war with the demon Ravan. Lord Rama had performed “Chandi Homa” and prayed for the blessings of Devi Durga and to get the secret knowledge to kill the demon, Ravan. 

Thus goes the story of Lord Rama, who first adored the ‘Mahishasura Mardini’ or the destroyer of the buffalo-demon Mahisasur, by giving 108 blue lotuses and lighting 108 lamps. 

In Sanskrit, Durga means the inaccessible or unreachable. Devi Durga is a personification of Power (Shakti). It is recognized as the Mother of the Universe, a character of feminine strength in two aspects. And the destroyer of immoral and the preserver of moral.

Devi Durga also known by various names and venerated in numerous avatars. Like Parvati means “the mountain queen,” Gauri means “the shining,” ‘Uma‘ means “the light,” Kali means “the thunderous,” Bhairavi means “the terrifying” Chandi, means “the fierce” and “Jagat-Mata” means “the universal mother.” Devi Durga, also known as Simhavahini, means “lady who rides spanning the lion.” 

Devi Durga, cherished within an interpretation of an idol of rare beauty, decked in golden sari and rich crimson laden with ornaments onto her body and head. Her hair is long and verdant, with open tresses and glowing eyes as she rides astride a vicious lion. On her head is a crown (karandamukut), and in her ten hands, she holds distinct items, including a Trishul or trident by which she slew the demon Mahishasur.

Devi Durga is the companion of Lord Shiva and loved across India in various forms corresponding to her harmonizing and double aspects, like saviour and benefactor of goodness and slayer and eliminator of sinful and transgression.

What is Sharadotsav? | Significance of Happy Durga Puja

Sharadotsav is a festival of worshipping the Hindu goddess Adi-Shakti Mahamaya Devi Durga. This festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura. Thus, the Durga Puja festival exemplifies the victory of Good over Immoral.

According to shivpuran, Adishakti’s Durga’s aspect was created to destroy Mahisasura. Mahishasura was a blend of both Asura (evil) and Mahisha (buffalo). And this demon planned to start a war against his opponents, the Gods (Devas). 

Mahishasura, to become supreme, performed a Tapasya (Austerity) to Brahma and requested immortality. Brahma gave a boon to him and refused Mahisasura the blessing of immortality. Also mentions that Mahisasura will die only in the hands of a woman. 

Why Devi Durga has been Created by Other Gods?

A monster called Mahishasur terrorized the world. He was half-man and half-demon. Neither Vishnu nor Shiva could defeat him. Thus, Brambha, Vishnu and Shiva invoked Shakti and created Devi Durga to fight Mahishasur.

Mahishasur considered himself immortal since he believed that a woman couldn’t kill him for his power. With this belief, Mahishasura commenced a war against the Devas (Gods), and a battle happened. The Devas led by Lord Indra were vanquished.

The Devas requested the trinity of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Brahma and asked for assistance. Afterwards, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Brahma combined their powers and produced a woman, Adi-Shakti Mahamaya Devi Durga. 

Devi Durga has ten hands and also equipped with celestial weapons gifted by the deities and decked with divine ornaments. Lord Vishnu gives her the Sudarshan chakra. Lord Siva gives Trishul, Lord Varun – Shankha, Lord Agni – a flaming dart, Vayu – bow. Surya – quiver and arrow, Yama – iron rod, Lord Indra – thunderbolt, and the Himalayas gives her a Lion.

Devi Durga rode on a lion, carried several weapons in her several hands, and ultimately led a battle against Mahishasura and killed him. Goddess Durga also killed demons like Mahahanu, Durdhara, Durmukha Chikshur, Chamar, Asilomar, Vidalaksha, and many others and finally restored heaven to the Gods.

The victory day of Devi Durga‘s revealed as Vijaya Dashami. Since then, Goddess Durga represented as a symbol of female strength. And also revered for the victory of good over evil. Devi Durga is mentioned as a deity worthy of reverence and adoration even in the Vedas and Puranas.

Durga Puja continues for over ten days, representing the arrival of the married daughter to her father’s (Himalaya) home along with four children LAKSHMI, SARASWATI, KARTIK, and GANESH. 

Happy Durga Puja, being a Hindu religious festival, religion doesn’t matter during the celebration. In Bengal, the Durga Puja festival is celebrated as a carnival. People, regardless of their religious beliefs and from all backgrounds. People are involved and enjoy themselves to the extreme.

The History of Durga Puja:

The celebration of Durga puja, happening since the primitive period. But it was not so popular and only worshipped in private residences. In those days, Durga Puja was more of a status symbol.

The First Durga Puja in Bengal

Grand celebrations, gala feasts, and huge fanfare were part of the very first ‘Sharadiya Durgotsab.’ This kind of transformation of a sacred puja was first organized by Raja Kangsa Narayan of Taherpur and Bhabananda Mazumdar of Nadiya in 1606 AD.

In 1757, Durga Puja was first organized to tribute and welcome Robert Clive by the wealthy Bengali landowners or zamindars. And this was initiated by Raja Nabakrishna Deb of the Shobhabazar Rajbari of Calcutta. The Durga puja was structured because Lord Clive desired to thank for his victory in the Battle of Plassey.

Lord Clive could not perform prayer in a Church because Nabab Siraj-Ud-Daulah demolished the only church in Calcutta at that time. Also, many Zamindar families and rich mercantile in Bengal made British officers of the East India Company invited as guests in their Pujas after the battle of Plassey and boxer.

Following that, the elite people started organizing their own household Durga Pujas. Where the common people were excluded from participating in these festivities. Almost 100 years later, the Hindu activists acknowledged Devi Durga with India, and Devi Durga became an icon for the Indian independence movement. 

The Starting of ‘Baro-Yaari’ Puja and Beginning of Mass Celebration

The credit of originating the community Durga Puja goes to the twelve friends from Guptipara, Hoogly, West Bengal. They accumulated and collaborated with aid from local residents to organize the first community puja known as ‘Baro-yaari’ Puja in 1790. This Baro-yaari Puja, also known as ‘twelve-pal’ Puja. 

Raja Harinath of Cossimbazar carried out the Durga Puja at his ancestral home in Murshidabad from 1824 to 1831, bringing the Baro-yaari Puja to Calcutta in 1832. (notes Somendra Chandra Nandy in ‘Durga Puja: A Rational Approach‘ published in The Statesman Festival, 1991.)

The Origin of ‘Sarbajanin Durga Puja’ or Community Celebration

The “Baro-yaari Puja” concept shows the path of community Puja, which is also known as the “Sarbojanin Puja,” started in the early Twentieth century and included people from all castes creeds and ranks of life. It goes far beyond religion, and one can only say that Happy Durga Puja is one of the world’s most significant outdoor art and cultural festivals.

During the Durga puja festival, the celebration, dancing, and cultural art are displayed and accomplished. This played an integral part in involving the community in Bengal and eventually across India and the world.

British Involvement in Durga Puja

As per the research paper, it came to know that “high-level British officials regularly attend Durga Pujas prearranged by elite and significant Bengali’s and British soldiers used to take part in the pujas, have prasad, and even greet the deity.

As per the report, it also came to know that John Chips, the East India Company auditor-general, organized Durga Puja at his Birbhum office. And with the entire official involvement of the British, this Puja sustained till 1840, until the British Government announced prohibiting such involvement.

How Durga Puja Comes to Delhi | Kashmere Gate Durga Puja

After moving the capital of British India to Delhi in 1911, a lot of Bengalis also shifted to Delhi to work in government offices. In 1910, the first Durga Puja was held in Delhi and accomplished by ceremonially sanctifying the ‘mangal Kalash,’ representing the deity.

Currently, this Durga Puja, organized by the Delhi Durga Puja Samiti, renowned as the Kashmere Gate Durga Puja. And, was held on Bengali Senior Secondary School’s lawns Alipur Road, Delhi.

Nowadays, Happy Durga Puja is one of the most significant socio-cultural events in the state and the country and has become a great social leveller and a coalescing force in the country.

How is Durga Puja celebrated in West Bengal? | Durga Puja 2024 in West Bengal

Happy Durga Puja 2024 is the Puja of Asurdalani Maa Durga, who had defeated the evil forces and brought peace and solidarity to the earth.

Happy Durga Puja 2024 Status: Durga Puja is one of the most famous Indian Festival and is widely celebrated all over India and outside India. This celebration is a religious celebration and marks the battle of goddess Durga with the mighty buffalo demon Mahishasura.

This Happy Durga Puja Festival is the celebration of the victory of Devi Durga over the evil power of the buffalo demon Mahishasura. 

Every year Happy Durga Puja is celebrated throughout the country, mainly in East India, during September- October. Once you are here during this festival time, don’t miss being at Kolkata to participate in the grand celebration.

You will be amazed to see how beautifully artists decorate the Durga Puja Pandals and the idols of Devi Durga. Usually, Government and private clubs and other organizations contribute to the city’s decoration and lighting.

Happy Durga Puja, without doubt, the Most Famous with Largely Celebrated Festival in West Bengal and India. This celebration is a religious celebration and marks the battle of goddess Durga with the mighty buffalo demon Mahishasura. 

In India, Durga Puja, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and faith throughout the country for ten days as the Festival of Happy Navratri, beginning with Ekadashi and ending with Dussehra. And especially in West Bengal, is a massive social event too.

In different places of Bengal, people used to form a committee with local residents. This committee raise funds through donation and corporate sponsorship plus political involvement and investment. To celebrate public Durga Puja ceremonies.

Durga Pratima (Idols) and Pandals | Ek Chala Durga Thakur

The conventional image of the Devi (Goddess) Durga worshiped during the Durga Puja used to be defined in the scriptures. The representation of Durga also features her four children – Laxmi, Saraswati, Ganesh, and Kartik.

A conventional clay image of Devi Durga idol (Pratima), created of mud and clay. Along with all five gods and goddesses, i.e., Devi Durga along with Laxmi, Saraswati, Ganesh, and Kartik, beneath one structure, known as ‘Ek-Chala (‘ek’ = one, ‘chala’ = cover).

What is Sholar Saaj and Daker Saaj?

Two types of embellishments called “Sholar Saaj” and “Daker Saaj”, used on the clay. Earlier, the Pratima was decorated conventionally with the white core of the shola stem. This shola stem grows within swamp lands. Afterwards, while the enthusiasts flourished flusher, beaten silver (called Rangta in Bengali) was used on clay.

This beaten silver was used to be imported from Germany and transported by Post, which is in Bengali means Dak. Hence these beaten silver embellishments on clay are known as “Daker Saaj.“

The gigantic idols of Devi Durga, along with her children and Mahishasur, are created in a place named Kumartuli located in Calcutta, Bengal. Kumartuli is famous worldwide for its artificers for creating excellent idols out of mud and clay. And these idols are created at Kumartuli and exported to foreign countries as well.

The subsequent big expenditure is building theme-based magnificent “pandals” or architectural outdoor canopies where the idols are retained. These temporary structures of canopies or “Puja pandals“, are built from bamboo and fibreglass. 

Within these illuminations, Chandeliers are fitted. The idols of Devi Durga and her children are accommodated upon a gigantic podium. This podium is visible from a distance beyond. Recently, Puja committees have been creating theme-based Pandals.

These pandals are based on the monuments of the world, Harry Potter, etc. The trend and antagonism are called “Sharadiya Samman”, organized by different Sponsors like Asian Paints, etc., to give the grand prize to the committee for the most innovative and creative puja pandal.

Durga Puja Mahalaya 2024 DATE & TIME | Mahalaya Durga Puja

Mahalaya 2024 is on – September 25 2024 – Sunday

The Amavasya Tithi will start on September 25, 2024, at 02:54 AM, and it will end at 03:24 AM on September 26, 2024

Durga Puja 2024 Date with Calendar | Durga Puja Kab Hai | Durga Puja 2024 Bengali Calendar

When is Durga Puja? Happy Durga Puja is Knocking at the Door, and all the Bengali’s are keenly waiting for the day when they can Start their Shopping. Pandal Hoping will start after a few Days with Near and Dear Ones, Family Members. All in all, Durga Puja 2024 Dates are the perfect example of Unity & United Family, Friends together. Let’s check how many days are left for durga puja.

First Day Of Durga Puja 2024

When is Durga Puja 2024 Start Date: 2024 Durga Puja starts on September 30, 2024. The below chart also contains the Durga Puja 2024 Bengali Date.

Durga Puja Date and Time Calendar 2024 (KOLKATA Time-IST) | Durga Puja 2024 Dates

In which vehicle maa Durga is coming this year 2024: In the year 2024, Devi Durga is arriving riding on a horse and departing on an Elephant. Goddess Durga’s arrival of riding on a horse spells widespread epidemic, and departure on the elephant signifies prosperity and a good harvest.

Durga Puja or Sharadotsav in West Bengal

Happy Durga Puja, also known as Durgotshav or Sharadotsav, is celebrated with great dedication, devotion and passion for ten days as the festival of Happy Navratri, starting with Ekadashi and ending with Dussehra. But in West Bengal, Happy Durga Puja celebration starts from the day of Mahalaya.

First Day of Durga Puja as Mahalaya | Mahalaya Durga Puja

The first day of the Autumn is Mahalaya, which initiates after the end of the Krishna Janmashthami festival. The day Mahalaya brings in the universal festal spirit of the Happy Durga Puja. Mahalaya is a holy and supremely auspicious day for the Hindu religion. Mahalaya indicates the ending of the ‘Pitri-Paksha’ and the starting of the ‘Devi-Paksha’, and Mahalaya takes place almost a week before the actual first day of Navratri. On this auspicious day of Mahalaya, the eye is given to the idol of Devi Durga.

How is Mahalaya Celebrated?

Mahalaya is the arrival. As per Hindu mythology, during the Happy Durga Puja, Goddess Durga, wife of Lord Siva, returns to her paternal dwelling. The Happy Durga Puja is the arrangement for the welcoming of the plummeting divine homecoming. The Durga Puja conventional countdown for six days up to Maha-Saptami starts from Mahalaya, and in the predawn hours of the Mahalaya, the enrapturing voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra fills up the ambience informing the starting of the “Devi-Paksha” and the start of the countdown of the Happy Durga Puja.

Significance of Mahalaya | What and When is Mahalaya?

Hindus used to pay homage to their ancestors during the 16 days of Pitri-Paksha. Folklore says, as per the epic Mahabharata, after the death of Karna, his soul exceeded to heaven. While in heaven, Karna offered jewellery instead of food. 

Being confused, Karna asked Lord Indra for the reason behind this strange happening. In reply, Lord Indra told him that he was getting such treatment because Karna had never donated food to his ancestors during his lifetime. 

Karna said that he was not aware of his ancestors. And therefore Karna had no chance of donating food to them. Then Karna got an opportunity to make compensations. Then, Karna returned to Earth for 16 days, performed Shraddha, and donated food in memory of his ancestors. Hence, this period is known as Pitri-Paksha. On the day of Mahalaya, Devi Durga starts her journey towards Earth, which is the first day of the ‘Devi-Paksha’ and the last day of ‘Pitri-Paksha’.

Basanti Puja

Mahalaya has a lot of importance for the Bengalis. As per Hindu Puran, Goddess Durga has been worshipped in Spring (means Basanta in Bengali) by King Suratha, and hence Durga Puja was also known as Basanti Puja. But Lord Rama preponed the Durga Puja and adored Devi Durga in Autumn, and therefore, it is known as ‘Akal Bodhon’ or untimely awakening.

The Ritual Of TARPAN

On the day of Mahalaya, people go to the banks of river Ganga. And dressed in dhotis to offer prayers to their dead relatives and ancestors. In the early morning hours, people pray for their deceased relatives and take holy dips in the River Ganges. This ritual is known as ‘Tarpan’.

The eldest so generally used to perform the Shraddha. But any male kin from the paternal branch of relatives can also perform the rites. Some castes perform “Tarpan” for only one generation and some caste for three generations. The beginning of Durga Puja is all over the world marked by the Mahalaya Tarpan in river Ganges held every year.

The Main 4 Days of Durga Puja (Shoshthi to Nabami)

The last four days of the Happy Durga Puja festival, known as “Shoshthi”, Saptami”, “Ashtami”, and “Nabami”, respectively, celebrated as the most important days of the festival. In the junction time of Ashtami and Nabami tithi, a special puja happens called “Shondhi puja“. 

The entire atmosphere and air filled up with chanting of the holy mantras chanted by the priests and the sound of a unique drum called “Dhak”, played by the drummers called “Dhakis” of Durga Puja.

The traditional “Dhunuchi Dance” is an exceptional dance with small containers of burning and fragrant coal and incense to perform the rituals in front of Devi Durga. People also believe that the more idols they visit, the more idols they see. Goddess will be more pleased to grant blessings upon them.

During these four days, people from all states and places visit various Devi Durga idols the entire day, from early morning till late at night and call this “Pratima Darshan” or seek the blessings of the deity.

Dussera – The Final Day of Durga Puja means Vijaya Dashami (Bijoya Dashami)

Vijaya Dashami is the final day of the Durga Puja Festival, and during the festival, the entire atmosphere is festive, happy and spiritual. As per the folklore, during Happy Durga Puja, Devi Durga has visited her parental home on Earth. On the tenth day of Dashami, she will be returned to the oceans to unite with her imperial companion Lord Shiva.

With this belief, the idol is dressed in red and ornamented with Sindoor, which is called “Shringaar” or “Boron“, and then carried off for immersion which is called “Visarjan” on the day of Vijaya Dashami.

In Bengali, Bijoya means Victory. The day Bijoya Dashami has its importance in this religious festival. This day is celebrated with mixed feelings, both joy and sorrow. People are happy because they celebrate this day as Victory Day of Devi Durga, and at the same time, they are sad because it is the last day of the celebration.

There is a big rally from every Durga Puja Pandal. This rally carries the Devi Durga Statue to the riverside for Visarjan or immersion. It is a custom in India to have Jalebies (one Indian sweet) during the day of Vijaya Dashami. People wish each other Subho Bijoya (Happy Bijoya). Younger people touch the feet of elders and seek blessings. And in return, elders convey their love to younger ones as well.

Happy Durga Puja 2024: Picture, Image, Wishes and Status | Top 50+ Happy Durga Puja 2024 Wishes, Images, Quotes, Whatsapp Messages, Photos, Greetings and Facebook Status

Frequently Asked Questions:

(1) Why do we celebrate Durga Puja in English?

Durga Puja festival is celebrated to symbolise the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura. Thus, the Durga Puja festival exemplifies the triumph of Good over Immoral.

(2) How does Durga Puja conclude?

The Conclusion of Durga Puja is the immersion or Visarjan. Vijaya Dashami is the final day of the Durga Puja Festival, and during the festival, the entire atmosphere is festive, happy, and spiritual. As per the folklore, during Happy Durga Puja, Devi Durga visited her parental home on Earth. On the tenth day of Dashami, Devi Durga return back to the oceans to unite with her imperial companion Lord Shiva.

With this belief, the idol is dressed in red and ornamented with Sindoor, which is called “Shringaar” or “Boron, “and then carried off for immersion which is called “Visarjan” on the day of Vijaya Dashami.

(3) Who did first Durga Puja?

Durga Puja first organized by Raja Kangsa Narayan of Taherpur and Bhabananda Mazumdar of Nadiya in 1606 AD.

(4) What is the other name of Durga Puja?

In West Bengal, Tripura, Assam, and Odisha Durga puja, also known as “Akaal bodhan,” means the untimely awakening of Devi Durga. Apart from that, Durga puja, also known as Sharodotsab, means festival of autumn, Sharadiya, means autumnal worship, and Matri Puja means the worship of the Mother.

(5) Why do we worship Goddess Durga?

Durga Puja is a festival of worshipping the Hindu goddess Adi-Shakti Mahamaya Devi Durga. This festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura. Thus, the Durga Puja festival exemplifies the victory of Good over Sinful.

(6) Who is the goddess Durga?

Goddess Durga is an aspect of Devi Parvati or Adi-shakti. Adi Shakti, who also defined as the supreme spirit without form and the goddess of Eternally limitless power. And Goddess Durga is the united front of all Divine forces against evil.