Celebrating Durga Puja 2024: Rituals and Timings Guide

Introduction to Durga Puja Durga Puja, a festival dear to many, celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. This festivity is marked by elaborate rituals, vibrant decorations, and a spirit of community. In 2024, the Durga Puja festivities span from the 8th to the 12th of October, each day packed with significant rituals and cultural performances.

Day 1: Maha Panchami (October 8, 2024) The festival kicks off with Maha Panchami, where the first rituals begin just after sunrise and continue until 07:52 AM. This day sets the devotional atmosphere for the days to follow.

Day 2: Maha Sasthi (October 9, 2024) Maha Sasthi starts with the Kalparambha Puja early in the morning, from sunrise until 08:14 AM. The highlights include Sasthi Bhog Nibedon at 08:02 AM and Puspanjali at 07:52 AM. The evening features the awakening ceremony of Goddess Durga, known as 'Bodhon' at 7:00 PM, followed by Amontran and Adhibas rituals at 7:30 PM.

Day 3: Maha Saptami (October 10, 2024) The day begins with Maha Saptami Puja from sunrise till 08:08 AM. Notable rituals include Naba Patrika Prabesh and Sthapon before 07:00 AM, Maha Snan at 07:00 AM, and Puspanjali at 07:43 AM. Bhog Nibedon & Bolidan are scheduled for 07:58 AM.

Day 4: Maha Ashtami (October 11, 2024) Maha Ashtami is one of the most important days of Durga Puja. Rituals start before sunrise and go on till 07:31 AM, with Puspanjali at 06:53 AM, followed by Bhog Nibedon & Bolidan at 07:00 AM. The critical Sandhi Puja, marking the interlinking moment between Ashtami and Navami, occurs from 07:07 AM to 07:55 PM.

Day 5: Maha Nabami (October 12, 2024) The celebrations start just after sunrise, with various rituals leading up to the grand immersion ceremony. Puspanjali at 5:48 AM, Bhog Nibedon & Bolidan at 6:08 AM, and the final Sandha Arati at 7:30 PM mark the end of the religious rituals.

Conclusion: Vijaya Dashami (October 12, 2024) Vijaya Dashami, the culmination of Durga Puja, involves the ritualistic farewell to Goddess Durga, including Bera Anjali at 12:35 PM and Panta Bhog Nibedon at 12:43 PM. The immersion of the deity at 12:53 PM signifies the end of the festival with Sindur Khela, a tradition where women smear each other with red vermilion powder, celebrating the goddess’s victory.

Join Us We invite everyone to experience the magic of Durga Puja, participate in the rituals, and enjoy the cultural performances. Let's come together to honor this time-honored festival and create memories that last a lifetime.