Most people go back to their homes on Durga Puja. If you also live outside, then this time definitely go home and participate in the puja, take blessings of the mother, and celebrate with your family.
Table of Contents
Durga Puja 2024 Dates
This year the festival of Durga Puja (Durga Puja ka Parv) is starting from September 26, 2024 (Shukrawaar, Shraddh Paksha). The celebration of Durga Puja (Dussehra ki Dhoom) lasts for about 10 days in the entire country including Bengal. This is the time when cities get decorated, pandals are made, beats of Dhak are heard, and there is praise of Maa Durga everywhere. So let us know some special things about Durga Puja this time.
Where is Durga Puja Celebrated?
Where is Maa Durga worshipped? Mother’s praise echoes throughout the country
On hearing the name Durga Puja, the grand idol of Maa Durga riding on a lion, the sound of dhak, and sparkling pandals come before our eyes. But do you know that this beautiful festival is celebrated not just at one place but in different styles in the entire country. So let us know today where this grand festival of Maa Durga takes place:
Mahakumbh of Durga Puja in Bengal – Bengal is considered the real home of Durga Puja. From Kolkata to small villages, the excitement of Durga Puja is seen everywhere. Grand pandals, beats of dhak, and beauty of vermilion – Durga Puja in Bengal is no less than a festival, but has an atmosphere like a Mahakumbh.
Worship of Maa Durga in Eastern India – Apart from Bengal, Durga Puja is also celebrated with great pomp in the states of Eastern India like Odisha, Assam, Tripura, and Manipur. In these states also you can see grand pandals and worship of Maa Durga.
Mother’s praise echoes in North India also – Durga Puja may be a more famous festival of Eastern India, but it is celebrated in a special way in North India too. People of Bengali community also organize Durga Puja in cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Banaras. Here, along with the pandals, you can also enjoy Durga Puja in the Ramlila grounds.
Mother’s blessings reside in foreign countries also – In today’s time, people of Indian origin have spread all over the world. So in such a situation, celebrations of Durga Puja can be seen in foreign countries also. Even in countries like America, England, Singapore, people of the Indian community celebrate Durga Puja together. Although the pandals here are smaller, the reverence towards Maa Durga does not diminish at all.
These are some of the major places where Durga Puja is celebrated. It does not matter whether you are in the country or abroad, everywhere Maa Durga is worshiped with the same reverence and devotion. So this time you too join the Durga Puja happening around you, take blessings of Mother Goddess, and enjoy this beautiful festival!
The Origin of Durga Puja
Story of Durga Puja: Grandmother’s words
In my childhood, every year when Durga Puja came, grandmother used to tell a story. Even today that story is stuck in my mind. So come on, you also listen to the story of Durga Puja, in the words of grandmother:
“Long time ago, there used to be a demon on earth, his name was Mahishasura. He was very powerful and he troubled the gods and humans a lot. The gods got upset with Mahishasura. They all together defeated Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Then a divine power was born from the power of Brahma.
“Maa Durga had ten hands, she had different types of weapons in her hands. She rode a lion. The gods blessed Maa Durga to kill Mahishasura.
“There was a very fierce war between Maa Durga and Mahishasura. This war continued for nine days. Finally on the tenth day, Maa Durga killed Mahishasura and religion won.
“Durga Puja is celebrated in the memory of that war. It teaches us that good always triumphs over evil.”
In my childhood, my mind used to be filled with excitement after listening to this story of my grandmother. Even today, when Maa Durga is worshipped, I remember this story of my grandmother. This festival is not only a celebration of worship, but also a confluence of stories and traditions passed down from generations.
Durga Puja Rituals and Traditions
Durga Puja is not just the worship of Mother Durga, but a colorful festival lasting ten days. These ten days were eagerly awaited since childhood. Even today, whenever Durga Puja comes, a different happiness fills the mind. Let us know some special things about the customs and traditions of Durga Puja:
Maha Shashti: Puja starts from the day of Shashthi. The process of cleaning the house and decorating Mata’s Chowki begins. Every house has a different glow.
Ashtami and Navami: Kanya Pujan is organized on the days of Ashtami and Navami. Nine girls are called home and worshiped and offered food. This tradition teaches us that worshiping girls brings good fortune.
Shodashopchar Puja: Every day from Shashthi to Navami, Maa Durga is worshiped with rituals in the morning and evening. Although, only the elders know all the things about puja, but the childhood happiness of ringing the bell during Aarti and offering food to the Mother Goddess is still remembered.
Sindoor Khela: Sindoor Khela is played on Dashami day i.e. the last day of Durga Puja. Married women apply vermillion on each other’s forehead and also offer vermillion to Maa Durga. This custom is considered a symbol of good luck and good wishes for the married women.
Visarjan: The last day of Durga Puja is the most emotional. The idols of Maa Durga are taken to the pond or river for immersion. The sound of thunder, devotional songs and tears welling in the eyes – everyone’s heart is filled with joy after seeing this scene of immersion. But, along with immersion, there is also a belief that Mata Rani will be among us again next year.
These colors of Durga Puja give reverence, joy and home-like comfort. This festival keeps us connected to our traditions and fills us with new energy for the whole year. So this time you too get immersed in the colors of Durga Puja.