Your Comprehensive Guide To Durga Pooja 2024

Durga puja, or the colloquial term Durgotsava, is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated annually by the Bengali community in states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Tripura. The Puja celebrates maa Durga's victory against the evils of Mahishasura. Usually, it’s a four-day festival celebrated on the last remaining five days of the Navratri fasting and festival.

Durga Puja Date and Timings

The sixth to the tenth day of the bright Lunar Fortnight in the Hindu lunar calendar in the month of Ashvin is celeberated as Durga Puja. Usually, the festival is celebrated in September and October. Celebrated along the nine-day festival of Navaratri, the Durga Puja festival lasts for about five days. The five days, according to the Hindu calendar, are Shashthi, Saptami, Ashatmi, Navami, and Dasahmi.

Navratri

Navratri begins with the auspicious day of Ghatasthapna, marking the beginning of the nine auspicious days of fasting and festivals. Durga Puja itself officially begins on the 6th day of the, i.e., October 9th, 2024. The various rituals and processions continue until they conclude on the 10th day of Durga Visarjan. This final ritual falls on the 12th day of October 2024, as per the Hindu Drik Panchang.

Here are all the important dates related to Durga Puja

• On 3rd October 2024, it would be Pratipada. These days, the following rituals would be completed: Ghatasthapana, Shailutri Puja, and Ghtasthapana Muhurat, which would start from 05:28 AM to 06:31 AM.
• On October 4th 2024, the Tithi of Dwitya would get initiated, Chandra darshan Brahmacharini Puja would be done.
• On October 5, 2024, the Tithi of Dwitya would still continue
• On October 6th 2024, the Tithi of Tritya would begin; the rituals which would be completed on this day would be as follows: Sindoor Tritya, Chandraghanta Puja, Vinayaka Chaturthi.
• On October 7th (Monday), The tithi of Chaturthi would start, and hence, Kushmanda Puja and upang Lalita vrat would begin as well.
• On October 8th, 2024, the tithi of Panchami would begin, and the rituals of the day would be Saraswati ji avatar.
• On October 9th, 2024, the tithi of Shashi, Saraswati Avahan, Kalyani ma puja, Mula Nakshatra Avahan, and the Muhurat would begin from 10:25 AM to 04:42 PM A.m. to 04:42 p.m.
• On October 11, the tithi of Ashtami will start; here are a few rituals that will be conducted during the tithi of Ashtami: Durga Ashtami, Mahaguri Puja, Sandhi Puja, Maha Navmi.
• On October 12 the tithi of Navami Dashami, the rituals of Ayuda Puja Navami Homa, Navaratri Parana, Durga Visrajan, and Vijaydashmi.

Story Behind Durga Puja

The Origin of the ritual can be traced back to Indian scriptures, as per the great Indian mythology. Mahishasur was a demon who had he prowess a boon that he could not be defeated by any god or human. This boon made him into a powerful entity, and he caused great distress to Gods in Heaven. In response to the prudent appeal for help, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu brought their might and powers along to originate the prowess of a maa Durga, the supreme goddess with infinite powers to battle and tackle Mahishasura.

As was etched by fate, a fierce battle ensued between Maa Durga and the devious evil Mahishasur. To ebb the prowess of Maa Durga to gain an advantage, Mahishasur transformed into a buffalo. The war of righteousness and all that Is holy went on for 10 days, at the end of which Goddess Durga came out as victorious, it was with ultimate power and might that Maa Durga put a profound end to the evils of Mahishasur by beheading and beheading him as he appeared in his final form.

So, in a way, the celebration of Durga Puja commemorates the epic battle of good vs evil as well as the final day of Vijaydashmi, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

The very next day, Maha Spatami is celebrated. on this day, a banana tree is immersed in water, which, according to belief,  the tree stem turns into Kola Bau ( Banana Bride). Then, according to beliefs and traditions, the Kola Bau is placed next to Ganesha’s Bride; some believe that the Kola Bau represents Maa Durga herself, while others believe that this sacred assembly of nine plants embodies the goddess's plant form.

The celebration of the 8th day is of much more importance as it commemorates the win of Ma Durga over Mahishasura. On this day, festive meals and new dishes are cooked. On this day, devotees eat khichdi. The Maha Navmi, which is the ninth day, commences after the Sandhi puja, culminating in the Maha Aarti, drawing large crowds for participation. 

Here Are a Few Things Devotees do During Durga Puja

Visiting Different Pandals

During the righteous times of Durga Puja, various communities get together and express their respect for the idols by arranging funds and using local resources to Construct beautiful Pandals. The beauty and intricate details of such processions are worth a visit. Pandals represent a spirit of togetherness, prosperity, and respect for rituals, and every year, the beauty of celebrations and Puja keeps on getting more profound and better.

Quite often, Pandals house elaborately crafted idols of the goddess Durga and her children. These pandals are the true epitome of devotion and Reverence that devotees express through their unique styles and themes. Every Pandal has a theme of its own. The organisers get together and devise preparations in such a manner that they can address issues whilst emanating the true glory and prowess of Maa Durga.

Whilst we would advise that you visit every Pandal by yourself and then choose the one that seems best to you, but if you are on a tighter time schedule here are two of the best Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata, Kumartuli Park Pandal and Gariahat Durga Puja Pandal.

Kolkata has quite a reputation for being a hub of some of the most delectable flavours. Kolkata’s ability to entice you with its unique blend of intricate flavours is on an all-time high during the Durga Puja time. While you are Pandal hopping, do try Phuchka (Pani Puri), Kathi Rolls, and the famous Kheer Kadam.

Traditional Bengali cuisine has its own gratifying qualities. You can try dishes like Macher Jhol, and sweets like Rasgulla, Sandesh, and Mishti Doi. While you can find food stalls all around, we advise you to browse a little and eat only at joints that are local icons. Only at such joints can you enjoy the true, authentic tastes of Kolkata.

Durga puja over the years has become much bigger than just a occasion for praying, its an all out celebration of culture, art, and music. Many cultural programs and performances take place across the city during the festival.

You can enjoy traditional dance forms like Dhunuchi Naach, a captivating dance with an incense burner and mesmerising Rabindra Sangeet concerts. You can also catch traditional dhak performances, which add a rhythmic element to the festivities. Here are a few places you can visit in Kolkata if you are not travelling during the Durga Puja Time.

Kola Bou Bath

The ritual involves the ritualistic cleansing of the banana tree that would be adorned in the most beautiful ornaments and apparel for the Durga Puja. The preparation and execution of the Kola Bou Bath involve meticulous care and tradition. After a dip into water, the banana shout is draped to be denounced as the devi herself and placed in Pandal to emanate blessings and support the ambitions and aspirations of the devotees.

These rituals are sacred to the sanctity of the festival, and hence, they should be done in the most articulate manner only by the female elders of the family. Such profound beliefs keep the prudent respect for rituals alive.

The True Experience of a Traditional Bonedi Bari Puja

Kolkata's indigenous castes, known as 'Bonedi Bari, ' host their Durga Puja with unparalleled grandeur and flamboyance. Their long history and roots in the city provide a resolute impression of their heritage, tradition, and presence in Kolkata.

These families believe in the orthodox methods of offering prayers, so no new-world nonsense ever penetrates their permeable consciousness. If you ever get a chance to be a part of their Puja, it will offer you a glimpse of the city's historical and cultural heritage and how the Puja is done in the traditional manner.

When visiting the city, make sure to visit the famous Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata. This will allow you to witness one of India's most beautiful traditions.

Places To Visit in Kolkata During Durga Puja

Are you in a quest to find the best places to visit in Kolkata during Durga Puja? Beautiful decorations, heartwarming music, and a diverse atmosphere often light up the city streets during Durga Puja, making it one of the best times to visit Kolkata.

If you are here during the Durga Puja. Here are some of the places you should definitely visit during your visit.

• Santosh Mitra Square: If you want to enjoy a harmonious amalgam of thought-provoking themes that reflect social issues, cultural heritage, or environmental concerns in your puja celebrations, then this is the place to be.
• Bagbazar: Bagbazar -The Puja over here is done according to the orthodox rituals and traditions. Devotees worship the idol with immense devotion, and you can witness various ceremonies and cultural programs.
• College Square: The college square lights up during Durga puja, and various stalls of traditional sweets and Delicacies are established here. The processions that head to the Hoogly River during the celebration can also be witnessed here.
• Hindustan Park: The park is situated in the South Kolkata area. predominantly Pandals here showcase a blend of contemporary and old values and traditions. The atmosphere at Hindustan Park is lively, with cultural performances, food stalls, and art installations. the pandal is situated near the riverfront so the procession towards the river is always a sight of attraction.
• Hindustan Club: Vivid with beauty and serenity, the club’s pandals are a true reflection of the enthusiasm the people of Kolkata showcase during Durga Puja. A must-visit place for all those planning to Pandal hop during the Durga Puja. 

Visit these well-organised events in Kolkata during Navratri and immerse in one of the most sought-after festivals.

Cultural Significance of Durga Puja

Durga puja for Kolkata is more than a ritual or a yearly celebration it's an occasion to embrace the divinity of Maa Durga with fortitude and respect for her sacrifices and divine power to safeguard humankind. Kolkata’s culture and its quaint features further bring out the vibrance of this holy Puja. Over the years, it has brought together people from different walks of life together, and it continues to do so with its articulate and religious traditions and manners.

Durga puja has been able to manifest a true camaraderie in Kolkata, create job opportunities, and boost the travel to Kolkata. Such significance that too in the name of the goddess Durga are sure to bring in good for all the society.

If you plan to visit Kolkata during the puja time you can depend upon the local transports for travelling around. Or if you want an easy and flexible way of travelling around, you can always rent from RenTrip. If you want to travel around Kolkata itself and need a hatchback, we can help you. We house a wide variety of hatchbacks that would help you travel around with ease and help you visit every Pandal of your choice. Stop being dependent upon taxis, autos, and buses. Rent a vehicle from RenTrip and travel around with ease.

If you live somewhere else and are finding it hard to reserve a seat in buses or trains to reach Kolkata, we also have a vast variety of SUVs and saloon cars that would make your drive to Kolkata from any of the metropolitan cities an easy feat. So why travel in overcrowded trains just to reach Kolkata at the right time? Contact us today and get a vehicle for your needs with great ease.