Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India, especially in the eastern states of West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha. It is a ten-day festival that celebrates the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. In 2023, Durga Puja will begin on October 20th and end on October 24th.
Significance of Durga Puja
Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in India. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the power of divine feminine energy. The festival celebrates the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, who had become invincible due to a boon from Lord Brahma. After a long and fierce battle, Durga defeated Mahishasura on the tenth day of the festival, known as Vijayadashami.
Durga Puja Celebrations
The preparations for Durga Puja begin months in advance. It is a time for shopping, feasting, and merry-making. Pandals (temporary structures) are erected to house the idols of goddess Durga and her children. These idols are decorated with elaborate clothing and jewelry.
During the ten-day festival, people visit these pandals to offer prayers to the goddess and seek her blessings. The sound of dhak (a type of drum) and conch shells fill the air, creating a festive atmosphere. On the ninth day, known as Navami, young girls are invited to the pandals and offered food and gifts as a symbol of the goddess’s blessings.
The tenth day of the festival, Vijayadashami, is celebrated with great pomp and show. The idols of goddess Durga and her children are taken out in processions and immersed in water bodies, symbolizing the departure of the goddess and her return to her abode in the Himalayas.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive detail of the puja that will be conducted throughout the 9 days of Navratri:
| Navratri Day 1 | Maa Shailputri Puja | Sunday, October 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Navratri Day 2 | Maa Brahmacharini Puja | Monday, October 16 |
| Navratri Day 3 | Maa Chandraghanta Puja | Tuesday, October 17 |
| Navratri Day 4 | Maa Kushmanda Puja | Wednesday, October 18 |
| Navratri Day 5 | Maa Skandamata Puja | Thursday, October 19 |
| Navratri Day 6 | Maa Katyayani Puja | Friday, October 20 |
| Navratri Day 7 | Maa Kalaratri Puja | Saturday, October 21 |
| Navratri Day 8 | Maa Maha Gauri Puja | Sunday, October 22 |
| Navratri Day 9 | Maa Siddhidatri Puja | Monday, October 23 |
| Navratri Day 10 | Vijayadashami or Maha Dashmi | Tuesday, October 24 |
Durga Puja 2023: Start and end Date
Each year, the Durga Puja festival begins during the 6th day of Sharad Navratri. In 2023, the celebrations will take place from Friday, October 20th, to Tuesday, October 24th.
Every year, special places called pandals are made. These have lovely statues of Maa Durga defeating Mahishasura. Alongside Maa Durga, there are also idols of Lakshmi, Ganesh, Kartikeya, and Saraswati that people worship. During Durga Puja, everyone comes together, wears new clothes, and asks for blessings from Goddess Durga. This festival is all about happiness. It reminds us that even when bad things happen, good things are stronger and win.
| Durga Puja 2023 Start Date: | October 20 |
|---|---|
| Durga Puja 2023 End Date: | October 24 |
| Durga Puja Day 1: | Bilva Nimantran |
| Durga Puja Day 2: | Durga Maha Saptami |
| Durga Puja Day 3: | Maha Ashtami |
| Durga Puja Day 4: | Maha Navami |
| Durga Puja Day 5: | Durga Visarjan, Vijayadashami |
Durga Puja 2023: History
In Hindu stories, there was a demon king named Mahishasura. He asked a powerful god named Brahma for a special gift. This gift made him safe from being killed by men or gods, but a woman could defeat him. With this safety, he defeated the gods and took over their home, heaven. To stop his terror, all the main gods like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, joined together and made a goddess called Durga. She fought Mahishasura for nine nights and ten days and finally beat him, bringing peace back. This story is celebrated in a festival called Navaratri.
Maa Durga battled fiercely against Mahishasura for ten days, and on the tenth day, she defeated and killed him. This day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, representing the win of good over evil.
(Note: Dates and timings may change; the details provided here are based on the available information.)
Conclusion:
Durga Puja is not just a festival, but a celebration of the spirit of love, unity, and harmony. It brings together people from all walks of life and strengthens the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood. The festival is a testament to the triumph of good over evil and the power of divine energy.