Durga Puja is one of India’s grandest and most beloved festivals, celebrated with immense devotion and joy, especially in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and parts of eastern India. Marking the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, the festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. In 2024, Durga Puja falls in early October, bringing together rituals, traditions, and celebrations that light up the atmosphere with divine fervour.
Among the most significant days of the celebration are Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, the eighth and ninth days of Navratri, filled with powerful rituals and worship.
When is Ashtami and Navami in Durga Puja 2024?
- Maha Ashtami: October 11, 2024 (Friday)
- Maha Navami: October 12, 2024 (Saturday)
These two days are the heart of Durga Puja, with devotees gathering in large numbers to offer their prayers and celebrate the divine energy of Goddess Durga.
Puja Timings for Ashtami and Navami 2024
- Maha Ashtami:
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 12:31 AM on October 10, 2024
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 12:06 PM on October 11, 2024
- The key ritual of Maha Ashtami, Sandhi Puja, is performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami tithis, typically during the night.
- Maha Navami:
- Navami Tithi Begins: 12:06 PM on October 11, 2024
- Navami Tithi Ends: 10:57 AM on October 12, 2024
For accurate timings, referring to your local panchang is always advisable, as regional variations may occur.
Key Rituals of Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami
Maha Ashtami: This day is considered the most powerful during Durga Puja. It represents the day when Goddess Durga destroyed Mahishasura’s most formidable demon armies. Devotees believe that worshipping her on this day removes all obstacles from their lives.
- Kumari Puja is one of the most significant rituals performed on Ashtami. Young girls, symbolizing Durga’s divine feminine energy, are worshipped with rituals involving offerings, sweets, and flowers. This is seen as an embodiment of worshipping the Goddess in her youthful form.
- Anjali (Offerings): Devotees gather early in the morning to offer Pushpanjali (offering of flowers) to Goddess Durga, seeking her blessings for prosperity and protection.
- Sandhi Puja: The most sacred and dramatic part of Maha Ashtami, Sandhi Puja, marks the exact juncture between the eighth and ninth lunar days. It is believed to be the moment when Goddess Durga, in her fierce Chamunda form, slays the demons Chanda and Munda. This puja typically includes 108 earthen lamps and 108 lotus flowers, symbolizing the vanquishing of darkness and ignorance.
Maha Navami: The day after Ashtami, Navami marks the conclusion of Durga’s battle and her final preparations to return to her heavenly abode.
- Navami Homa: On Navami, devotees perform a sacred homa (fire ritual), where offerings of ghee, grains, and other sacred items are made into the fire, invoking Goddess Durga’s blessings. The homa is performed to protect the family and society from evil forces and to invite auspiciousness into their lives.
- Anjali and Aarti: Similar to Ashtami, devotees offer flowers, perform aarti (rituals with lamps), and participate in group prayers. Many devotees observe fasts and follow them with a grand feast at the end of the day.
Significance of Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami
Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami signify the culmination of the nine days of Navaratri, during which the Goddess manifests her most fierce and protective forms to safeguard the world from evil forces. Devotees believe that participating in the rituals of Ashtami and Navami helps them get rid of past sins, brings peace, and fulfils their desires.
Navami is often considered the day of triumph when Durga defeats the ultimate evil and restores cosmic balance. This triumph is celebrated with dance, music, and processions, making it a joyous occasion.
Celebrations Across India
While Durga Puja has its roots in Bengal, the festival is celebrated across India with regional variations. In Bengal, the grandeur of the pandals (elaborately decorated structures where idols of the Goddess are housed) reaches its peak, and crowds visit these pandals to seek the blessings of Durga.
In southern India, the focus is more on Ayudha Puja, where devotees worship their tools and instruments on Navami as a symbol of gratitude for their work.
In northern India, these days coincide with the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival and are followed by Dussehra, which celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, another metaphor for the victory of good over evil.
How to Celebrate Durga Puja 2024
- Visit Pandals: If you live in or near an area where Durga Puja is celebrated, don’t miss out on Durga’s beautiful pandals and artistic idols. Many pandals have different themes and are beautifully lit at night.
- Offer Anjali and Prayers: Whether at home or at a community pandal, offer your prayers to Goddess Durga, participate in the pushpanjali, and seek her blessings for strength and success.
- Feast on Bhog: Many pandals serve free bhog (a sacred food offering), usually including khichdi, mixed vegetables, sweets, and chutney. It’s a way to celebrate the festival with the community.
- Participate in Cultural Programs: Durga Puja is not just about the rituals; it’s also a time for cultural programs, dance, and music performances. Many pandals host live shows, folk dances, and drama performances.
Conclusion
Durga Puja 2024 is a time of vibrant celebrations, devotion, and joy as devotees come together to celebrate the goddess’s victory over evil. Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami are the pinnacle of these festivities, with powerful rituals and pujas. Whether observing at home or visiting a pandal, Goddess Durga’s energy and divine presence will surely uplift your spirit.
Mark your calendar for October 11 and 12, and immerse yourself in the divine experience of Durga Puja 2024!
