Every festival in India is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and one of the most notable is Navratri. Although Navratri comes four times a year, but Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri have special significance. This year, Sharad Navratri starts from 3rd October and continues till 12th October. The festival of Durga Puja occurs during Sharad Navratri, which holds special significance for the Bengali community around the world. This festival celebrates the homecoming of Goddess Durga along with her children – Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartik. Also known as Durgotsav, it is a five-day festival that starts on the sixth day of Sharad Navratri, known as Shashthi. After this it continues till Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Mahanavami and finally Vijayadashami. On the last day (Vijayadashami), devotees immerse the idols of Goddess Durga and her children in water.
when is durga puja 2024
This year, Durga Puja festivities will begin from October 9, 2024:
Mahasashthi – 9 October 2024
Maha Saptami – 10 October 2024
Maha Ashtami – 11 October 2024
Mahanavami – 12 October 2024
Vijayadashami or Dussehra – 12 October 2024
(Source: www.drikpanchang.com)
Durga Puja 2024: Importance of Durga Puja
There are many stories associated with Durga Puja, one of which is that Goddess Durga returns to her home during this time. This festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. According to religious beliefs, Durga fought with the demon Mahishasura for nine days and finally defeated him on Dashami of Ashwin Shukla Paksha. In Hinduism, nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped for nine days, culminating in Vijayadashami on the tenth day. During these five days, devotees decorate their homes and pandals, install the idol of Goddess Durga, wear new clothes and celebrate. Food also plays an important role during Durga Puja.
Here are some special dishes prepared during Durga Puja:
During this festival people enjoy a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. A variety of dishes are prepared from biryani and fish curry to rolls and chow mein. Additionally, traditional foods like Khichdi, Luchi, Sandesh, Payesh and Rasmalai are quite popular.
On the occasion of Durga Puja, special Khichdi is offered to Goddess Durga. Click here to know the recipe of Khichdi.
Luchi: Luchi is a fried Indian flatbread commonly made in Bengali homes during festivals – it is similar to puri. Click here for the recipe.
Sandesh: Sandesh is a popular Bengali sweet, made from sweet paneer and flavored with cardamom and saffron. Click here for the recipe.
Rasmalai: Rasmalai is a delicious Bengali sweet made from chhena balls and soaked in cream. Must try this at home during the festive season. Click here for the recipe.
Payesh: Payesh is the Bengali version of kheer. Rice and milk pudding is flavored with cardamom, dry fruits and a sprinkling of rose water. Click here for the recipe.
Happy Durga Puja 2024!