Durga Puja 2023 Dates
Durga Puja stands as one of the most renowned festivals within the Hindu religion, also recognized as Durgotsav. This worship festival dedicated to Goddess Durga spans ten days during the Ashwin month, although its core celebrations commence from the sixth day onwards. The days of Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijayadashami within Durgotsav hold immense significance. Symbolizing the victory of good prevailing over evil, Durga Puja commemorates Goddess Durga’s conquest of the demon Mahishasur.
Enthusiastically celebrated, this festival finds its vibrant fervor predominantly in West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, Tripura, Manipur, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Beyond these, Durga Puja is also observed in regions like Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, and various other parts of the country. It is believed that during Durga Puja, Goddess Durga, along with Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya, descends to Earth to bless her devotees.
The Significance of Mahalaya
The commencement of the Durga Puja festival is marked by Mahalaya, the first day. Legend holds that this day witnessed a confrontation between demons and devas (celestial beings), resulting in the demise of numerous saints and devas.
Tradition and Significance of Durga Puja
The true inauguration of Durga Puja takes place on the sixth day, known as Shashthi. This day is believed to be when Goddess Durga arrives on Earth. Spread across five days, the rituals of Bilva Nimantran, Kalparambh, Akaal Bodhan, Amantran, and Adhivas transpire on this day. Maha Saptami includes rituals like Navpatrika and Kolabou Pooja.
On the occasion of Maha Ashtami, observances encompass Durga Ashtami, Kumari Pooja, and Sandhi Pooja. Maha Navami features Durga Balidan and Navami Havan. Finally, Dashmi entails Durga Visarjan, Vijayadashami, and the Sindoor festival.
