Durga Puja 2024: Guide to Dates, Rituals, and Traditions in Kolkata

As one of the most awaited festivals in India, especially in West Bengal, Durga Puja promises to bring the same excitement and devotion every year. It symbolises the victory of good over evil, with Maa Durga triumphing over the demon Mahishasura. You can feel the thrill in the air of festive excitement as Durga Puja gets closer, the sky gets brighter, fluffy clouds float by, and the golden sunlight kisses the first blooming kash phool (Saccharum spontaneum plant). For Bengalis, 'Pujo' is more than a festival—it's a grand celebration of art, spirituality, and togetherness. For five days, from Panchami (5th day) to Dashami (10th Day), the city lights up with vibrant themed pandals, enormous dazzling idols, alpona drawings (Bengali folk art style), and the rhythmic beats of dhaak (membranophone instrument from Bengal and Assam).

No doubt, Kolkata in West Bengal is the heart of the Durga Puja festivities, but places like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangladesh, Odisha, Nepal, and even London, New Jersey, New York, Hong Kong, and Canada too, show the same zeal. It's a magical experience that goes beyond words. Let’s dive into the most important aspects of Durga Puja 2024, from its array of aartis, rituals, traditional attire, and cultural festivities.

Important Tithies & Dates of Durga Puja 2024

Durga Puja is celebrated over the last five days of Navratri. Kolkata indulge in the excitement and preparation for nearly months. Organising numerous theme pandals, Durga idols, sparkling lighting on the streets, and much more. 

However, the Chakudaan ceremonial (drawing eyes to the idols) of Mahalaya poured life into this festival. Durga Puja begins a week later, on Mahashashthi, the 6th day of the lunar calendar, and continues till Dashmi, the 10th day. Make a note of these dates If you plan to visit Kolkata during Durga Puja 2024, so you don't miss out on any of the spectacular sights that words cannot describe.

• Maha Sashti: October 9, Wednesday
• Maha Saptami: October 10, Thursday
• Maha Ashtami: October 11, Friday
• Maha Navami: October 12, Saturday
• Maha Dashami: October 13, Sunday

The Significance of 108 Lotus Flowers in Durga Puja

In Hindu mythology, the Demon lord Mahishasura was granted invincibility by Lord Brahma, that no man or god could kill him. He devastated Indralok, and his growing powers disrupted the peace of the gods. To stop him, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva combined their powers to create Goddess Durga, arming her with divine weapons that adorned her 10 hands. Riding a vicious lion, Durga fought Mahishasura for ten days before finally defeating him.

If you’ve ever attended a Durga Puja aarti, you might have noticed the presence of 108 lotus flowers and 108 diyas. But what’s the meaning behind this exact number? Lord Ram, before his battle with Ravan, worshipped Durga by offering 108 lotus flowers during Ashwin causing Akal Bodhan (untimely invocation). But he could only gather 107 since Ram’s eyes are considered as beautiful as a lotus, he offered to sacrifice one to show his dedication. Moved by his devotion, Maa Durga blessed him.

The sixth day, known as Shashthi, marks the official beginning of the Durga Puja festivities by performing the ritual of "Bodhon" (Pran Pratishtha). 

The Hype Behind Wearing Sarees and Panjabi on Astami Pushpanjali

Among all the rituals one of the most cherished rituals during Durga Puja is the Ashtami Pushpanjali, where devotees offer flowers (Pushpa) to the goddess while chanting mantras. But why is Ashtami Pushpanjali so important? Pushpanjali is a way of surrendering your ego and desires at the feet of the goddess, symbolizing a wish for purity and prosperity.  

On Ashtami, you’ll notice a sea of women draped in gorgeous sarees, while men look sharp in traditional panjabis. Wearing sarees and panjabis during Durga Puja is not just about looking good; it’s a way of connecting to the roots of the Bengali culture. The saree, with its elegance and grace, symbolises purity, while the Panjabi represents tradition and respect. For women, especially, wearing a saree on Ashtami is a ritual in itself. The draping, the jewellery, and the entire ensemble carry cultural weight, embodying the spirit of Durga herself—strong, powerful, and beautiful.

The Spiritual Aroma of Sandhi Puja and Mahaprasad

After Kumari Puja on Aashtami where a young girl is worshipped and fed as if she is the embodiment of the devi Durga herself. The Mahanavami begins with "Sandhi Puja" (an evening puja) performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami.  Durga Puja isn't just about aartis and traditional attire. The real treat is the Mahaprasad—delicious dishes like khichuri, labda, and sweets, offered as blessings from the goddess herself.

In 2024, don’t miss the opportunity to witness this breathtaking ritual—whether it’s at a homely community, in your local pandal, or at a grand community celebration. 

Traditional Dhunachi Dance is The Rhythm of Devotion

The last day of Durga Puja is a bummer because we say goodbye to Goddess Durga. In Bengali culture, eating sweets before leaving home is good luck, so we feed the idols sweets and perform Thakur boron, where married women offer sweets, sindur and other items to the goddess, to ward off evil spirits as the devi travels. One of the most beautiful traditions of this bittersweet end of Durga Puja is Sindur Khela (playing with vermilion powder), which symbolises the power of womanhood.

Married women gather at pandals and apply sindoor (vermilion) on Maa Durga’s forehead before covering each other in it, marking the goddess’s departure. One of the most iconic scenes during Durga Puja is the Dhunachi Nach, a traditional dance performed by men and women alike while holding dhunachis, coconut shell shavings are burnt inside a dhunuchi and men and women dance with the hot vessel. The dancers sway to the beats of the dhaak (drums), creating a mesmerising atmosphere that feels almost magical. It’s a fascinating ritual you cannot miss!

By dancing with dhunachis, devotees believe they are warding off negative energy, purifying the surroundings for the goddess to stay. It’s also a fun way to engage the community, with everyone joining in to share the joy of the festival. In these epic rituals of Durga Puja, people come together to share in the emotional farewell to Maa Durga in Dashmi. It's a celebration filled with laughter, emotion, and hope for the goddess’s return next year.