Celebrate the arrival of Goddess Durga to your homes during Durga Puja 2024 with Wedding Affair!
Durga Puja 2024 begins today and people all around the country are ready with bated breaths and exquisite preparations to welcome Goddess Durga into their house. The festival not only celebrates the victory of good over evil with the holy icon defeating the buffalo demon Mahishasura but also commemorates the goddess’ homecoming to her maternal home, the mortal realm. The five-day festival commences on October 9th and ends on October 13th, 2024 with the Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami falling on October 11th.
People worship the nine forms of Maa Durga through various acts such as keeping a fast, worshipping young unmarried girls and treating them with delicious feasts, and pujas like Sandhi Puja and Shodashopachar Puja.
Why is Durga Puja Celebrated?
Goddess Durga is believed to live on Mount Kailash with her husband, Lord Shiva, and their family. For the nine days of Navratri and five days of Durga Puja, the goddess ascends to the Earth to meet her maternal family, who patiently await her arrival to celebrate and impress her. Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami are the two most important days during this festival.
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During Maha Ashtami, devotees worship Maa Mahagauri- an incarnation of Adi Shakti. In the Bengali community, people worship Maa Chamunda, rejoicing in her victory over Chanda, Munda and Raktabija. The day begins with a Mahasnan followed by Shodashopachar Puja where nine pots are installed in the place of worship to invoke the nine shaktis of Maa Durga. The nine forms are worshipped during the Maha Ashtami Puja.
On Maha Navami, the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura is celebrated with puja and kanya pujan where all young girls are worshipped and invited for a delicious feast as they are considered to be forms of the holy idol.
When is Durga Puja Celebrated?
Durga Puja will be celebrated this year from October 9th to 13th. October 9th Shashti is when the festival begins followed by October 10th Saptami, October 11th Ashtami and Navami, and October 12th Vijaya Dashmi.
What to Do This Durga Puja?
This Durga Puja, embrace the Indian culture in an ethnic outfit and worship Maa Durga either at the temple in your house or at a Durga Pandal. Feast on delicious festive dishes such as halwa, puri, aloo ki sabzi and more and pray for the well-being of your loved ones and those in need!
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Enjoy the festive season most happily and healthily. Team Wedding Affair wishes all a very happy and auspicious Durga Puja 2024!
