”Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah” (Translation: To the goddess who resides in all beings in the form of power, I bow to her again and again) With these divine hymns reverberating in the backdrop, Durga Puja, the grand festival of Goddess Durga’s triumph over the evil unfolds in India. Radiant pandals, bursting sounds, beautiful women and innovative models – that is the spirit and introduction of the festival that brings people together in joy.  Durga puja this year spans from October 8 to 13, with rituals such as Bodhan, Maha Saptami and others. let’s go through this guide to understand how to make your journey of Durga Puja truly remarkable.

When is Durga Puja 2024? – Dates and Schedule                 

Durga Puja is one of the prominent festivals of the states of India which is celebrated with full passion and excitement. More specifically, Durga Puja is very popular in West Bengal, though, the people in the states of Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat also do celebrate the occasion wholeheartedly. One more festival, which illustrates the triumph of good over evil and symbolizes the victory of goddess Durga over Mahishasura, the Buffalo demon.

For Bengalis, it is a six-day long festival celebration for which Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami are observed here. So now it’s the time again for every Indian to prepare themselves for this 6 days long Durga Puja 2024 which will be celebrated to welcome Maa Durga at our doorstep after winning over Mahishasura, the Buffalo demon.

Durga Puja is observed on the last day of Navaratri. It starts from Shasthi and continues up to Dashami by which the idol of Maa Durga is taken to the rivers or any water source to pay her honour and obeisance.

Durga Puja 2024 – The festival is going to be from 9th October to 13th October.

Mahalaya 2024 – It will be celebrated on 02 of October 2024.

IMPORTANT DATES OF DURGA PUJA

The festival of Durga Puja is performed during five days; Saptami, Shasthi, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami.

Shasthi – 9 October 2024

On this day it is believed Goddess Durga comes to earth with Her four children: Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi and Saraswati. And, particularly on Shashi -the exquisite dolls of Maa Dura are unveiled to be looked into by the people.

Saptami – 10 October 2024

On this day we believe that the goddess Durga idol is brought to life through the ritual of Pran Pratistha. A Banana tree is dressed up like a bride with a saree and bathed in water in the river like a bride and this is known to be Kola Bou. It is used in order to carry the energy of Goddess Durga.

Ashtami – 11 October 2024

On this day, Goddess Durga is worshipped as a young and virgin girl in a ritual known by the name Kumari Puja. Sandhi Puja is done in the night for the worship of the Chamunda form of Goddess Durga who is believed to have routed the buffalo demon Mahisasur. The Puja on this day is usually performed at the time when Mahisasur was killed by Goddess Durga.

Maha Navami- 12 October 2024

 starts after the “Sandhi Puja” and that culminates in the beautiful “Maha Aarti” which are events that draw big masses of people who want to participate.

“Maha Dashami- 13 October 2024

It is the last day of Durga Puja, which recalls the victory of the goddess over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This day must be understood as important because the festival comes to an end when the Durga idols are immersed in water which means that Goddess Durga is returning to her abode in heaven. The emotions are present in the rituals, as people say ‘goodbye’ to the goddess through prayers and music, and the processions marking the end of the celebration are filled with excitement, joy and sorrow

Date	Tithi	Rituals
October 2, 2024 (Wednesday)	Maha-laya
October 8, 2024 (Tuesday)	Maha Panchmi	Kushmanda Puja, Upang Lalita Vrat, Saraswati Avahan.
October 9, 2024 (Wednesday)	Maha Sashthi	Saraswati Avahan, Katyayani Puja. Mula Nakshatra Avahan Muhurat is from 10:25 AM to 04:42 PM.
October 10, 2024 (Thursday)	Maha Saptami	Saraswati Puja, Kalaratri Puja.
October 11, 2024 (Friday)	Maha Ashtami	Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja, Maha Navami.
October 12, 2024 (Saturday)	Maha Navami	Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Navratri Parana
October 13,2024 (Sunday)	Vijaya Dashami	, Durga Visarjan, Vijayadashami.

Kokalta

Durga Puja the most popular in Kolkata is celebrated with utmost enthusiasm and adherence to traditional rituals. The city is beautifully adorned like a bride and people expected the homecoming of Goddess Durga.

The folklore amongst the natives is that Goddess Durga returned to her people as a married woman for nine days to her parent’s house. Some of the pandals are built with bamboo sticks and look marvellous having fantastic ornamental works. In the pandals, you can also see a very large statue of Goddess Durga. There are also many famous delicacies offered to Maa as Bhog which you can also have.

Here is a list of the top 5 must-visit during Durga Puja celebration in Kolkata.

• Sovabazar Raja Barir Puja
• Rani Rashmoni Durga Puja
• Durga Puja / Harinath Mookerjee Family Durga Puja
• Bholanath Mallick Barir Puja
• The Durga Puja of the Chota Babu Latu Babu Family

Ahmedabad, Gujarat

This celebration is dedicated to Lord Ram who is regarded as the god who killed the evil personification, Raavan. You may watch fireworks the whole night through. There are many open platforms prepared for drama, dance and song to celebrate the life of Ram, Sita’s ordeal and Ram’s triumph. To entertain the people the clueless traditional Dandiya and Garba dance is performed throughout the festival. This is a festival in which people of different cultures are involved. At this time, the Sabarmati Ashram on the outskirts of the city is a must-visit. As the night progresses a dummy of hay also called Raavan is built and set on fire. When Ram ignites the structure made of hay, people witness the end of the demon in a state of religious reverie.

Are You going to celebrate Durga Pooja in Ahmedabad? Here are the following 5 places you must visit in Durga Puja:

• Garba, GMDC Ground
• Mirchi Rock & Dhol
• YMCA Club
• CEPT University
• Rajpath Club

Guwahati, Assam

At Guwahati, the festival starts on the New moon day and continues up to the tenth day of the lunar calendar. At this time, the idol of Durga is worshipped. While Bengali New Year is the buzz, the city comes alive with pandas and huge fairs and exhibitions, which makes it even more enthral. If you are planning to visit Assam during the time of this festival, then Latasil Durga Puja must be experienced! This is one of the oldest pandals in town and the impressive statues of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga are enormous here.

Below, are the three highly recommended locals that should be visited during puja vacation in Guwahati.

• Bahubali Mahishmati Durga Puja Pandal
• Bharat Mata, Bishnupur
• Krishna Mandir, Latasil

Hyderabad, Telangana

It was in the year 2007 that the Cyberabad Bengali Association started the tradition of holding Durga puja in Hyderabad. Hyderabadis follow it up with a lot of enthusiasm and zeal in the celebration of Durga Puja. Pandals are decorated marvelously and many food fests and exhibitions are held in the city. Below is the list of top 5 tourists’ attractions that can be visited during the Durga Puja vacation in Hyderabad.

• Utsab cultural associations
• Nabarun Sangha
• Balanagar
• Attapur Bengali Association
• Oikotan Hyderabad

Delhi

It is noteworthy that Durga Puja is celebrated in Delhi as Ram’s victory. Many dramas are enacted depicting the victory of Lord Ram. Children, during the festivities, dress up like characters in the religion. Finally, an enormous Raavana effigy is set on fire, a facet of the belief in the triumph of destruction over sin at the culmination of the fun festival.

The colour festivity of Ramleela Maidan is incomplete without a huge effigy of Raavana which is burnt following a dance and drama show depicting the episodes of Ramayan during Puja vacation in Delhi. A lot of beautiful and magnificent structures have been made where they celebrate the puja of the goddess Durga idols. It comprises various food stalls and exhibitions in the city.

Here are 5 best places to visit during Durga Puja if you are planning to celebrate in Delhi-

• CR Park
• Durgotsav GK 2
• Matri Mandir, Safdurganj Enclave
• Minto Road, Rajiv Chowk
• Kashmiri Gate

Top 10 Pandal Hopping Destinations in Kolkata

       I.          Kumartuli Park

Location: Positioned in North Kolkata, near the river at Kumartuli Park, just before Bagbazar.

Highlight: Kumartuli Park is one of the youngest, well-known Durga Pujas, where the victory of Goddess Durga is depicted in both artistic and architectonic merits. The pandal is quite special because it is located in the place where clay artisans create the Durga idols, which are shipped globally. A visit here is an opportunity to see the spirit of Calcutta’s art and cultural legacy!

     II.          Ahritola Sarbajanin Durgatsab

Location: North Kolkata, Gopaal Pursa Road near Bagbazar Launch Ghat.

Highlight: Ahritola, which has been organising Durga Puja for almost close to a century, is one of the oldest Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata. This festival focuses on cultural practices and ceremonies and gathers people from different regions of India. Here you will find idols well decorated carnivals and a lot of arts and dance troupes to make the celebration a memorable one.

    III.          Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja

Location: College Square, Chittaranjan Avenue, Kolkata.

Highlight: Besides an impressive collection of replicas of world-famous monuments, Mohammad Ali Park’s Durga Puja is gourmet for the eyes. Every year it portrays different forms of Goddess Durga so realistically and in detail, which is certainly worth a visit for anyone who wants to see the work that the artists of Kolkata have to offer.

   IV.          Dum Dum Park, Tarun Sangha

Location: 53, Tank No 3, Dum Dum Park, South Dum Dum, Kolkata – 700030.

Highlight: Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha is widely famous for its bright shades and artistic works depicting the Goddess Durga and her manifestations. Prepare for the lively mood with folk singers, dancing, spontaneous street markets, and reunion of joyous happy families.

     V.          Sikdar Bagan Sadharan Durga Puja

Location: No 69/1, Sikdar Bagan Street Hatibagan, Kolkata.

Highlight: Although it was started in 1913 it can be easily counted as one of the traditional Durga Puja pandal of present Kolkata. Yet, the general environment of the pandal is bright owing to the additional lighting and the work that has been put into the idol of Goddess Durga making the whole experience a mesmerizing one for everyone who visits.

   VI.          Shree Bhumi Sporting Club

Location: In P.S Lake Town, Canal Street, Sree Bhumi, Kolkata.

Highlight: For all the Bahubali lovers out there, the Sree Bhumi pandal will take you by surprise as they recreate the entire Mahisamathi palace. This pandal is adorned with stunning lights and comparatively more complicated designs which makes it one of the most visited pandals in Kolkata.

  VII.          Suruchi Sangha

Location: Super Snack Bar Shop No. B-5, Block M-500 and 505, New Station Road, New Alipore, Kolkata.

Highlight: Praised by enthusiasts for the different thematic Pandal representing the States of India, Suruchi Sangha is over 50 years old and received an award for the best-decorated pandal. Its colourful lights and well-carved idol make it an interesting event to watch.

VIII.          Lake Town Adhibasi Brinda

Location: Link Road at Lake Town beside Jaya Cinema Hall, Kolkata.

Highlight: Unlike the opulent structures of the pandals, Lake Town Adhibasi Brinda concerns itself with themes of social update and village life, which showcase the Goddess Durga using various forms. Thus, cultural programs like songs, dances, and many more including awareness programs like blood donation camps go parallel to the celebrations.

    IX.          Nalin Sarkar Street

Location: 205A moon mansions Shri Aurobindo Sarani road Hati Bagan Shyam Bazar Kolkata.

Highlight: This pandal is a welcoming mix of nature and heritage, with colourful lighting and unique and creative installations. During the festivals, the idol of Goddess Durga is made of clay with pottery and the lively vibe of Nalin Sarkar Street is quite attractive.

     X.          Manicktala Chaltabagan Lohapatty Durga Puja

Location: Raja Ram Mohan Sarani, Maniktala, Kolkata.

Highlight: This famous pandal was set up in 1943 and it holds many prizes for having the most creative layout. You will be able to witness some cultural performances including the Dhunuchi dance and the Dhaki competition to be fully absorbed by the joyous celebrations of Durga Puja.

              Gather your loved ones now to join the festive cheer of Kolkata and prepare for the wonders that will greet you at every turn.

Traditional Durga Puja Rituals and Ceremonies—

There are numerous rites and customs linked with the celebration of Durga Puja. The onset of the deity brings the ritual of painting Durga’s eyes on idols made of clay, which are the deities to be worshipped inside pandals. The last five days of the festival are the period of worship or devotion out of which they are mostly observed. Each rite includes a number of incantations and prayers in Sanskrit as well as the readings from the Devi Mahatmya and recitation of the Durga Saptashati – the verses in honour of the goddess. The ceremony of Bodhan is done daily from the sixth day or Shashthi to the ninth day or Navami. The Saptami is the seventh day on which the Nabapatrika Snan, an early morning bath for Ganesha’s wife who is referred to as the banana tree, on the eighth and the most sacred day of Ashtami, which is followed by anjali offered by the devotees that mean – presenting flowers and Shondhi puja performed during Ashtami to Navami transition period. Hosting Anjali on several days of the festivity has gradually become a tradition. Almost all nights are brought by an Arti, where a deity is offered lamps and incantations. Sometimes there is a kumari puja during which a girl, who has not yet reached puberty, is treated as a deity.

Dhunuchi nach is a ritual dance observed on Ashtami and Navami night when devotees move around holding the special earthen incense burners named Dhunuchi. Drums known as dhak are played during the dance and during each day of the festival. Sindoor Khela is also one of the most vivid rituals when married women put sindoor, which is vermilion placed in the partition of hair to indicate married status, on the idol of Durga and each other on the Vijayadashami day. The idol is immersion in water called as ‘visarjan’, metaphorically meant to suggest that, Durga has returned to the Kailas Parvat.

Durga Puja Special: Bengali Cuisine and Street Food

Bengal being famous for its delicious food has numerous delicious and fabulous dishes which come alive or can be said that turn into somersault in the mouth during Durga Puja. It is not only the time of devotion but also the opportunity to taste the quintessence of Bengal, overlooking a plate of something scrumptious. Both on the street and at home people prepare various dishes, and all the citizens, who are interested in the culinary, wake up. Let’s delve into the culinary traditions of Durga Puja:

1. Aloo posto (meaning potatoes in poppy seed gravy)

Aloo Posto is one of the popular potato recipes among vegetarian recipes that are made by cooking potatoes in a poppy seed paste. This dish is popular during the time of Puja and is definitely a part of most people’s feast. But it is exceptionally delicious and very easy to make.”

2. Dhokar Dalna or Lentil based Cakes in gravy

Dhokar Dalna is a very popular Bengali dish where tiny round flat lentil cakes are prepared and then simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce. It’s a delicious dish that is commonly prepared during the festive periods because it is very filling.

3. Fried Bread with Bengal Gram Curry which is called Luchi with Cholar Dal.

Luchi, the deep-fried bread is served with Cholar Dal which is mildly sweet and spicy, using Bengal gram curry. It’s a perfect mix that is best suited to symbolize the holiday mood.

4. Shorshe Phoolkopi – is preparing cauliflower in mustard gravy.

These cauliflower florets here cooked with a tangy and tasty mustard sauce prepared by grinding green chillis and mustard seeds are known as Shorshe Phoolkopi. This is a typical Bengali delicacy which can be savoured especially during the feast.

5. Mishti (Sweets)

As for myself, I would like to add some new tastes to the list of the most delicious non-lean proprioceptive foods: Sandesh, Rosogolla, and Mishti Doi which are integral parts of each Bengali seasonal feast. They come closer to symbolising the sweetness of Durga Puja in Bengalis’ hearts.

street foods like –

Phuchka (Panipuri/Golgappa):

 Phuchka is quite commonly associated with Durga Puja, especially in the city of Kolkata. These crispy, hollow balls are full of spicy tamarind water and a boiled potatoes and chickpeas mixture to die for. The sensation that ends up in your palate is a burst that is a unique and divine experience one should not ignore.

 Chingri Malai Curry (Prawn Coconut Curry):

 Chingri Malai Curry is a good way to savour some of the best Bengal recipes. Garden shrimp cooked in a rich coconut-based sauce and the explosion of flavour from succulent prawns. It is a definite recommendation for those who are connoisseurs of good things in life.

Macher Jhol (Fish Curry):

To all seafood lovers out there, Durga Puja means a chance again to enjoy Macher Jhol. This comforting Bengali fish curry that could be had with steamed rice in many a Bengali household really heals the soul.

 Kathi Rolls: 

Kolkata’s Kathi roll is one of the most famous food items that are famous for its history as well as its taste. Marinated juicy meat or vegetables are inserted in between parathas and accompanied by squirts of chutney. It’s portable fare that gives an explosive taste of what street food could offer.

 

How to Plan Your Durga Puja Trip – Travel and Accommodation

Organizing a Durga Puja tour calls for great planning, which you must undertake if you are visiting West Bengal particularly Kolkata where the festival is a mega event. Here’s a step-by-step guide, along with travel tips and accommodation options:

Key Travel Tips:

• Arrive Early: Ideally, it is best to reach here before Shasthi – the sixth day of Navaratri and spend the Navaratri festival till Dashami – Dussehra.
• Prepare for Crowds: Kolkata’s streets are crowded every single day from Panchami to Navami till midnight. So, if you are not at ease in crowded places, then Durga Puja may not be the best time for you, as pandal hopping is inevitably going to be in some of the biggest crowds.
• Use Metro and Walk: Most of the Pandal area is well-connected with Metro stations so you wouldn’t have to worry about traffic jams. One can walk through different attractions and get easily immersed in the festive mood.
• Avoid Valuables: While roaming from one pandal to another, do not carry anything very important with you or else it may get lost amidst the crowd.
• Visit Pandals in the Evening: They are more illuminated and people are fewer in the early evening. Late at night crowds thicken and the probability of waiting in queues also grows.
• Traditional Pujas: It is ideal to plan a tour of traditional pujas like Sovabazar Rajbari, Dutta Bari, and Mullick Bari to explore preliminary traditions.
• Food Tips: If you’re a food lover, you should try the street food of Kolkata which includes Phuchkas, Kathi rolls, and Churmur. But bear in mind that there’s always a long line at restaurants during lunch and dinner times.
• Comfortable Clothes: Since it is warm around this time, pack light and loose clothing.
• Divide Your Pandal Visits: Break the city into zones. It is recommended that one should choose several places of interest in North Kolkata and spend a day there, then do the same in the South, and so on to cover vast areas more effectively.
• Eat Early: You may also find restaurants crowded and have long waits, so eat a heavy breakfast before you begin the pandal hopping.

Accommodation Options:

1.     The Lake Hotel

Location: Dhakuria, Kolkata

Price: ₹2,400 per night

Distance: Near popular South Kolkata Pandal such as Deshapriya Park and Mudiali Club..

2.     Taj Bengal

Location: Alipore, South Kolkata

Price: ₹10,000+ per night

Distance: A few minutes away from Mudiali Club and Suruchi Sangha pandals

3.     Egenta Inn Larica

Location: Chinar Park, Kolkata

Price: ₹1,411 per night

Distance: Located a bit off from the major lot of pandals, however, this place has reasonable tariff and good accommodation.

4.     OYO Rooms in Salt Lake

Location: Salt Lake, Kolkata

Price: ₹1,200-2,000 per night

Distance: Salt Lake is well connected to some of the major pandal areas although Salt Lake is a little away from the city centre.

5.     Youth Hostels

Location: North Kolkata, near Kumartuli

Price: ₹800-1,500 per night

Distance: For the extensive traveller who wants to remain in an area with tired traditional fair pandals.

                                Worshipped by thousands for centuries, now it is your turn – So, what’s stopping you from planning your Durga Puja trip? come and plan your vacation for one of a lifetime.

Sarvasya Buddhi Rupena Janasya Hridi Samsthite, Swarge Mahishyate Devi Durga Devi Namostute

Translation – (Let the almighty Goddess Durga who resides in everyone’s heart, bring knowledge and shower her divine presence upon us. (Come back to us, come back, O dear Mother!)