🥳How These 15 Indian States Celebrate Durga Puja? Durga Puja 2023: A Celebration Of Divine Power

Durga Puja is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, particularly in the eastern states of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Bihar, Odisha, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Kerala, Rajasthan and Manipur

It’s a vibrant and culturally rich event that lasts for several days and involves elaborate rituals, artistic displays, and fervent devotion.

Here’s everything you need to know about Durga Puja.

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The Essence of Durga Puja

Durga Puja is primarily a Hindu festival that honors and celebrates the goddess Durga.

Goddess Durga is considered the divine embodiment of feminine power, strength, and protection.

The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, as it commemorates the goddess’s victory over the demon Mahishasura.

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The Timing of Durga Puja

Durga Puja usually occurs in the autumn months of September or October, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.

It spans over a period of ten days, with the main festivities happening during the last five days.

These five days are collectively known as “Durga Puja” or “Sharadiya Navaratri.”

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Preparations for Durga Puja

The preparations for Durga Puja start months in advance. Skilled artisans create clay idols of the goddess and other deities, often with meticulous attention to detail.

These idols are installed in temporary structures known as “pandals.” The pandals are elaborately decorated and themed, with each community or locality striving to outdo the others in creativity and artistry.

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The Arrival of the Goddess

The festival begins with “Mahalaya,” a special day when people wake up before dawn to listen to the recitation of “Mahishasura Mardini,” a sacred hymn.

It’s believed that on this day, goddess Durga begins her journey from her heavenly abode to Earth to bless her devotees.

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The Five Days of Durga Puja Celebration

Durga Puja is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across India. The dates for Durga Puja in 2023 vary depending on the state. Here are the dates for Durga Puja in 2023 in different states of India:

• Maha Panchami: Thursday, 19 October 2023.
• Maha Sasthi: Friday, 20 October 2023.
• Maha Saptami: Saturday, 21 October 2023.
• Maha Ashtami: Sunday, 22 October 2023.
• Maha Nabami: Monday, 23 October 2023.
• Bijaya Dashami: Tuesday, 24 October 2023.

1. Panchami: The Precursor to Durga Puja (Thursday, 19 October 2023)

Before the grand festivities of Durga Puja officially kicks off, there is a day of significant importance known as Maha Panchami.

Maha Panchami falls on the fifth day of the waxing moon in the lunar month of Ashwin, just before Durga Puja begins.

This day holds special significance as it sets the stage for the main event.

2. Shashthi (Friday, 20 October 2023)

Shashthi marks the official beginning of Durga Puja. The goddess is welcomed with rituals and prayers, and her eyes are painted, symbolizing the infusion of life into the idol.

This day also includes cultural performances and traditional dances.

3. Saptami (Saturday, 21 October 2023)

Saptami is when the real festivities kick in. Devotees visit pandals to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the goddess.

The day is filled with cultural programs, music, and dance performances.

4. Ashtami (Sunday, 22 October 2023)

Ashtami is one of the most significant days of Durga Puja. Devotees fast until they offer their prayers in the morning. Anjali (offering of flowers) is performed, and the goddess is honored with various rituals.

The evening is marked by a grand procession known as “Sandhi Puja.”

5. Navami (Monday, 23 October 2023)

Navami is dedicated to the final prayers and rituals. People visit pandals to pay their respects to the goddess and partake in community feasts.

The day also involves cultural events and competitions.

6. Dashami (Tuesday, 24 October 2023)

Dashami marks the conclusion of Durga Puja. It’s a bittersweet day as devotees bid farewell to the goddess.

The idols are taken in a colorful procession for immersion in rivers or water bodies, symbolizing the goddess’s return to her heavenly abode.

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Food and Festivities

Durga Puja is not just a religious event; it’s also a time for culinary delights. Traditional Bengali dishes like “luchi,” “alur dum,” “cholar dal,” and a variety of sweets like “sandesh” and “rasgulla” are prepared and shared among friends and family.

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Inclusivity of Durga Puja

Durga Puja transcends religious boundaries, and people of all faiths are welcome to participate in the celebrations. It’s a time when communities come together, fostering unity and harmony.

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How is Durga Puja celebrated in different regions of India?

Certainly, here’s an explanation of how Durga Puja is celebrated in 15 states of India:

1. West Bengal:
   • Durga Puja in West Bengal is renowned for its grandeur and cultural significance.
   • It involves the creation of intricate clay idols of Goddess Durga and elaborate pandals (temporary structures) where these idols are enshrined.
   • Cultural events, including music, dance, and drama, are organized alongside religious rituals.
   • The festival culminates with the immersion of the idols in the Ganges River.
2. Assam:
   • In Assam, Durga Puja is known as “Durga Pujo” and is celebrated with great fervor.
   • It involves beautifully decorating the idols and organizing processions with devotees.
   • Traditional Bihu dance performances are a highlight of the celebrations.
   • Immersion of idols typically takes place in the Brahmaputra River.
3. Bihar:
   • Durga Puja in Bihar is a spiritual affair with a focus on traditional rituals and devotion.
   • Devotees observe fasts, perform puja at home and visit local temples.
   • Spiritual songs, bhajans, and kirtans are commonly sung during community gatherings.
   • Sweets and gifts are exchanged among friends and family.
4. Odisha:
   • In Odisha, Durga Puja is marked by the construction of artistic pandals and idols.
   • Cultural programs showcasing Odia dance and music are an integral part of the festivities.
   • The idols are immersed in local rivers or ponds at the end of the festival.
5. Tripura:
   • Durga Puja is the most significant festival in Tripura.
   • It features beautifully crafted idols and elaborately decorated pandals.
   • Cultural activities, processions, and community feasts are organized.
   • Immersion of idols occurs in local rivers or lakes.
6. Delhi:
   • In Delhi, Durga Puja is celebrated with grandeur, especially by the Bengali community.
   • Elaborate pandals, cultural programs, and traditional dances are organized.
   • The festival brings together residents and tourists to enjoy the festivities.
7. Uttar Pradesh:
   • Cities like Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh celebrate Durga Puja with traditional rituals and community gatherings.
   • The festival is marked by the worship of Goddess Durga in homes and temples.
8. Maharashtra:
   • In cities like Mumbai and Pune, Durga Puja is celebrated by Bengali communities.
   • Pandals are adorned with artistic decorations, and cultural events are organized.
   • The festival showcases the multicultural aspect of these cities.
9. Gujarat:
   • Some cities in Gujarat, including Vadodara and Surat, with Bengali populations, celebrate Durga Puja.
   • Cultural programs and traditional rituals are part of the celebrations.
10. Tamil Nadu:
    • In Chennai and other urban centers with Bengali communities, Durga Puja is observed.
    • Cultural events and rituals are organized to celebrate the festival.
11. Karnataka:
    • Cities like Bengaluru have Durga Puja celebrations organized by local Bengali associations.
    • The festival includes traditional rituals, cultural programs, and feasts.
12. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana:
    • In cities like Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, Durga Puja is celebrated by Bengali communities.
    • It involves the worship of Goddess Durga and cultural performances.
13. Kerala:
    • In Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, Durga Puja celebrations are organized by Bengali communities.
    • Cultural events, rituals, and processions are part of the festivities.
14. Rajasthan:
    • Cities like Jaipur with Bengali residents celebrate Durga Puja with traditional rituals and cultural programs.
    • The festival brings together the local community.
15. Manipur:
    • In Manipur, Durga Puja is celebrated with great religious and cultural significance.
    • It involves traditional rituals and the worship of Goddess Durga.
    • Cultural programs and processions may also be organized.

Keep in mind that the specific customs and traditions may vary within each state, among different communities, and even within various localities.

However, the common thread is the reverence for Goddess Durga and the festive spirit that unites people during this auspicious festival.

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FAQs About When is Durga Puja 2023?

There are a lot of questions that come to our mind while searching for the Durga puja celebration, some of the commonly asked questions are answered below.

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Conclusion

Durga Puja 2023 is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of art, culture, and spirituality. It’s a time when communities come together to revel in the joy of togetherness and seek the blessings of goddess Durga. As we gear up for this grand event, let’s remember the essence of Durga Puja: the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness.

So, mark your calendars, prepare your finest attire, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Durga Puja 2023. It’s an experience like no other, and it’s waiting for you with open arms.

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