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Durga Puja Navami – October 12, 2024

Durga Puja Navami will take place this year on October 12. It takes place on the ninth day of the known festival in India, called Durga Puja. The festival manifests the visit of Goddess Durga to her home with her children. This festival is celebrated all over India and reflects their religion, customs, and traditions. On the day of Navami, Hindu families plan and organize a grand Puja to Goddess Durga, praying and seeking her grace and blessing on the day she overthrows the demon Mahishasura. Along with this, people believe she brought world peace, prosperity, and tranquility.

History of Durga Puja Navami

Maha Navami is proclaimed and celebrated across India as a day that is part of the 10 consecutive days of the Durga Puja. These are mostly celebrated in the areas of West Bengal, Odisha, Tripura, Jharkhand, and Bihar. During the festival, people take the time to worship Goddess Durga with reverence, adoration, fervor, devotion, and enthusiasm. Goddess Durga, during the festival especially, is worshipped alongside the Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, Gods Ganesha, and Karthikeya. Navami of Durga Puja starts with Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of Durga’s route to home.

There are many different and unique ways that Navami of Durga Puja is celebrated across India. But it remains a binding force throughout the country as the essential significance is the worship of Goddess Durga. For instance, in northern India, the day is observed by conducting Kanya Puja, where nine girls are invited over and are fed a holy meal. The belief and tradition behind this are that the nine girls symbolize the nine faces of Goddess Durga. On the other hand, in South India, the festival is honored by celebrating Ayudh Puja and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi. What happens on this day is anything that bestows wisdom and knowledge are worshiped. Some things under this category are books, musical instruments, weapons, tools, vehicles, etc.

Navami of Durga Puja is the proper day and time to wish loved ones some inspiring messages and to share the abundant blessings of Goddess Durga. One example would be — “May the blessing of Maa Durga guide you on the right path and help you in all your endeavors. Warm wishes of Maha Navami to all.”

Durga Puja Navami timeline

500 A.D
Knowledge of Deceptive Evil

The “Devi Mahatmya” scripture describes the evil force symbolized by Mahishasura.

11th Century
New Findings

Jain text “Yasatiilaka” by Somadeva mentions an annual festival dedicated to a warrior goddess.

14th Century
Surviving Manuscripts

Manuscripts are found to provide guidelines for Navami of Durga Puja.

16th century
Royal Inclination

Historical records suggest the wealthy and royal sponsor Navami of Durga Puja festivities.

Durga Puja Navami FAQs

What is Durga Navami?

Maha Navami means “the great ninth day.” Maha Navami is also celebrated as the victory of good over evil.

Which day is Navami?

Maha Navami is the last day of worship just before the festival ends the following day, which is called Vijaya Dashami.

When is Navami of Durga Puja in 2022?

Navami of Durga Puja takes place on October 4, 2022.

How to Observe Durga Puja Navami

  1. Pray to Maa Durga

    This day is the perfect time to pray to Goddess Durga. Whatever you may need, just close your eyes and pray for good health and prosperity.

  2. Dress to impress

    Most shops and places offer discounts on clothes and other products. On “Maha Ashtami,” men usually wear Kurta Pajamas while women drape themselves in sarees.

  3. Come one come all

    It is the best time to mend your relationships with your family and friends. Navami of Durga Puja is also a way to rekindle all kinds of relationships. It is an occasion for celebrating the essence of humanity.

5 Interesting Facts About Durga Puja

  1. There are many decorations

    A Pandal and Goddess Durga’s idol is adorned with flowers and lights.

  2. There are many performances

    Yagyas and Havans are performed.

  3. People fast

    Devotees pray and wish for fulfillment and include fasting as a means.

  4. Worshiping is taken seriously

    The area of worship should be cleaned with Ganga water.

  5. Offerings are made

    Fruits and sweets should be offered to the Goddess.

Why Durga Puja Navami is Important

  1. It is a time for thanksgiving

    It is the time for Hindus to show their gratitude to the beloved Goddess Durga. They can show their appreciation and love for the gracious life they’ve had.

  2. It is a time to unite with others

    The ten days of the festival are an opportunity to mend relationships and reunite with all your loved ones. Navami of Durga Puja is a time to let go of resentment and let in love instead.

  3. It is for being festive

    India is a country that has tons of festivals. But this specific festival marks greatness and prosperity, which only makes people feel more glee.

Durga Puja Navami dates

YearDateDay
2022October 4Tuesday
2023October 23Monday
2024October 12Saturday
2025October 1Wednesday
2026October 20Tuesday

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