One of the important Hindu festivals – Durga Puja – is sort of right here, and devotees of Maa Durga are gearing as much as ring it in with a lot pomp. The five-day annual pageant honours Maa Durga and celebrates her victory over the demon king Mahishasura – which is why the Goddess is often known as Mahishasura Mardini. In keeping with Hindu mythology, it’s believed that the Goddess Durga visits her earthly abode throughout this time to bless her devotees. Although the pageant holds nice significance for Bengalis, it’s celebrated with equal pomp in different states like Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Bihar and Jharkhand.
When is Durga Puja 2022?
This yr, Durga Puja celebrations start on Saturday, October 1 (Maha Shasthi) and finish on Wednesday, October 5 (Vijayadashami). The festivities begin with full gusto on the event of Maha Shashti. Pandals are embellished lavishly, the idol of Maa Durga is unveiled to guests on the pandals, and drums, generally known as Dhaak, are banged so as to add festive spirit.
Durga Puja 2022 Shubh Muhurat:
The Shashthi Tithi on the primary day of Durga Puja begins at 10:34 pm on September 30 and ends at 08:46 pm on October 01. Moreover, the Bilva Nimantran tithi will final from 3:45 pm to 06:07 pm on Saturday, October 1. (Additionally Learn: Know all concerning the 9 avatars of Maa Durga worshipped on every day of Navratri)
The Saptami Tithi begins at 08:46 pm on October 1 and ends at 06:47 pm on October 02. In the meantime, Ashtami falls on Monday, October 3, and the muhurat will start at 06:47 pm on October 02 and finish at 04:37 pm on October 03. Maha Navami will fall on Tuesday, October 4, and tithi will begin at 04:37 pm on October 03 and finish at 02:20 pm on October 04.
Durga Puja 2022 Calendar:
Mahalaya – Sunday, September 25
Maha Shashti – Saturday, October 1
Maha Saptami – Sunday, October 2
Maha Ashtami – Monday,October 3
Maha Navami – Tuesday, October 4
Durga Visarjan, Vijayadashami (Dussehra) – Wednesday, October 5
Durga Puja Historical past and Significance:
Hindu mythology says that the demon king Mahishasura was gifted with a boon from Lord Brahma – no man or God may kill him – after he impressed him together with his dedication. Nonetheless, a lady may finish the demon. For a few years, Mahishasura attacked the Gods and chased them out of heaven after receiving the blessing. He additionally terrorised people. Then, all of the gods got here collectively to worship Adi Shakti, who may finish Mahishaura. The divine mild that got here out of all of the Gods, together with Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, created Maa Durga.
The battle between Maa Durga and Mahishasura lasted for ten days. Goddess Durga slayed the demon king on the tenth day, and therefore the day is well known as Vijaya Dashami, symbolising the victory of excellent over evil.
Goddess Durga is worshipped as an emblem of energy and power, and the pageant celebrates the divine female (shakti). Devotees imagine that praying to Maa Durga will help them fulfil their objectives, overcome hurdles of their lives, and defend them from evil.
Durga Puja Celebrations:
The preparations to welcome Maa Durga started on September 25 with Mahalaya. Through the five-day Durga Puja celebrations, devotees go to totally different pandals (Pandal Hopping) wearing model new conventional garments to witness Maa Durga’s 9 avatars, the extravagant set-ups and witness the Pandal celebrations. Additionally they pray to Maa Durga, rise up early within the morning, eat scrumptious meals and take part in Dhunuchi Naach.
On the event of Bijoya Dashami or Vijayadashami, October 5, married girls rejoice with Sindoor Khela – smearing vermillion on one another’s faces – as a celebration of womanhood. On today, devotees additionally carry out the ritual of immersing Maa Durga’s idols (Durga Visarjan) within the holy water of the river Ganges. Earlier than the immersion, worshippers perform processions accompanied by drum beating, singing and dancing. Additionally they want for Maa Durga to return again subsequent yr together with her blessings. Whereas Vijay Dashami marks the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura, Dussehra celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.