Here in this article, we will try to cover when is Durga Puja this year? What will be the dates for the upcoming years and what is the meaning of the phrase?
Durga Puja is celebrated all around the world. It is celebrated in the eastern and north-eastern states of India. It is considered to be a very auspicious day in the Hindu calendar of festivals and events.
When is Durga Puja Celebrated?
The Durga Maa Puja is a festival that is observed in the Indian calendar month of Ashwin, and it is celebrated either in September or October every year.
It will lie on October 22 in 2020 and will end on October 26.
When is Durga Puja 2021?
Durga Puja 2021 will begin on 11th October and end on 15th October 2021.
When is Durga Puja in the upcoming years?
The below table includes all the dates on which Durga Puja will be celebrated in the upcoming years
| Year | Date |
| 2021 | 11 October to 15 October |
| 2022 | 1 October to 5 October |
| 2023 | 20 October to 24 October |
| 2024 | 9 October to 13 October |
| 2025 | 28 September to 2 October |
| 2026 | 16 October to 20 October |
| 2027 | 5 October to 9 October |
| 2028 | 23 September to 27 September |
| 2029 | 12 October to 16 October |
| 2030 | 2 October to 6 October |
When was Durga Puja in the previous years?
The below table includes all the dates on which Durga Festival was celebrated in the previous years.
| Year | Date |
| 2010 | 14 October to 18 October |
| 2011 | 3 October to 7 October |
| 2012 | 21 October to 25 October |
| 2013 | 11 October to 15 October |
| 2014 | 1 October to 5 October |
| 2015 | 20 October to 24 October |
| 2016 | 8 October to 12 October |
| 2017 | 26 September to 30 September |
| 2018 | 15 October to 19 October |
| 2019 | 4 October to 8 October |
What is the meaning of Durga Puja?
Maa Durga is considered to be an ancient deity of the Hindu mythology according to the various archaeological and textual evidence found in the history.
It is a five-day festival that is celebrated in honour of Maa Durga and the winning of good deeds over evil deeds.
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Various temples like the Dadhimati Mata temple, present in the state of Rajasthan preserves a Durga related inscription which has been dated by the modern methods to somewhere around 608 CE.
The meaning of the term Durga appears in the Vedic literature like the Rig Veda and also in Atharvaveda.
She is considered to be the one who symbolizes the winning of good over evil as she killed the shape-shifting Evil force Mahishasur.
The festival of Durga Puja is celebrated for five days. The 1st day is known as Shashti, followed by Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and finally ending the festival on the day of Dashami.
Purpose and Symbolism
The purpose of celebrating Durga Puja is to celebrate the victory of good over evil as Maa Durga killed all the demons and evil spirits. This festival marks the victory of Maa Durga in her battle against the shapeshifting asura, Mahishasura.
It also symbolizes the harvest festival celebrating the Goddess as the motherly power behind all the life and creation.
The festival of Durga Maa Puja also coincides with the other 2 festivals of Dussehra and Navratri, which are observed in the Hindu tradition.
The dance of Ram Leela and the drama are enacted while also, the victory of Ram Ravana is celebrated by the people.
Important Dates of Durga Puja
The festival of Durga Maa Puja is celebrated for 5 days every year. Each day is known by its name. The detailed explanation of each day is given below:
1. Shashti
The first day of celebration of Durga Maa Puja is known as Shashti, where it is believed by the devotees that Goddess Durga descends on the earth along with her four children, including Kartikeya, Lakshmi, Sarasvati, and Ganesh.
The beautiful sculptures and idols of Maa Durga are opened all over the country for the people to have a look.
2. Saptami
The second day of the celebration of Durga Maa Puja is known as the Saptami, where it is believed that the idol of Goddess Durga has to be invoked with life by performing the ritual of Pran Pratishthan.
A saree is used to cover a banana tree and then is bathed in the river just like a newly wedded bride.
This process is famous by the name of KOLA BAU, where it is believed that the energy of Goddess Durga is transferred in this banana tree.
3. Ashtami
The third day of the celebration of Durga Maa Puja is famous by the name of Ashtami, where Durga Maa is worshipped as a young and virgin girl in a process or ritual which is famous by the name of Kumari Puja.
Puja is also performed in the evening to worship the Chamunda Goddess, who is considered to be one of the forms of Goddess Durga, who is supposed to have slain the buffalo demon Mahisasur.
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The Puja on this particular day generally happens during that time when it is believed that the killing of this demon took place.
4. Navami
The fourth day of the celebration of Durga Maa Puja is known as Navami, where the Maha Aarti is organized to mark the end of the conclusion of the festival.
The devotees wear new clothes and get involved in the celebration of this festival to the fullest.
5. Dashami
The last day of the celebration of Durga Maa Puja festival is known as Dashami, where the idols of Maa Durga are moved from its place and then finally immersed into the river.
It is done because of the belief that this will return her to her husband. After this process is over, people enjoy a delicious dinner and sweets with each other.
Conclusion
Durga Puja is a festival which is celebrated for 5 days all around India every year. It is very famous in the north-eastern states of India.
In 2020, this festival will start on the 22nd of October and will end on the 26th of October. In 2021, it will start on the 11th of October and will end on the 15th of October.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is the symbolism of Durga Mata Puja?
Durga Mata Puja is considered to be the festival of good deeds and the end of evil deeds. Maa Durga is considered to be the one who kills all the demons and evil spirits.
What are the 9 avatars of Durga?
The nine forms of Goddess Durga (also synonymous with Gauri) or (Parvati) are: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidhatri.
Why is Durga Maa Worshipped?
The period brings peace to the minds of devotees when they perform pujas and yagnas for the goddess. Ultimately, it can be said that the devotees worship Durga to gain positive energy, to cleanse their mind so as to attain purity and salvation. A pure mind helps devotees concentrate on their routine.
Who created Maa Durga?
The trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva came together to create a powerful female form with ten arms. When Durga emerged from the waters of the holy Ganga as a spirit, she was given a physical form by all the gods put together. Her face was created by Lord Shiva and her torso crafted by Indra.
Why does Durga sit on a tiger?
Durga Maa is depicted as riding on a lion or a tiger. A tiger symbolizes unlimited power. Thus, Goddess Durga symbolizes the Divine forces (positive energy) that is used against the negative forces of evil and wickedness.