Durga Puja 2024: Key Dates for Ashtami and Navami – Rituals and Puja Timings - Durga Puja, one of the most revered festivals in Hinduism, celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The festival spans five days, with Ashtami being considered the most significant day. This year, Durga Puja 2024 will be observed with Ashtami falling on October 11, followed by Navami on October 12. The festival will conclude with the immersion of Goddess Durga on Sunday, October 13.

Durga Puja 2024: Maha Ashtami Rituals

Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Durga Puja, is marked by a special pushpanjali (offering of flowers) to honor the Goddess. This day holds immense spiritual importance and is celebrated with great devotion.

Ashtami Puja Timings

According to the Gupta Press almanac, the pushpanjali ritual is set to take place in the early morning between 5:45 AM and 6:00 AM. Another popular calendar, the Bisuddha Siddhanta almanac, indicates the timings to be from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

The day also features Kumari Puja, where young girls aged 8-12 are worshipped as a symbol of Goddess Durga.

Sandhi Puja: The Transition to Mahanavami

As Ashtami transitions to Navami, the sacred Sandhi Puja is performed, symbolizing the exact moment when Goddess Durga vanquished Mahishasura. This ritual involves offerings of 108 lotuses and 108 earthen lamps, accompanied by chants dedicated to Goddess Chandi, the fiercest form of Durga. Sandhi Puja will commence after 11:30 AM on October 11.

Durga Puja 2024: Mahanavami Rituals

Mahanavami, the ninth day of Durga Puja, will span from the afternoon of October 11 until the end of October 12. The final day of grand celebrations leads to the immersion of the deity on October 13.

To ensure smooth travel for pandal hoppers, Kolkata Metro has extended its service hours by seven hours, with trains on the North-South corridor operating until 4 AM on major festival days, including Ashtami and Navami.

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