Durga Puja 2023: Date, Puja timings, History, Significance

Durga Puja 2023 Date List

The Drik Panchang says that the Sharadiya Navratri 2023 will begin on October 15 and end on October 24 with Durga Visarjan and Vijaya Dashami celebrations. The Pratipada Titihi of Ashwin month is set to begin on October 14 at 11.24PM and end on October 16 at 1.32AM. So, officially Sharadiya Navratri will begin on October 15 at the Uday Tithi or sunrise timings.

October 20 – This day is dedicated to the worship of Devi Katyayani, while in Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and parts of Bihar, the unmasking of Durga Pratima takes place.

October 21– The Saptami day, also known as Saraswati Puja, is dedicated to the devotion of Devi Kalratri.

October 22 – This day, also known as Durga Ashtami, is dedicated to the devotion of Devi Mahagauri.

October 23 – The devotion of Devi Siddhidatri concludes Navratri 2023 on Maha Navami.

October 24– On this day, people break their nine-day fast for Navratri 2023 and celebrate Durga Visarjan and Vijayadashami.

Durga Puja 2023 History, Significance, and Importance

As previously stated, Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva’s consort, is worshiped during Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava. Hindus believe that the Goddess triumphed after fighting the demon Mahishasura, who claimed to be invincible and immortal, and that a woman could never destroy him.

While the festivities begin with Maha Shashti, the preparations begin much earlier with Mahalaya, the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar’s dark fortnight (Krishnapaksha) of Ashvin month. The Goddess is reported to visit her ‘paternal house’ on Earth during Durga Puja with her children Lord Ganesh, Lord Kartik, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati.

One of the most important ceremonies is Ghatasthapana. It heralds the start of the festivities.

Durga Puja is also a cultural event, with Bengalis fasting in the morning and feasting at night. Around the puja pandals, many food vendors selling authentic Bengali cuisine are set up. Inside the pandal, one is supposed to remain vegetarian, especially if they are participating in the numerous devotion activities.

Aside from that, the Goddess’s unique ‘bhog’ is usually vegetarian, with wonderful khichdi, fritters, a mixed vegetable sabji, and tomato chutney, among other things.

Dance, music, recitation, arts, and some light sports events are also planned for the festival’s four days, during which people dress up and look their best.

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