Durga Puja, widely regarded as one of India’s most significant and beloved festivals, holds a special place in the hearts of West Bengal’s residents. This joyous celebration spans ten days, commemorating the triumphant battle of the goddess Durga against the demon king Mahishasura. Durga Puja takes place during the Hindu month of Ashwin, typically observed in the months of September or October.
Table of Contents
Durga Puja Samay Suchi 2023 Kolkata
| Date | Time | Durga Puja(Navratri) |
| 20th Oct’23 Fri (2 Kartik’30) | Sun Rise 5:39 AM Sun Set 5:06 Pm Purbanno till 9:28 AM Shashthi till 9:08 AM | SHASHTHI “Kalparambho” Shasthi Puja Within 8:31am Durga Devi “BODHON”, “Amantran” and “Adhibas” In the evening. |
| 21st Oct’23 Sat (3 Kartik’30) | Sun Rise 5:40 AM Sun Set 5:05 PM Purbanno till 9:28 AM Saptami till 7:21 PM | SAPTAMI Durga Devi “Nabo Patrika”, bathing of “Kola Bou”, “Saptami Puja” 7:05 AM-9:28 AM and at Midnight Durga Puja 10:58 PM-11:46 PM |
| 22nd Oct’23 Sun (4 Kartik’30) | Sun Rise 5:40 AM Sun Set 5:04 PM Purbanno till 9:28 AM Ashtami till 5:18 PM | ASHTAMI Ashtami Puja Within 9:28 AM Sandhi Puja 4:54 PM-5:42 PM Bolidan – after 5:18 PM |
| 23rd Oct’23 Mon (5 Kartik’30) | Sun Rise 5:41 AM Sun Set 5:04 PM Purbanno till 9:28 AM Nabami till 3:04 PM | NABAMI Nabami Puja within 7:06 AM and 8:31 AM-9:28 AM |
| 24th Oct’23 Tuesday (6 Kartik’30) | Sun Rise 5:41 AM Sun Set 5:03 PM Purbanno till 9:28 AM Dashami till 12:42 PM | DASHAMI Dashami puja Bisharjan within 7:06 AM and 8:32 AM-9:28 AM |
Durga Puja Samay Suchi in Brief
Mahalaya Amavasya
- Mahalaya Amavasya is the day when the goddess Durga is invoked from her celestial abode.
- On this day, people visit temples and offer prayers to the goddess.
- They also listen to the Mahalaya broadcast on All India Radio, which is a traditional way to usher in the Durga Puja season.
Shashthi
- Shashthi is the day when the ghatsthapana ritual is performed.
- This ritual involves planting nine varieties of seeds in a clay pot, which represents the nine forms of the goddess Durga.
- The ghatsthapana pot is kept in a special place in the house or puja mandap.
Saptami
- Saptami is the day when the pran pratistha ritual is performed.
- This ritual involves invoking the spirit of the goddess Durga into the clay idols.
- After the pran pratistha ritual, the puja mandap is opened to the public and people start visiting to offer their prayers to the goddess.
Ashtami
- Ashtami is the most important day of Durga Puja.
- On this day, people offer special prayers to the goddess Durga and perform various rituals.
- Ashtami is also the day when the Kumari Puja is performed, in which young girls are worshiped as the embodiment of the goddess Durga.
Navami
- Navami is the day when the Sandhi Puja is performed.
- This ritual is performed at the transition of Ashtami and Navami, and it is believed to be the most auspicious time to worship the goddess Durga.
- On Navami, people also offer special prayers and rituals to the goddess.
Dashami
- Dashami is the last day of Durga Puja.
- On this day, people perform the visarjan ritual, in which the clay idols of the goddess Durga are immersed in water.
- This symbolizes the return of the goddess to her celestial abode.
Other important events during Durga Puja
In addition to the main events listed above, there are a number of other important events that take place during Durga Puja. These include:
- Durga Puja pandals: Durga Puja pandals are temporary structures that are erected in different parts of the city to house the clay idols of the goddess Durga. These pandals are often decorated with elaborate lighting and flowers.
- Durga Puja processions: On certain days during Durga Puja, large processions are held in different parts of the city. These processions feature the clay idols of the goddess Durga being carried through the streets on chariots.
- Durga Puja cultural events: A variety of cultural events are also held during Durga Puja, such as music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and food festivals.
Conclusion
Durga Puja holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus worldwide, signifying the triumph of righteousness over malevolence. It’s a time for families and friends to unite in reverence of the goddess Durga. If you’re seeking ways to partake in the festivities, you can either visit a Durga Puja pandal or create a puja altar within the comfort of your own home.
