Get ready for the grand Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata in 2024, which will commence with Devi Paksha on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. As per tradition, the auspicious day of Mahalaya will bring the Goddess Durga to earth, ending the Pitru Paksha and beginning the Durgotsav. This will be followed by five days of festivities, starting on October 9 and concluding on October 13. Pay tribute to your ancestors in the morning and welcome the Goddess with unwavering devotion in the evening, as Kolkata stirs to life with the enchanting voice of Mahishasuramardini on the radio sets.
Durga Puja: The Grand Celebration of Kolkata
Durga Puja, the grandest festival of West Bengal, holds a special significance in the city of Kolkata. The festival is an annual celebration of the victory of good over evil, as depicted in the Hindu mythological tale of Goddess Durga's triumph over the demon king Mahishasura.
Background
Durga Puja has its roots in ancient Bengal, where it was celebrated as the festival of Devi Paksha or the fortnight of the goddess. Over time, it evolved into a grand public event, becoming one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar.
In Kolkata, Durga Puja is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm and devotion. The city transforms into a dazzling spectacle, adorned with vibrant pandals (temporary shrines) and illuminated streets. Thousands of devotees flock to the pandals to pay homage to the Goddess Durga and witness the elaborate rituals.
Durga Puja 2024
The auspicious Durga Puja 2024 will commence with Devi Paksha on October 2nd, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. Mahalaya, the day marking the arrival of Goddess Durga on earth, will fall on October 9th. The five days of festivities will commence on October 9th and conclude on October 13th.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. When does Durga Puja 2024 start and end?
Answer: Durga Puja 2024 will start on October 9th and end on October 13th.
2. What is the significance of Mahalaya?
Answer: Mahalaya is the day when Goddess Durga arrives on earth, ending the Pitru Paksha and beginning Durgotsav.
3. What are pandals and what is their significance?
Answer: Pandals are temporary shrines erected in various neighborhoods during Durga Puja. They house the idols of Goddess Durga and her family and are elaborately decorated with themes and artworks.
4. What are the rituals performed during Durga Puja?
Answer: The main rituals include Anjali (worship), Pushpanjali (flower offering), Bhog (food offerings), and Sindoor Khela (vermilion play).
5. What is the significance of Sindoor Khela?
Answer: Sindoor Khela is a ritual performed on the last day of Durga Puja, where women apply vermilion on each other's faces, symbolizing the Goddess's return to her husband's home after the festival.
Serie A’s top scorer Mateo Retegui was in top form as Atalanta secured a 3-1 victory against Parma. Retegui scored his 12th league goal early in the match, setting the pace for a dominant performance by Atalanta. The win puts them top of Serie A on goal difference, overtaking reigning champions Inter Milan who also registered a massive 5-0 win against Verona.
Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker has taken to social media to express her concerns over her husband Fahad Ahmad's loss in the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024. She has questioned the Election Commission about the sudden change in results after round 16 and highlights the 99% charged EVM batteries, which she claims were manipulated in favor of BJP. Despite the loss, Swara is grateful for the support they received during their campaign.
After gaining popularity through her stint in Bigg Boss 13, Shehnaaz Gill is back to her roots with her upcoming Punjabi film titled "Production No. 1." The bubbly singer-actress has taken to social media to announce the news, sharing pictures from the film's set. Fans are already excited to see their favorite star in yet another project, showcasing her acting skills alongside her dream team.
LPU's much-anticipated Inter-School Youth Festival, Spectra 2024, illuminated the campus with a week-long celebration of creative expression, spirited competition, and social awareness. Thousands of LPU students from various disciplines participated in over 30 competitions, including music, dance, drama, visual arts, and technology. Along with showcasing their diverse talents, students also used the platform to address pressing social issues. LPU Chancellor Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal commended the students for their efforts, emphasizing the importance of events like Spectra in shaping well-rounded individuals. The festival also featured a carnival atmosphere, with student-run stalls promoting entrepreneurial ventures and encouraging business skills.
The 2024 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) celebrated the biggest names in K-pop, with rookie groups TWS and ILLIT winning top honours on the first night. The second night of the awards ceremony saw even bigger names taking home awards, including BTS members RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook being named as top male artists by fans and BLACKPINK's Rosé and Bruno Mars being honored with the Global Sensation award. Check out the full list of winners from day 2 of the 2024 MAMA Awards.
K-pop idol Vernon from the group Seventeen has caught the attention of fans after being spotted with an anonymous woman during the group's US tour. The photo has sparked dating rumors, but fans are also raising eyebrows at Vernon's casual all-black tracksuit outfit choice. However, the rumors were debunked as the girl in the photo revealed that she was a fan who simply asked for an autograph and a photo with Vernon.
Stay up-to-date with the literary world through The Hindu's e-Paper on books. Get access to new titles, insightful reviews, exclusive excerpts, and engaging features. From bestselling novels to lesser-known gems, this e-Paper has something for every book lover.
With a talented cast and a gripping storyline, Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein season two had all the potential to match the success of its first season. However, a lack of the sharp black humor that made the first season so entertaining, leaves this season feeling lacking and disappointing. The power struggle between a desperate man and a politician's daughter makes for a thrilling watch, but ultimately falls short of the high expectations set by its predecessor. Fans of the show might be let down, but newcomers may still find some excitement in season two's twisted tale.
Reclusive rapper Kendrick Lamar shocked fans on Friday with the surprise release of his latest album, titled "GNX." The 12-track project, featuring collaborations with SZA, Dody6, and Sam Dew, includes samples and production from superstar producer Jack Antonoff. The album's artwork, featuring Lamar leaning against a GNX car, suggests a possible reference to his ongoing feud with Drake. This highly-anticipated release comes after Lamar's chart-topping success with his recent diss track, "Not Like Us."
Kendrick Lamar stuns music lovers with a surprise release of his sixth studio album "GNX", his first since 2022. The 12-track album comes just months after Lamar's rap battle with Drake and just in time for his highly anticipated performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The first track, "Wacced out murals", references Lil Wayne's disappointment over not being chosen for the hometown performance.