When Is Mahalaya 2024? Know On Which Vehicle Maa Durga Is Arriving This Year, And Durga Puja Dates
Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and the end of Pitru Paksha. According to Drik Panchang, in 2024, Pitru Paksha will begin on September 17 and end on October 2.
Durga Puja 2024: Durga Puja is just around the corner and Kolkata is gearing up for the grand festive month. 'Khunti Puja'- a ritual before the commencement of pandal-making has already taken place in a few of the clubs and famous localities. Durga Puja begins with Devi Paksha on the auspicious day of Mahalaya. On this day, Kolkata stirs to life in the wee hours of dawn to the enchanting voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra's Mahishasuramarddini, resonating from radio sets in every household. As the fragrant scent of kaash flowers wafts through the air, Kolkata prepares itself to welcome the Goddess with unwavering devotion and boundless excitement.
ALSO READ: Shardiya Navratri 2024: Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Celestial Alignment, And All You Need To Know
When Is Mahalaya 2024?
Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha, with Goddess Durga's arrival on Earth, and the end of Pitru Paksha. According to Drik Panchang, in 2024, Pitru Paksha will begin on September 17 and end on October 2. The last day of Pitru Paksha is Mahalaya Amavasya, which means Mahalaya 2024 will be on Wednesday, October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti which is a national holiday.
Significance Of Mahalaya:
Mahalaya serves as the final day of Pitru Paksha and is often referred to as Sarva Pitra Amavasya. On this day, many individuals pay homage to their ancestors by performing Tarpan or Shraddha rituals, intended to bring solace to their departed souls. It is believed that during the morning of Mahalaya, the first rituals to bid farewell to the ancestors are observed, and in the evening, Goddess Durga descends on earth, where she stays to bestow her blessings upon the people.
On Which Vehicle Will Maa Durga Arrive This Year?
In 2024, Goddess Durga will arrive on a Palanquin.
When Is Durga Puja 2024?
According to Drik Panchang, Goddess Durga will arrive on palanquin in 2024. The Durgotsav, which refers to the five days of festivities starting from Shashthi and ending on Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra, will begin on October 9 and end on October 13, 2024.
Durga Puja 2024 Calendar:
Mahalaya: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Maha Panchami: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Maha Shashthi: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Maha Saptami: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Maha Ashtami: Friday, October 11, 2024
Maha Navami: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Vijaya Dashami/Dussehra: Sunday, October 13, 2024