Durga Puja 2024: Durga Puja is one of the most important Hindu festivals that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil. Celebrated mostly in West Bengal and by the Bengali community. The festival usually lasts for ten days and ends with the grand immersion of Goddess Durga's idols.


During this period, people worship the nine different incarnations of Goddess Durga. All the devotees come together to worship and seek blessings at the beautifully decorated pandals. This vibrant festival inspires community spirit, showcases rich culture and deep passion.


Here Are The Nine Avatars Of Goddess Durga That Are Worshipped: 


1. Maa Shailaputri


On Pratipada, the first day of Durga Puja, devotees worship Maa Shailaputri. This incarnation of Goddess Parvati, is the daughter of the Lord of Himalayas. Maa Shailaputri represents the combined power of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahadev. She has a crescent moon on her forehead and holds a spear in her right hand and a lotus in her left. She rides the sacred bull Nandi, which symbolises strength and stability.


2. Maa Brahmacharini 


On the second day of Durga Puja, devotees commemorate Maa Brahmacharini, the embodiment of austerity. Her name symbolises a woman committed to Brahmacharya, a woman who renounces worldly pleasures. She is depicted walking barefoot, holding a Japa mala in her right hand and a kamandalu in her left. Maa Brahmacharini blesses her devotees with grace, peace and prosperity. She symbolises the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. She is often depicted with a serene demeanour, encouraging deep inner peace and spiritual growth in those who seek her guidance.


3. Maa Chandraghanta


Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Durga Puja. Chandraghanta wears a half-moon shaped bell on her forehead, which explains the meaning of her name. After her marriage to Lord Shiva, a crescent shaped moon was adorned on her forehead. Also known as Chandrakhanda, Chandika or Rannchandi, this Goddess has ten arms holding various weapons. Her left hands hold Trishul, Gada, Sword and Kamadalu, while her fifth hand holds Varadamudra. Her four right hands hold the lotus, arrow, Dhanush, Japa mala while her fifth right hand stays in Abhaya Mudra to bestow blessings on her devotees.


4. Maa Kushmanda


On Chaturthi, the fourth day of Durga Puja, devotees commemorate Maa Kushmanda. Her name comes from her unique ability to survive the sun's rays, symbolising her explosive power. She is famous for creating the world with her smile and is known as Ashtabhuja Devi, having eight hands. Maa Kushmanda carries a trident, disk, sword, hook, mace, bow, an arrow, and two jars of honey and blood. The Goddess always keeps her hand in Abhaya Mudra in order to grant blessings and protection to her devotees. She rides a tiger and embodies strength and courage.


5. Maa Skandamata


On the fifth day of Durga Puja, Maa Skandamata is worshipped. She rides a lion and holds Lord Skanda, also known as Lord Kartikeya in her lap. Known as the 'Fire Goddess', she was chosen to lead the fight against evil. Maa Skandamata has four hands. her upper two hands holds a lotus, one hand stays in Abhaya Mudra and the other carries Skanda. She id often depicted sitting on a lotus flower and is also called Padmasani, representing the essence of motherly love and nurturing power.



6. Maa Katyayani





On the sixth day, Maa Katyayani is worshipped. According to Hindu scriptures, she was created by the union of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Those who remember her with a pure heart and unwavering faith attain divine blessings. Maa Katyayani sits on a majestic lion, symbolising her strength and courage. She has four hands. Her left hand holds a sword and a lotus, her right hand stays in Abhaya Mudra, which blesses her devotees. Katyayani is revered as Mahalaxmi and was born to defeat the demon Mahishasura, who symbolises anger, revenge and ultimate victory over evil.

7. Maa Kaalratri


Maa Kaalratri, the most furious form of Durga, is depicted riding a donkey, with a dark face, wavy, unkept hair. According to legends, she removed her golden skin to defeat the demons Shumbha and Nushumbha. She looks very fierce with her big eyes, blood red tongue, and a skull in her hand which symbolises death. Also known as Kali Maa, this Goddess with four arms keeps on hand hand in Abhaya Mudra, the other holds the Varadamudra and in her left hand she holds a sword and an iron hook which symbolises strength and sharpness.



 



8. Maa Mahagauri


Mahagauri is the eighth form of Goddess Durga ans is known as the most beautiful Goddess of Navdurga. She radiates pure pearlescent light, symbolising beauty, purity and serenity. Mahagauri is believed to provide for the needs of her devotees and is the embodiement of compassion and serenity. She is depicted with four hands. Her right hand is raised in a pose that reduces sufferings and her lower right had holds a trident. Her left hand holds a tambourine, while her lower left hand blesses her devotees.

9. Maa Siddhidatri


 On the ninth day of Durga Puja, devoteed commermorate Maa Siddhidatri, who is revered for her heavenly healing powers. She is depicted in a happy and charming pose representing divine grace. Maa Siddhidatri is often depicted sitting on a lotus or riding a tiger or lion. She has four hands, one holding the gada, the other the wheel, and the other two hands holding lotus and the shankh. The name Siddhidatri symbolises the giver of supernatural powers and meditative abilities, and indicates her ability to impart knowledge and spiritual insight to devotees.