The excitement is growing as we approach the big celebration of Durga Puja 2023. Every Indian is excited about Durga Puja or Durga Puja, this Hindu festival is also known as Sharodotsav or Durgotsava. Durga Puja is a beloved celebration for millions of devotees across India, particularly in states like Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Now, let’s discover how many days remain until this vibrant and joyous event!

Durga Puja 2023 Date

Durga Puja 2023 date will start from 15th October or end on 24th October. During these nine Navratri days, including the five days of Durga Puja, devotees fully engage in worship and festivities. Each day is dedicated to honoring different forms of the divine feminine, like Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Maha Gauri, and Maa Siddhidatri.

As for Durga Puja itself, it spans five consecutive days, namely Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijayadashami. These days are a whirlwind of cultural events, artistic decorations, and elaborate rituals that culminate in the immersion of the beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga and her divine companions.

Why Durga Pujo Is Celebrated

Durga Puja is celebrated for several reasons, and its significance can vary slightly depending on cultural and regional interpretations. Here are some of the key reasons why Durga Puja is celebrated:

Victory of Good Over Evil

Durga Pujo primarily celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura. According to Hindu literature, Mahishasura was a powerful demon who terrorized both heaven and earth. He has a boon that he can’t be defeated by any man or god. But everyone is so terrified by his acts, he is becoming so powerful day by day. Then the divine Trinity of Sanatana Dharma, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesha (Shiva) combined their energies to create Goddess Durga, who possessed the strength and power to vanquish Mahishasura. They give their powers and weapons to Devi Durga making her more powerful than the three of them. After that, Maa Durga fought with the demon Mahishasura for 9 days, and in the end she won. This triumph of Maa Durga after fighting for 9 days is also celebrated as Navratri and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Navratri Festival

Durga Puja is a part of the larger Navratri festival, which spans nine nights and ten days and honors the various forms of the divine feminine energy or Goddess Shakti. Each of these forms is worshiped during Navratri, leading up to Durga Pujo, when Goddess Durga is revered.

Homecoming of Goddess Durga

Durga Puja also marks the annual return of Goddess Durga to her maternal home on Earth. According to Hindu beliefs, she leaves her divine abode in the Himalayas to visit her parents’ home during these days, and devotees welcome her with great enthusiasm.

Cultural and Social Significance

Durga Puja goes beyond being a religious festival; it holds a significant cultural and social value, particularly in places like Bengal. This celebration acts as a binding force, uniting communities and nurturing a feeling of togetherness and harmony. It provides a platform to showcase rich art and culture, featuring intricate decorations, traditional music, dance performances, and colorful processions. It’s a special period when people rediscover their cultural heritage and reconnect with their roots and time-honored traditions.

Renewal and Rejuvenation

Durga Pujo started in the fall season. It’s like a time for a fresh start, both in nature and in people’s lives. It’s when we leave behind the bad stuff and welcome good things and prosperity.

Fulfillment of Wishes

Worshiping Maa Durga during the days of Durga Puja will bring blessings, protection, and the fulfillment of their wishes. Durga Puja is a time when people offer prayers for the well-being, happiness, and prosperity of themselves and their dear ones.

The motives for observing Durga Puja encompass profound spiritual, cultural, and personal dimensions, rendering it a rich and vital festival not only in Hinduism but also beyond. It stands as a moment for introspection, devotion, jubilation, and the reaffirmation of faith in the divine force that safeguards and guides us along our life’s journey.

FAQs

How many days are left for the Durga puja?
Durga Puja 2023 will start on October 15  and end on October 24. 

How many days are left for Durga Puja 2023?
Durga puja celebrations will begin on October 15, with only one month left for the holy celebrations of Durga Pujo.

When is Durga Puja in 2023?
Durga Puja in 2023 starts from October 15, 2023.