Durga Puja 2024 is not just a festival, it’s an extravaganza of devotion, dance, and dandiya that takes over India with all the energy of a rock concert—but with way better outfits. As we prepare for this year’s Durga fest, it’s important to know where this divine theater started, why UNESCO gave it a big thumbs up, and where to experience it like a pro.
Durga Puja Dates 2024: Calendar and Schedule
| Important Occasions | Date | Day |
| Maha Panchami | 8 October 2024 | Tuesday |
| Maha Sasthi | 9 October 2024 | Wednesday |
| Maha Saptami | 10 October 2024 | Thursday |
| Maha Ashtami | 11 October 2024 | Friday |
| Maha Navami | 12 October 2024 | Saturday |
| Vijaya Dashami | 13 October 2024 | Sunday |
How It All Began: From Battlefields to Pandals
Legend has it, Durga was summoned by the gods to defeat Mahishasura, a demon who got a little too full of himself after winning some cosmic battle. Enter Durga: all-powerful, wielding ten arms, riding a lion, slaying the demon. Over the centuries, her victory party morphed into Durga Puja, a full-blown cultural spectacle where people don’t just worship her—they throw a weeklong celebration that rivals any global festival. The celebrations coincide with Navratri special, where Goddess Durga is worshiped for nine days, marking the start of festivities that include not just Durga Pooja but also Dussehra, Garba, and Diwali.
Here is your favorite travel social app, Explurger, bringing you the best of the best so keep reading!
Cultural Practices and Rituals
Durga Puja is characterized by intricate rituals and customs. Elaborate Durga Mata puja is performed in pandals (temporary stages), where beautifully crafted idols of the goddess are worshiped. Each day of Durga Puja holds unique importance, with the final day, Vijaya Dashami, symbolizing Durga’s return to her divine abode, marked by the immersion of her idol in rivers or seas.
Alongside religious worship, the cultural dimension of the festival is equally captivating. From stage performances to cultural dances, music, and feasting, Durga Puja is an all-encompassing celebration. In certain regions, Ram Leela, which portrays the story of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, is also performed.
This year, Durga Puja 2024 has chosen to be celebrated starting from October 8, 2024 -and ending on October 13, 2024
👋Oh, and just in case anyone was still sleeping on this festival’s awesomeness, UNESCO added Durga Puja to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021.
The best places to celebrate Durga Puja, Navratri Special
1. KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL
I mean who didn’t see this coming? This is ground zero for Durga Puja. Think of Kolkata’s pandals as the Met Gala of the religious world—opulent, artistic, and incredibly intricate. The grandeur and enthusiasm in Kolkata’s Durga festival are unmatched. Don’t miss out on the immersion of Durga’s idol in the Hooghly River on Vijaya Dashami because it is a spectacular sight. Make your Future Travel Plans on Explurger today and gather up people hedging there too!
One thing that Kolkata does that makes it shine the brightest is the ‘thematic pandals’. So like, Durga Puja 2023 included a rendition of the Ram Mandir. This year, they’ve stepped up their game, including not only the fun, religious, eco side but a darker one as well, one that hits closest to reality. Navratri might mean a celebration of the feminine, but the condition of girls even in 2024 remains horrendous.
- Lajja Pandal (Kankurgachi)
- Las Vegas Sphere (Santosh Mitra Square)
- Green Durga Puja (Lalabagan)
- Rainwater Conservation pandal (Salt Lake)
- Metro Rail pandal (Jagat Mukherjee Park)
- Sati Pratha (Kashi Bose Lane Sarbojanin)
- Varanasi Ghats (Chetla)
- Garden theme (Gariahat)
- Live pandal (Baguihati)
- Lost Art of Kolkata (Behala)
- Idol made of waste materials (Dakshin Para)
2. NEW DELHI
The capital of the city says “we are to be taken seriously!” Delhi’s Durga Puja is equally grand, especially in areas like Chittaranjan Park, which becomes a mini Bengal during the festivities. Additionally, Delhi hosts the famous Ram Leela performances during Dussehra, which culminates with the burning of huge effigies of Ravana in a cathartic little theatrical work! Visit the Kashmere Gate Pujo, organized by the Bangla Sr. Secondary School if you want to witness the grand celebration being held since 1910. Pandals in Minto Road as well as Matri Mata are gorgeous as well
3. KULLU, HIMACHAL PRADESH
Yes, this blog is on Durga Puja and yes, Kullu is more famous for Dussehra. But here us out- it’s the similar timings and we’d hate for you to miss out on this iconic celebratory theatrics! In this Himalayan town, (Kullu, valley of the living gods) the festival is a weeklong celebration where hundreds of local deities are brought together in an elaborate procession. It’s part spectacle, part spiritual retreat.
5. MYSURU, KARNATAKA
Mysuru’s Dussehra celebrations are nothing short of royal. The city’s palace is illuminated, and a grand procession, featuring the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, is carried out on the last day of Navratri puja vidhi. It’s a magnificent spectacle with a historical backdrop, making it a top destination to experience the grandeur of Indian festivals.
5. AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT
For those looking to immerse themselves in the energetic dance forms of Garba and Dandiya, Navratri special in Ahmedabad is unmissable. The city comes alive with vibrant colors, music, and the rhythmic beats of Dandiya. Dance enthusiasts from across the country flock to Gujarat to partake in this lively celebration. Make sure you make some local connections that set those fireworks ablaze on Explurger’s Explore Your City. You never know what happens next!
6. VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH
Varanasi offers a deeply spiritual take on Durga Puja and Navratri. The ghats of the Ganges come alive with lights, devotional music, and rituals. A major highlight is the Ganga Aarti, which adds to the sanctity of the celebration. For those seeking an immersive spiritual experience, Varanasi is the perfect blend of Durga Mata Puja and traditional Hindu rituals.
7. BASTAR, CHHATTISGARH
The Bastar region offers a unique celebration of Dussehra, where tribal traditions are deeply intertwined with the festival. Unlike the rest of India, Bastar’s Dussehra focuses on local deities and culminates in a grand procession that draws in thousands of spectators. It’s a distinctive and culturally rich experience of Navratri puja vidhi.
8. KATRA, JAMMU
Nestled in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, Katra is home to the famous Vaishno Devi temple. Durga Puja and Navratri special celebrations here are marked by an influx of pilgrims who come to seek the blessings of Goddess Vaishno Devi. The religious fervor is palpable, and it offers a spiritually charged environment for devotees.
Wrap up!
While Durga Puja grabs the headlines, Navratri special celebrations across India are equally impressive. In Gujarat, the rhythmic beats of Garba and Dandiya dominate the nine nights, while in North India, Ram Leela performances and Dussehra mark Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Down south, Mysuru’s royal Dussehra is pure opulence.
And let’s not forget Diwali, the grand finale that wraps up the season of festivals. If Durga Puja is the opening act, Diwali is the climactic firework show that leaves you awestruck.
A Season of Joy
In essence, Durga Puja 2024 and Navratri special go beyond religion, becoming a celebration of life itself. It’s where faith, art, and community come together to create something magical.