See below for the 2024 Durga Ashtami Pooja Navarathri Puja Timings, Puja Vidhi, Significance of Durga Ashtami Pooja, and More.
Celebrate 2024 Navaratri Durga Ashtami Pooja: Date, Timings, and Rituals
Durga Ashtami, a pivotal day of the Navaratri festival, is celebrated with immense devotion across India. This day honors Goddess Durga’s triumph over evil, symbolizing the victory of good. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the 2024 Durga Ashtami Pooja Navarathri Puja Timings, and how to observe it at home.
2024 Durga Ashtami Pooja Navarathri Puja Timings
In 2024, Durga Ashtami falls on Friday, October 11. The Ashtami Tithi begins at 12:31 PM on October 10 and ends at 12:06 PM on October 11. These timings are ideal for performing the puja and seeking the blessings of the deity.
Significance of Durga Ashtami Pooja
Durga Ashtami is celebrated to honor the warrior goddess Durga, who vanquished the demon Mahishasura. This day is considered highly auspicious for worshipping the goddess, symbolizing the destruction of evil and the establishment of righteousness. Devotees perform special rituals and offer prayers to seek her protection and blessings.
Navaratri 09 Days Devi Alankaram and Naivedhyam Items
During Navaratri, each day is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Here’s a table detailing the alankaram (attire) and naivedhyam (offerings):
| Day | Devi Alankaram | Naivedhyam Items |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shailaputri | Ghee |
| 2 | Brahmacharini | Sugar |
| 3 | Chandraghanta | Milk |
| 4 | Kushmanda | Malpua |
| 5 | Skandamata | Banana |
| 6 | Katyayini | Honey |
| 7 | Kalaratri | Jaggery |
| 8 | Mahagauri | Coconut |
| 9 | Siddhidatri | Sesame seeds |
How to Perform Durga Ashtami Pooja at Home
Performing Durga Ashtami Pooja at home involves several steps:
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Preparation:
- Clean the house and puja area thoroughly.
- Set up an altar with an idol or image of Goddess Durga.
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Pooja Items List:
Item Purpose Flowers Decoration and offering Incense sticks Creating a fragrant ambiance Diyas (Lamps) Symbolizing light and purity Kumkum and Turmeric Sacred markings Fruits Offerings to the deity Sweets Prasadam for sharing -
Pooja Vidhi:
- Begin by chanting Durga mantras and lighting the lamps.
- Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess.
- Perform aarti and conclude the puja with the distribution of prasadam.
Rules and Regulations
- Purity: Ensure personal and environmental cleanliness.
- Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast, consuming only sattvic foods like fruits and milk.
- Celibacy: Maintain celibacy during the fasting period.
Fasting and Food Details
Fasting on Durga Ashtami involves consuming light and sattvic foods. Common items include fruits, milk, and simple vegetarian dishes without onion and garlic. This practice is believed to enhance spiritual focus and discipline.
Do’s and Don’ts for Durga Ashtami
Do’s:
- Participate in community prayers and bhajans.
- Meditate and reflect on the goddess’s teachings.
Don’ts:
- Avoid negative thoughts and actions.
- Refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food and alcohol.
Things to Know About Durga Ashtami
- Kumari Puja: Worship young girls as embodiments of the goddess, symbolizing purity and innocence.
- Sandhi Puja: A special ritual performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami, considered highly auspicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Durga Ashtami?
Durga Ashtami celebrates the power and benevolence of Goddess Durga, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Is fasting mandatory on Durga Ashtami?
While not mandatory, fasting is a common practice to enhance spiritual focus and discipline.
How can I perform Durga Ashtami Pooja if I am away from home?
You can participate in virtual poojas or recite mantras at home to stay connected with the spiritual essence of the day.
Are there specific rituals for children?
Children can participate by offering flowers and performing simple aarti.
Why is Kumari Puja significant?
Kumari Puja venerates young girls as manifestations of the goddess, showcasing the purity and potential of the divine feminine.
Celebrate Durga Ashtami 2024 with devotion and joy, embracing the divine energy of Goddess Durga for a life filled with peace and prosperity. This is the brief information about the 2024 Durga Ashtami Pooja Navarathri Puja Timings in detail.
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