Durga Puja, one of the most revered and vibrant festivals in India, is a time of immense joy and devotion. The festival, which celebrates the goddess Durga's triumph over the demon Mahishasura, is marked by a series of rituals leading up to the grand puja. Among these rituals are Bilva Nimantran, Kalparambha, Akal Bodhon, Amantran, and Adhivas, each holding its unique significance and contributing to the grandeur of Durga Puja. Durga Puja Navpatrika Puja 2023 Date: Know Time, Puja Rituals and Significance That Marks the First Day of Pujo Festivities.

Bilva Nimantran

Bilva Nimantran marks the formal invitation of Goddess Durga to descend to Earth and join her devotees. This year, Bilva Nimantran will be observed on Friday, October 20, 2023. The Bilva Nimantran ritual takes place on the Shashthi Tithi, specifically during the Sanyakal period. It is a significant part of Durga Puja preparation, involving the symbolic offering of a bilva (bael) leaf to the goddess. The ritual usually takes place on the sixth day of the lunar fortnight, known as Shashti.

Kalparambha

Kalparambha signifies the auspicious start of Durga Puja. This year Kalparambha takes place on Friday, October 20, 2023. It involves the installation of the sacred water-filled vessel (kalash) and the hoisting of the flag. This ritual marks the formal beginning of the preparations for the grand puja. Kalparambha takes place on the seventh day of the lunar fortnight, or Saptami. Durga Puja 2023 Full Calendar: Here's a Day-Wise Puja Schedule and Full Durga Pujo Dates.

Kolabou Puja

Kolabou Puja is a significant ritual and involves the worship of a banana tree, representing the goddess Gauri. This ritual is an essential part of the Durga Puja festivities and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by the Bengali community. The banana tree is seen as a symbol of fertility and prosperity, and its worship is believed to bring blessings for a successful harvest and overall well-being. It will takes place on Friday, October 21, 2023. The ritual of Navpatrika Puja or Nabapatrika Puja is also widely popular as Maha Saptami

Akal Bodhon

Akal Bodhon, also known as untimely awakening, is the moment when Goddess Durga is invoked before the stipulated time due to her unparalleled power. This year, Akal Bodhon takes place on Friday, October 20, 2023.  It is believed that the goddess arrives earlier than scheduled to vanquish evil forces.

Amantran

Amantran is the formal invitation of the goddess to the puja mandap (altar). Amantran this year takes place on Friday, October 20, 2023. It symbolizes the host's welcoming of the deity into their home. During this ritual, the priests and devotees extend an invitation to the goddess by performing the traditional aarti (prayer with lamps) and offering flowers. Amantran occurs on the same day as Akal Bodhon.

Adhivas

On Friday, October 20, 2023, Adhivas takes place, and it is the final preparation for the main puja and involves sanctifying the space and invoking the goddess's presence.

Significance of These Rituals

These rituals leading up to Durga Puja are not only a demonstration of devotion but also a way to prepare for the grand festivities. Bilva Nimantran, Kalparambha, Akal Bodhon, Amantran, and Adhivas represent the stages of welcoming the goddess, setting up the puja mandap, and ensuring the sanctity of the environment. These rituals are a testament to the rich and vibrant traditions of Durga Puja, a festival that unites people in celebration, devotion, and the triumph of good over evil.

Durga Puja is not just a religious festival; it is a cultural extravaganza that brings communities together. The grandeur and significance of these rituals contribute to the immense charm and allure of Durga Puja, a celebration that unites people of all backgrounds in the spirit of joy and devotion.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2023 10:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).