Maha Panchami 2024 Date in Durga Puja Calendar: When Is Subho Panchami? Know Time, Puja Vidhi and Significance of Day 5 in Sharad Navratri

Maha Panchami, a significant day during the Navaratri festival, is celebrated with enthusiasm throughout India. The nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga is marked by fervent devotion, with each day highlighting a unique aspect of the goddess’s various forms. Maha Panchami also holds an integral part in the Durga Puja festival, a major celebration in the Indian states of West Bengal, Bihar, Tripura, Assam, Jharkhand and Orissa. So, what is the Maha Panchami 2024 date in the Durga Puja calendar? When is Shubh Panchami? Well, here's everything you need to know about Maha Panchami 2024 celebrations in October. Durga Puja 2024 Date in India: When Is Mahalaya, Subho Sasthi, Maha Saptami, Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami? Get Full Calendar To Celebrate Maa Durga Festival.

Maha Panchami 2024 Date and Importance

This year, Maha Panchami will be observed on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The celebration of Maha Panchami embodies the theme of good triumphing over evil, commemorating the legendary battle in which Goddess Durga, affectionately known as Maa Durga, vanquished the demon Mahishasura. These nine days serve to reaffirm faith in goodness, dharma, and righteousness among devotees, making it a time of spiritual renewal and community bonding.

During Navaratri, devotees worship the goddess in her nine different avatars, each symbolising a unique virtue and aspect of divine energy. Maha Panchami, which specifically honours Goddess Skandamata, is revered as the mother of Lord Kartikeya.

Skandamata Puja on Navratri Day 5

Maha Panchami, the fifth day of Navaratri, is especially significant as it focuses on Goddess Skandamata, who epitomises strength and maternal power. The name "Skandamata" combines “Skanda” (another name for Lord Kartikeya) and “Mata” (meaning mother).

Depicted riding a fierce lion and cradling her son Skanda, Skandamata is portrayed with four arms: two holding lotus flowers, one supporting Lord Skanda, and the last in the Abhaya Mudra, symbolising protection and reassurance. Worshipping Skandamata on this day is believed to grant wisdom, strength, and prosperity, emphasising the protective role of mothers in their families. Sharad Navratri 2024 Full Calendar With Dates From Ghatasthapana to Dussehra (Vijayadashami): Check Date-Wise Schedule of Puja Days for Shardiya Navratri in October.

According to Hindu mythology, Maha Panchami is pivotal in the narrative of Goddess Durga's conquest of evil. On this day, it is said that she begins to gain the upper hand in her battle against Mahishasura, leading to his eventual defeat.

Maha Panchami Rituals and Celebrations in Durga Puja

In regions like West Bengal, Maha Panchami marks the commencement of Durga Puja celebrations. This day is particularly notable for the "Chokkhu Daan" ritual, where the eyes of the goddess's idol are ceremonially painted. This act is believed to invite the goddess to descend from her heavenly realm, further enriching the significance of the festivities.

Durga Puja officially begins from Subho Sasthi, which falls on October 9. But, there are some traditions and rituals like Bilva Nimantran, Kalparambha Akal Bodhon, Amantran and Adhivas that take place on Maha Panchami.

As Maha Panchami approaches in 2024, devotees across India will come together to honour Goddess Skandamata, reinforcing their connections to family, faith, and the enduring battle between good and evil.

(Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on beliefs and legends only. Before applying any information in real life, consult the concerned expert.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2024 10:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).