Basanti Puja, also known as Chaitra Durga Puja, is observed during the Chaitra Navratri. Basanti Puja 2024 date is from April 14 to April 17. This puja is based on the belief that Durga Puja was originally held during Spring season, or Basant, to observe the Spring equinox. It was Lord Ram who changed worship period of Goddess Durga from Chaitra to Ashwin (October – November). He had invoked Goddess Durga in Ashwin month to get her blessings before starting his campaign against demon King Ravana in the Ramayana. The name Basanti puja is famous in eastern parts of India, especially in Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh and Jharkhand. Mother Goddess is worshiped in North and Western parts of India during the same period for nine days starting from Chaitra Shukla Paksha Pratipada.
Basanti Puja 2024 Calendar
- Sri Basanti Devi Durga Puja Amantran Adhibas – April 14
- Saptami Puja, Nabapatrika – April 15
- Ashtami puja, Sandhi Puja – April 16
- Navami puja – April 17
- Sri Basanti Devi Durga Puja Dashami puja visarjan – April 18
Some traditional sarvajanik puja mandals and traditional homes still conduct important pujas during the occasion.
The Durga Puja in Ashwin month (October – November) is also known as Akal Bodhon, or untimely invocation, as Lord Ram had invoked her during the Ashwin month.
An important puja that is observed during the period is Annapurna Puja.
Basanti Puja in Hindu Scriptures
Today, Some people perform the puja to overcome the mistakes and sins committed during the Durga Puja in Ashwin month.
Basanti Puja Malini Mela in Arunachal Pradesh
At the famous Malini temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, in Arunachal Pradesh, a big fair is held during Basanti Puja. Devotees from both plain and hills offer obeisance to the goddess during the period. A big fair is held here during the period and it is known as Malini Mela.Related