Durga Puja Shashti is observed on the sixth after Amavasya (no moon) in the Bengali month Ashwin (September – October). Durga Puja Shashti 2024 date is October 9. Goddess Durga is welcomed on Shashti day to Puja pandals. Kalparamba is the beginning of Durga Puja and on the Shashti day, the face of the Goddess Durga Murti (Idol) is unveiled.
Bodhon is the consecration (invocation) of Goddess Durga Murti (Idol).
Amontron is inviting Goddess Durga.
Adibas is sanctifying the stay of Goddess Durga in the pandal or puja arena.
Importance of Durga Puja Shashti
The main function of Durga Puja begins on the Maha Sasthi or Sasthi day. It is considered as the unofficial first day of Durga Puja. On this day, the idols of Goddess Durga along with her four children, Ganesha, Kartik (Muruga), Lakshmi and Saraswati are installed in the Durga Puja Pandals. Bodhan and special pujas are done on the day
It must be noted here that in Bengal Lakshmi and Saraswati are considered as the children of Goddess Durga. Hindus in other parts might raise an eyebrow when Lakshmi and Saraswati are referred as children of Durga. In Bengal , along with the Mahishasura Mardini myth, there is another Durga Puja myth which suggests that Goddess Durga along with children comes to visit earth during the period.
The most important puja on the day is known as Bodhan, in which the idol is unveiled.
Women keep fast on the day and it is broken in the evening with fruits and luchis or puris. Luchis are a must on the day in many Bengali houses.