Durva Ashtami 2024: Significance, Rituals, and Celebrations
Durva Ashtami 2024: One of the most unusual Hindu festivals, Durva Ashtami, is celebrated in honor of the Durva grass. One of the most revered and important components of the many Hindu rites is durva grass.
During Shukla Paksha, the celebration is held on the eighth day, Ashtami, in the month of Bhadrapada. According to the Gregorian calendar, September or August coincide with the Durva Ashtami 2024 festival. Hindu mythology states that those who attend this religious holiday with genuine dedication are granted peace and wealth in their lifetime.
It is mostly observed in West Bengal but is also celebrated with great fervor and happiness throughout the nation’s eastern provinces. The celebration of Durva Ashtami is known as “Durvashtami Brata” in Bengal. To appease the gods, followers also carry out a Durva Ashtami Vrat.
Durva Ashtami 2024: Date and Shubh Muhurat
Durva Ashtami 2024 – Wednesday, 11 September
Purva Viddha Time – 06:04 to 18:31
Duration – 12 Hours 26 Mins
Ashtami Tithi Begins – 23:11 on Sep 10, 2024
Ashtami Tithi Ends – 23:46 on Sep 11, 2024
Also Read: https://ptrahulshastri.com/ganesha-visarjan-2024-guide-performing-ritual/
How to celebrate Durva Ashtami 2024?
Women commemorate Durva Ashtami mostly by keeping a fast in honor of Lord Ganapati. They take a bath after rising early. They do a unique puja in honor of the powerful Ganpati. Durva grass is used to adorn the statues of Lord Ganesha during the puja ritual. Sincere prayers, fruits, flowers, and other devotional gifts are made to the all-powerful deity.
What is the importance of Durva grass?
Durva grass is thought to represent wealth. Some scriptural accounts hold that this originated from the few hairs that fell from Lord Vishnu’s arms and thighs during Samudra Manthan, the vast churning of the milky ocean, when he assumed the form of Kurma Avatar, the huge tortoise, and supported the massive Mandara mountain. Others claim that this emerged from the tail of the enormous snake Vasuki.
Additionally, several drops of Amrut, the then-released elixir of immortality, also landed on the Durva grass, adding to the green’s auspiciousness. It is none other than Lord Krishna who also gave Yudhishtira an explanation of the significance of this grass. Thus, it is said that fasting on raw food on this day will purge oneself of sins and that worshiping Durva grass on this Durva Ashtami day with confidence will grant one’s sincere wishes.
Durva Ashtami 2024 Mantra
दुर्वा करान्सह रितान मृतन्मंगल प्रदान।
आनी तांस्तव पूजार्थ गृहाण परमेश्वर॥
Significance of Durva Ashtami:
Durva Grass has particular sacred importance in Hinduism. It is revered with holiness and devotion as a symbol of prosperity. Legend has it that the Durva Grass sprang from the few hairs that fell off Lord Vishnu’s arm. It is said that a few drips of “Amrit,” which the Asuras and Devas were carrying after the Samudra Manthan, fell upon Durva Grass, making it auspicious and eternal ever after. When someone worships Durva Grass on Durva Ashtami with complete devotion, all of their desires come true. Additionally, it’s said that on Durva Ashtami, a person who solely eats raw food is absolved of all sins, including those that are equal to the murder of a Brahmin.
Rituals during Durva Ashtami 2024:
- Most ladies participate in the Durva Ashtami rites. Before beginning the puja procedures, they get up before daylight, take an early bath, and put on new clothes.
- Women do unique rites and pujas in honor of Durva Grass on this day. Along with rice, incense sticks, flowers, fruits, curd, and other necessary puja supplies, people worship the auspicious Durva Grass.
- On this day, women fast as well. The Durva Ashtami Vrat is observant and also honors Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. Durva Grass is provided to the Lords in addition to fruits and flowers.
- With complete devotion, women perform the puja for their children’s long life and wealth. Additionally, it facilitates harmony and serenity in their marital life.
- Hindu devotees should provide food and clothing to a revered Brahmin on Durva Ashtami. They will receive boundless money and good fortune if they do this.