Durga Puja Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
Durga Puja celebrates the victory of Devi Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura therefore worshipped as Durgotinashini(the protector of her devotees). In Bengal, Assam, Odisha Puja pronounced as Pujo.
From Mahalaya Mahalaya Mahishasura Mardini - By Birendra Krishna Bhadra the festive begins (Construction of Idol begins from Mahalaya) and the actual Pujo performs in Sasthi (6th day), Saptami (7th Day, Asthami (8th day), Navami (9th day) and bisarjan on Dasami(10th Day). This festival ends with Dussehra.
Durga Puja of West Bengal has been included in the list of Intangible Heritage by Humanity at UNSCO on 15th December 2021. This specialty of Durga Puja is a matter of pride not only for this festival but for the whole of India. Bengali Mahalaya Mahishasur Vadh by Indrani Haldar
Durga Puja Significance Vidhi
Durga Puja is celebrated for five days. These five days are celebrated as Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadashami.
| Related Name | Akaal Bodhan, Durgotsava, Akalbodhan(untimely awakening of Durga), Sharadiya Pujo (autumnal worship), Sharodotsab (Bengali: শারদোৎসব ), Maha Pujo / Mahapuja, Maayer Pujo (worship of the Mother), Durgotinashini, Sharadotsav |
| Begins Tithi | Ashvin Shukla Shashti |
| Celebrations | Pandal, Fast, Mantra Jaap. |
दुर्गा पूजा को माँ दुर्गा द्वारा दुष्ट राक्षस महिषासुर पर विजय प्राप्ति की खुशी में मनाया जाता है, इसलिए माँ को दुर्गतनाशिनी के रूप में पूजा जाता है।
Day 1: Maha Shashthi
28 September 2025
Durga Puja (Pujo) begins with the Maha Shashthi ritual on the sixth day of the Devi Paksha and marks the formal start of Durga Puja in the eastern parts of the country. This is the day when we believe that Maa Durga returns home with her children from her abode in Kailash.
What are the important rituals of Durga Puja Maha Shashthi?
1. Kalparambh (beginning of worship),
2. Bodhan (anointing of the idol of Maa Durga), the ritual involves the unveiling of the face of the idol.
3. Amantran (inviting the Devi) and Adhivasa (sanctifying the abode of the Devi in the worship area of the houses) - are performed on Shashthi.
Every day the rituals of worship begin with a fast till the wreath laying.
Day 2: Maha Saptami
29 September 2025
Saptami begins with the immersion of a banana tree in holy water in the morning. The tree is then dressed in a sari and worshiped with flowers, incense and sandalwood paste. It is called Kola Bou or 'banana (plant) bride'. It is placed next to Bhagwan Ganesh, signifying its role as his newly wedded wife.
Navapatrika Puja: A group of nine plants called Navapatrika, which actually represents the nine forms of Devi Durga. After Navapatrika another ritual called Pran Pratishtha is performed to awaken Devi Durga.
Day 3: Maha Ashtami
30 September 2025
Maha Ashtami marks the eighth day of the festival and on this auspicious day Devi Durga is worshiped with strict fasting. It begins with Mahasan and Shodashopachar Puja. All the nine forms of the Devi are worshiped during Maha Ashtami Puja. Unmarried girls are also worshiped on this day. This is known as 'Kumari Puja'.
One of the main events on Durga Ashtami is Sandhi Puja, which is held at the time when Ashtami Tithi ends and Navami Tithi begins. It is believed that Devi Chamunda appeared around this time to kill the demons Chanda and Munda. It is also customary to light 108 earthen lamps during Sandhi Puja.
Day 4: Maha Navami
1 October 2025
The day of Maha Navami celebrates the victory of good over evil as it is the day when Devi Durga killed Mahishasura. It is the last day of devotion before the completion of
Navratri and a day before Vijayadashami. Earlier animal sacrifice was a part of some Durga Puja celebrations, but it is no longer allowed. So to follow this tradition a vegetable sacrifice is offered to the Devi in this ritual.
Devotees of Devi Durga perform
Navami Havan after Navami Puja and pray for good health and prosperity.
Day 5: Durga Visarjan
2 October 2025
Vijayadashami marks the end of five days of festivities. After 'Ghat Visarjan' on Vijayadashami, Bengali women apply vermilion on the idol and then apply vermilion on each other's face for good luck which is called
Sindoor Khela.
Related Information
Frequency
Yearly / Annual
Begins Tithi
Ashvin Shukla Shashti
Ends Tithi
Ashvin Shukla Dashami
Months
September / October
Type
Public Holiday in West Bengal
Celebrations
Pandal, Fast, Mantra Jaap.
Imp Places
Maa Kali Temples, Maa Kali Pandal, Kalibadi.
Past Dates
2 October 2025, 1 October 2025, 30 September 2025, 29 September 2025, 28 September 2025, 27 September 2025, 12 October 2024
Updated: Oct 03, 2025 15:03 PM
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