Durga Puja Shashti 2026 – Kalparamba And Other Rituals on Sixth Day

Durga Puja Shashti is observed on the sixth after Amavasya (no moon) in the Bengali month Ashwin (September – October). Durga Puja Shashti 2026 date is October 16. 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. Other rituals observed on the day include – Bodhon, Amontron and Adibas. 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.

Kalparambha: In the early morning of Shashthi, after sunrise, a copper pitcher or similar pot filled with water, known as a Ghat, is installed at the Durga Pandal (mandap). Following this, Puja is offered to Durga and Chandi. This is called Kalparambha. The resolve or intent for the entire Puja is taken at this stage.

Bodhon: 

The Bodhon ritual is completed in the twilight or evening, observing the correct time (Tithi and Kshana). The literal meaning of the word Bodhon is 'awakening' or 'arousing'. This period coincides with the Sun's southward journey (Dakshinayana), which is considered the sleeping time of the gods.

• A Bilvavriksha (Bael or wood apple tree) is installed on an altar at the Bodhon site. If a tree is unavailable, a Bilva branch can be used.
• In front of the Bilva tree, a Ghat is installed along with Panchapallav and a green coconut. Panchapallav refers to the leaves of five specific trees: Mango, Peepal, Banyan, Pakur (Cluster Fig), and Jagyadumur (Indian Fig).
• The Bael tree is worshipped as an embodiment of the Goddess, and She is awakened through prayers.
• Offerings (Naivedya) are made to Shiva, Durga, Narayana, and the family deity (Kuladevata) during the Bodhon Puja.

Adhivas and Amantran: Following Bodhon is the stage of Adhivas (sanctification), where the Goddess is welcomed. She is then formally invited (Amantran) to accept the main worship on the following day, Saptami.

There are also some customs associated with this day:

On the evening of Shashthi, the Goddess is dressed in Her armor and weapons (Astrasajjya). Her ten hands are adorned with ten weapons.

Mothers and grandmothers often observe a fast (Vrata Upavas) on this day for the welfare of their children, in devotion to Maa Shashthi (the Goddess of children).

Importance of Durga Puja Shashti

The Kalika Purana says: “bodhayed bilva-śākhāsu ṣaṣṭhyāṁ devī phaleṣu ca”—meaning, on the tithi of Shashthi, the awakening of the goddess must be performed with branches of the bel tree. It further states: “saptamyāṁ bilva-śākhāṁ tām āhṛtya pratipūjayet”—on Saptami, the goddess is to be worshipped again.

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.