Vijayadashami is the last day of the 10-day Dussehra festival and the day after the nine-day Navratri festival. The murtis of Goddess Durga are immersed on the day. Dussehra 2025 date is October 2. Vijayadashami 2025 is observed as Vidyarambham in Kerala (October 2) and it marks the end of Mysore Dasara. Please note that Durga Puja immersion is marked on October 2, 2025 in Bengal. Saraswati Puja comes to an end in many regions with Saraswati Balidan Puja on the day. Dasara Puja holidays are observed during the period starting from Mahalaya Pitru Paksha Amavasya (September 25). Note: Vijayadashami is marked on October 2, 2025 in certain calendars followed in North Dasara is marked on October 2, 2025 in South, East and Western parts of India. Vidyarambham in Kerala is marked on October 2, 2025. Immersion of Goddess Durga Murti is marked on October 2, 2025 in Bengal. Dussehra is marked on October 2, 2025 in calendars followed in Karnataka. Vijayadashami is marked on October 2,...

In Hindu mythology, many gods and goddesses are believed to sleep for four months during the period known as "Chaturmas," which spans from Ashadha (July) to Kartik (October). Durga Puja, one of the most important Hindu festivals, takes place in the month of Ashwin (September–October), during which Goddess Durga is still asleep. To initiate the worship of Durga, a ceremonial ritual known as Bodhan (waking up) is performed. This awakening is a central part of Durga Puja and occurs on the sixth day of Ashwin's bright fortnight, called Ashwina Shukla Paksha Sashti . The Bodhan ritual starts with the establishment of a ghata or kalasha , a sacred pot filled with water, which contains various symbolic elements like sandalwood paste, Durva grass, mango leaves, and clay from seven sacred places. One of the most important components of the Bodhan ritual is the bilva tree (Aegle marmelos), also known as the bael tree. The bilva tree plays a significant role in this ritual, and D...

Durga Puja is the biggest festival dedicated Mother Durga in Hinduism. The main pujas, festivities, sacrifice, and rituals are spread over five days. Durga Puja 2025 date and time is from September 28 to October 2. The Durga Puja traditionally begins on the Mahalaya in Ashwin month, a day when Chandi Stotram is recited as an invitation for Goddess Durga to descend to earth. In 2025, Mahalaya is on September 21 (in Bengali Calendars). Durga Puja 2025 dates in India as per Bengali Calendar September 21, 2025 – Shubho Mahalaya September 28, 2025 – Maha Sashti September 29, 2025 – Maha Saptami September 30, 2025 – Maha Ashtami or Mahashtami  October 1, 2025 – Mahanavami or Mahanavami October 2, 2025 – Durga Visarjan  Story of Durga Puja in Bengali Tradition In Bengali Tradition, Durga Puja celebrates the arrival of Goddess Durga with her children to earth. She lives along with her husband in the Kailash Mountain and annually she arrives in Ashwin mont...

Importance in Durga Puja: Agamani songs, an integral part of the Durga Puja celebrations, play a significant role in setting the spiritual and emotional tone of the festival. They are traditionally sung to welcome Goddess Durga as she descends to earth, symbolizing her return to her parental home. The songs express the deep emotional bond between a mother and her daughter, resonating with the broader cultural themes of familial love, longing, and reunion. The arrival of Durga is not just a religious event but a cultural homecoming, and Agamani songs encapsulate this beautifully, bridging the divine with the human experience. Lesser-Known Facts: Historical Origins: The tradition of singing Agamani songs dates back several centuries. It is believed that these songs became prominent during the late medieval period in Bengal, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, when the worship of Durga became a grand public festival in Bengal. Symbolism of Shiva's Poverty: While Shiva’...

Mahalaya is observed on the Amavasya day in the Hindu month of Ashwin or Ashwayuja (September-October). Mahalaya 2025 date is September 21, Sunday. Time is 12:17 AM on September 21 and ends at 1:24 AM on Sept 22. The last day of Pitru Paksha fortnight, the period sacred for doing rituals and offering oblations to the souls of the departed ancestors, ends on Mahalaya day. Durga Puja rituals also commence on Mahalaya day. The rituals and rites on Mahalaya day are performed early morning on riverbanks or on seashore. The main offering made on Mahalaya Paksha to ancestors is food. It is believed that the offering made during this period will benefit all the departed souls. Charity in the form of food is also done by people. Shradh on Mahalaya can be performed to all those who departed from the world on any day or anytime. The ritual can be performed by both men and women. It is one of the way of showing one's profound sense of gratitude to the departed souls for their blessing...

Shabarotsava is an integral part of the Durga Puja festivities. On Vijayadashami, the tenth day of the celebration, the clay idol of Goddess Durga is ritually immersed in the sea, lake, or river (known as Durga Visarjan). Following the immersion, as devotees return, they are encouraged to emulate the behavior of the Shabaras or indigenous tribes. Shabarotsav involves engaging in uninhibited activities such as joyfully throwing mud and dust, exchanging playful banter with offensive language, singing provocative songs, and more. During this revelry, everyone, regardless of their social status, is anticipated to participate, underscoring the theme of equality before Goddess Maa Durga – the Mother of the universe.

Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the Indian states of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tripura and Assam, as well as in other parts of India and among Bengali communities worldwide. It is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, who is considered the embodiment of divine feminine energy and the destroyer of evil forces. While Durga Puja itself is a religious and cultural festival, it also provides an opportunity to address and raise awareness about gender inequality. Celebration of Feminine Power: Durga Puja celebrates the power and strength of the divine feminine. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and respecting the role of women in society. The imagery of Goddess Durga defeating the buffalo demon Mahishasura symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, and the strength of women over oppression. Empowerment of Women: Durga Puja can be used as a platform to empower women in various ways. Many Puja committees and organizations foc...

Sandhya Puja is a unique ritual held at the conjunction of Ashtami and Navami Tithis during Durga Puja. In 2025, date of Sandhi Puja is between September 30 and October 1. After usual rituals, the priest offers prayers to Goddess Chamunda. The popular belief is that Goddess Chamunda killed Chanda and Munda at this period. Chanda and Munda were appointed by Mahisha to attack Goddess Durga. Goddess Chamunda appeared from the forehead of Goddess Durga and they killed Chanda and Munda. The traditional ritual of Sandhi Puja consists of lighting 108 lamps. Flowers, leaves, clothes and jewelry are offered to Goddess Chamunda during the period.

Shastra Puja is held on the ninth day of the Navratri Festival – this is the Mahanavami day during Durga Puja. The weapons (Sastra or Astra) used by Goddess Durga are worshipped on this day. Shastra Puja 2025 date is October 1. Today, people worship the tools and objects that they use to earn a livelihood. Shastra Puja is also known as Ayudha Puja in South India . A similar ritual held during Durga Puja is the Astra Puja. Earlier, the kings used to worship the weapons used in war on the Shastra Puja day. Weapons like sword, spear, bow and arrow were kept for purification ritual on the day and they would remain untouched the whole day. After proper rituals they were taken on the next day. Today, people worship and perform purification rituals on objects they use to earn their bread.

Durga Puja is intricately connected with the concept of the divine feminine in Hinduism. The festival celebrates and reveres Goddess Durga, who is a quintessential representation of the divine feminine energy or Shakti. Here's how Durga Puja is associated with the divine feminine: Goddess Durga as the Divine Feminine: Durga is a powerful and multifaceted goddess in Hinduism. She is often depicted as a fierce warrior goddess, symbolizing the embodiment of divine feminine energy. Her various forms and attributes represent different aspects of the feminine, such as strength, courage, protection, and motherly love. Shakti - The Cosmic Energy: In Hindu philosophy, Shakti is the cosmic energy that underlies all of creation. It is considered the active, dynamic, and creative force of the universe. The goddess Durga is one of the primary deities associated with this divine, feminine energy. Symbolism of Durga: Durga is typically depicted with multiple arms, each holding different w...

Maha Saptami, or Durga Puja Saptami, is observed on the seventh day of the waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in Aashin, or Aswhina month. Durga Puja Saptami 2025 date is September 29. Pran Pratishta, Kolabou, Bodhan are the most important rituals performed on the day. During dawn, just as the first light of sun descents on earth, Kolabau or Kola Bou rituals are performed. The Pran Pratishta, or life, is breathed into the idol of Goddess Durga. The ritual is performed on the Ghats of a river or pond. The idol of Goddess Durga is not taken to the pond instead life is symbolically transferred from water to plantain tree. The Kolabau ritual is an elaborate one and the stem of the banana tree is draped in a new red and white saree and the leaves are left uncovered. The ‘kolabau’ is brought back in a procession and it is placed near Lord Ganesha in the Durga Puja Pandal.

Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated around the world by Bengali diaspora primarily in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the eastern part of India, particularly in West Bengal and Bangladesh. It is a multi-day festival that typically takes place in October or November and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. Durga is considered a powerful and symbolic representation of female energy, often depicted as a warrior goddess riding a lion or tiger and armed with various weapons. The concept of female energy in Hinduism is closely associated with the notion of Shakti, the divine feminine energy or power that represents the dynamic, creative, and nurturing aspects of the universe. Durga is one of the many manifestations of this Shakti, and her worship during Durga Puja is a celebration of this divine feminine energy. Here are some key aspects of Durga Puja and its connection to female energy: Symbol of Strength and Protection: Durga is often depicted as a fi...

Maha Navami is observed on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Ashwin month. Maha Navami 2025 date is October 1. It is the ninth and the final day of nine-day Navratri Festival. Mahanavami is also the penultimate day of Durga Puja. Navami 2025 date during Chaitra/Vasant Navratri (March - April) is April 6. Story of Navami It is believed that Goddess Durga killed Demon Mahishasura on the day. Various Rituals Observed on Mahanavami The rituals associated with Navratri Maha Navami vary from region to region. In  South India , Maha Navami is observed as Ayudha Puja. All books, utensils and tools are kept for puja. People do not touch them. They are taken after puja on the Vijayadashami day. The Sandhi Puja which is observed on the conjunction of Ashtami and Navami overlaps into the Mahanavami puja day. This ritual is very popular in North and Eastern parts of India. In some regions,  Kumari Puja is performed on the day. A unique ritual...

Nabapatrika, also known as Nava Patrika, are the nine leaves worshipped during Durga Puja. ‘Nava’ means nine and ‘Patrika’ means leaves in Sanskrit and Navapatrika is part of rituals during Durga Puja and is installed on Saptami day. The leaves are also known as Nine Durgas. Nabapatrika symbolize nine deities worshipped in Hinduism. The nine plants are plantain (Banana), Kacu, Turmeric, Jayanti, Wood Apple (Bilva), Pomegranate, Ashoka, Arum and Rice Paddy or Dhanya. Here are the photos of the nine plants with the Goddess each plant represents: Banana or Plantain - Goddess Brahmini Plantain or Banana Tree symbolically represents Goddess Brahmani. In rituals plantain is referred as Rambha. Kacu - Goddess Kalika Kacu or Kachu symbolically represents Goddess Kali or Kalika. This plant has an edible root and is scientifically known as Colocasia Indica. Turmeric - Goddess Durga Turmeric Plant also known as Haridra or Halud represents Goddess Durga. J...

Durga Puja Shashti is observed on the sixth after Amavasya (no moon) in the Bengali month Ashwin (September – October). Durga Puja Shashti 2025 date is September 28. 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. 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 d...

During Durga puja women wear nine different types of colour sarees or dresses. The nine colours represents the various aspects of Goddess Durga. Here are the Durga puja colours 2025. Please note that not all women follow the dress colors. Some prefer to wear the traditional white and red combination cotton or silk saree. Durga Puja Colours 2025 - Durga Puja Colour Today Pratipada - September 22, 2025 (Monday) -  White       Dwitiya - September 23, 2025 (Tuesday) -  Red  Tritiya - September 24, 2025 (Wednesday) -  Blue (Royal Blue)  Chaturthi - September 25, 2025 (Thursday) -  Yellow    Chaturthi - September 26, 2025 (Friday) -  Green   Panchami - September 27, 2025 (Saturday) -  Grey Sashti - September 28, 2025 (Sunday) -   Orange   Saptami - September 29, 2025 (Monday) -  Peacock Green  Ashtami - September 30, 2025 (Tuesday) -  Pink Navami - Octo...

Durga Ashtami is the eighth day of the Navratri celebrations. Durgashtami is also known as Mahashtami and is one of the important days of Durga Puja and a fast is undertaken by many people.  In 2025, the date of Durga Ashtami is September 30.  Weapons of Goddess Durga are worshipped on the day and it is known Astra Puja. The day is also known as Virashtami as there are displays using arms or martial arts. It is one of the most important day for Goddess Worship in Hindu religion. Please note - Chaitra Durga Ashtami will be observed on April 5, 2025. There is also a belief in some regions that Goddess Kali appeared from the forehead of Durga on this day to annihilate Chanda and Munda and Raktabija. During the Durga Puja rituals on Mahashtami day the 64 Yoginis and Ashta Nayikas – the eight consorts – of Durga are also worshipped. The eight consorts of Durga, also known as Eight Shaktis, are interpreted differently in different regions of India . But ultimately ...

The nine-day Navratri festival held in Ashwin month (September – October) coincides with the Durga Puja festival held during the same period. Therefore the festival is also known as Durga Puja Navratri. Durga Puja is mainly held in eastern parts of India and Goddess Durga worship is also performed in North India . In North, West and Southern parts of India , Navratri is held during the period. Navratri 2025 begins on September 22 and ends on October 1. Durga Puja Mahalaya is on September 21 ends with Durga Visarjan on October 2. Durga Puja Navratri Mahalaya Ghatasthapana Second day of Navratri Third day of Navratri Fourth day of Navratri Lalitha Panchami Durga Puja Sashti Lakshmi Puja Durga Puja Saptami Saraswati Avahan Puja Durga Ashtami Saraswati Puja Maha Navami Ayudha Puja Navratri Ends Durga Visarjan Vijaya Dashami The nine day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The first three days of Navratri is dedicated to ...

Durga Puja is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India, particularly in the eastern parts of India especially in the states of Tripura, Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal and by Bengali speaking community all around the world. It is a Hindu festival that honors and celebrates the divine manifestation of Mother Goddess Durga. The festival typically occurs in the months of September or October and lasts for ten days, culminating in the grand celebration of Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Durga Puja is not just a religious event but also a cultural extravaganza that brings people from all backgrounds together to celebrate the power and divinity of the goddess Durga. The significance of Durga Puja lies in the worship of Goddess Durga, who represents the divine feminine energy or Shakti. She is depicted as a fierce and powerful deity, riding a lion and wielding various weapons in her ten arms. Durga is believed to symbolize the victory of good over evil, and h...

At Kamakhya Devi Temple, Guwahati, Assam, Durga puja festival is celebrated in all its grandeur for 16 days from Mahalaya Amavasya to Purnima known as Devipaksha. The Durga puja rituals followed at the Kamakhya Temple are laid down in Kalika Purana, Devi Purana and Brhannandikesvara Purana. The most important pujas are held on Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami. An earthen pitcher is placed at the Calanta near the murtis of Kameshwar and Kameshwari to represent Goddess Durga. Mahasana of the deities is performed with Manani puja at the Peetha sthana of Devi Kamakhya on each of the 16 days. Special bhog is offered on all 16 days. Nitya puja, Prata puja, Madhya puja, Sainni puja, Sandhya Arati and bhog bhata are performed on every day. Puri is offered with bhog in the evenings. On Maha Saptami, the seventh day of the fortnight, pigeons are sacrificed and offered in all the temples at the Kamakhya temple complex. Moh boli or buffalo sacrifice is performed on the day. Buffalo is sacr...