Durga Puja brings with it five days of devotion, joy, and togetherness as Maa Durga arrives with her children to bless her devotees. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil, marked by Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. It is observed with great grandeur across West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Bihar, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual essence of the occasion.
Goddess Durga celebration in full swing (AllEvents)
This year, the main celebrations will be held from the evening of September 27 to October 2. From sacred rituals and artistic pandals to traditional dances, music, and mouthwatering feasts, Durga Puja 2025 continues to remain one of the most awaited and cherished festivals in India.
The Heart of Durga Puja
At the core of Durga Puja lies the Pratima and the pandal. The clay idols of Goddess Durga with her children—Lord Ganesha, Mata Saraswati, Mata Lakshmi, and Lord Kartikeya—are placed in intricately designed pandals. These sacred spaces become the center of devotion, transforming the festival into a vibrant celebration of faith and togetherness.
Rituals of Durga Puja
The five important days of the festival are Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijayadashami, each marked with rituals that carry deep cultural and spiritual significance. On Shashthi, the unveiling of the idol takes place with Bodhon, welcoming Maa Durga. Maha Saptami begins with the sacred Nabapatrika snan, symbolizing the goddess’s power in nature. The festival reaches its peak on Maha Ashtami with Anjali and the traditional Dhunuchi Naach, while Vijayadashami concludes with Sindoor Khela and the immersion of the idol, marking her return to her heavenly abode.
Durga Puja: A Celebration of Culture and Artistry
The days leading up to the festivities are filled with anticipation and preparation. Pandals often take the form of architectural marvels, blending devotion with artistry and showcasing the community’s creative spirit. Every structure tells a story of craftsmanship and collective effort.
Grand celebration and puja of Goddess Durga along with her children (Christchurch City Council)
On Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, Bengalis organize orchestras, cultural performances, and traditional programs such as Bengali songs and Dhanur dance. Artists from Kolkata travel to cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Surat to participate in these events, enriching the festival experience beyond regional boundaries.
Flavors of Bengal during Durga Puja
Food is an integral part of Durga Puja, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies taking center stage. From khichuri paired with labra and beguni during bhog to fish curry, mutton kosha, and luchi enjoyed with family gatherings, the variety is endless. No celebration is complete without sweets like sandesh, rasgulla, and mishti doi, which add a touch of sweetness to the festive spirit.
Conclusion
Durga Puja is a festival of togetherness, where joy, devotion, and celebration unite communities. Food remains at the heart of the occasion, bringing people closer as they share traditional delicacies with family and friends. Devotees throng nearby pandals to immerse themselves in the festive spirit, while others explore the grandeur of Durga Puja pandals through reels on Instagram and Facebook, capturing the feeling of being part of the celebration. Warm wishes to all for a Happy Durga Puja!
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