What is Durga Puja?
Durga Puja stands as one of the most revered Hindu festivals, especially in Eastern India. This sacred time honors Goddess Durga, who embodies the power of the divine feminine. Installed amidst laughter, music, and devotion, she defeats evil forces like Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of virtue over vice. UNESCO recognizes the celebration in Kolkata as a living cultural heritage, weaving spiritual fervor with community artistry.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 – Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami is one of the most important days of Durga Puja. Devotees worship the Goddess with immense dedication, and the highlight ritual is the Sandhi Puja, performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami. Many also observe Kanya Puja, honoring young girls as embodiments of the Goddess.
Durga Puja 2025 Dates and Celebrations
Each year, Durga Puja occurs six months after Mahalaya, typically in September or October. The 2025 Durga Puja date is set from September 28 to October 2, 2025, with Maha Navami on October 1 and Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on October 2. Devotees around the world eagerly prepare for the entire festive spectacle.
Seven Days of Durga Puja 2025
Durga Puja consist of these seven days:
- Sunday, September 28, 2025: Maha Shashti (The main festivities begin)
- Monday, September 29, 2025: Maha Saptami
- Tuesday, September 30, 2025: Maha Ashtami
- Wednesday, October 1, 2025: Maha Navami
- Thursday, October 2, 2025: Vijaya Dashami (Durga Visarjan or idol immersion)
Why is Maha Navami Important in Durga Puja?
Maha Navami is one of the festival’s most vital days. Known for the Sandhi Puja, it occurs during the junction of Ashtami and Navami, symbolizing Durga’s fiercest form. Celebrations reach a crescendo with explosive chants, Durga Puja images captured under dazzling lights, and devotees chanting for strength, protection, and mercy.
Rituals and Celebrations in Durga Puja
These rituals are the heart and soul of Durga Puja Festival, reflecting cultural depth and collective devotion:
Dhakis’ Rhythms: Traditional drummers energize pandal atmospheres with rhythmic beats from early mornings to late nights.
Artistically Carved Idols: Durable clay craftsmanship gives rise to vivid sculptures of Durga, complete with her family and demons she vanquishes.
Pandal Hopping: Spectators traverse stunningly lit and themed temporary structures—Durga Puja images, photos, and pictures are crowdsourced in every nook.
Anjali Offerings: Devotees present flowers, sweets, and prayers to the goddess at the main altar.
Bengali Feasts: ‘Bhog’ is served, often containing khichdi, labra, and sweet dishes—blessings that unite taste and tradition.
Sindoor Khela: Married women exchange vermilion on Vijayadashami, celebrating marital bliss and fertility.
Visarjan Immersion: The celebrations climax with immersing the goddess’s idol in water, returning her to cosmic energies.
Durga Puja Calendar with Deities, Colors, and Rituals
Here’s the 2025 Durga Puja calendar:
Sunday, September 28, 2025 – Maha Shashti
The main festivities of Durga Puja begin on Maha Shashti. Devotees welcome Goddess Durga with rituals like Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) and unveil her idol in beautifully decorated pandals. This day marks the start of prayers, cultural programs, and the joyous atmosphere of the festival.
Monday, September 29, 2025 – Maha Saptami
Maha Saptami is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her divine form. Devotees perform special rituals, including the Nabapatrika Puja, and offer prayers for prosperity and protection. The day is celebrated with great devotion and traditional fervor.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 – Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami is one of the most important days of Durga Puja. Devotees worship the Goddess with immense dedication, and the highlight ritual is the Sandhi Puja, performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami. Many also observe Kanya Puja, honoring young girls as embodiments of the Goddess.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 – Maha Navami
On Maha Navami, devotees continue their prayers and celebrate the Goddess’s victory over evil. Grand Maha Aartis and Vijaya Puja are performed in pandals, filling the atmosphere with devotion and festive energy. Cultural performances and community feasts add to the celebrations.
Thursday, October 2, 2025 – Vijaya Dashami (Durga Visarjan)
The final day of Durga Puja, Vijaya Dashami, marks the farewell of Goddess Durga as her idols are immersed in rivers or water bodies. Married women celebrate Sindoor Khela by applying vermillion to each other, symbolizing marital bliss and prosperity. The day also signifies the triumph of good over evil.
How Durga Puja IS Celebrated in West Bengal?
Durga Puja in West Bengal is celebrated with grand devotion and cultural vibrancy. Beautiful pandals display artistic idols of Goddess Durga. From Maha Shashti to Vijaya Dashami, rituals like pushpanjali, Sandhi Puja, cultural performances, and feasts with traditional Bengali dishes fill the days. The festival ends with Sindoor Khela and idol immersion, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 2025 Durga Puja dates?
Durga Puja 2025 is from September 28 to October 2, culminating in Vijayadashami on October 2.
Why is Durga Puja celebrated?
It honors Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness over evil.
Which goddess appears on Day 7?
Maa Kalaratri is worshipped on Day 7, celebrated in orange hues and fierce devotion.
What is Sandhi Puja?
A highlight of Maha Navami, Sandhi Puja honors Durga in her most formidable avatar during the astrological shift between Ashtami and Navami.
Are there special wallpapers and images for Durga Puja online?
Yes—enjoy a vivid selection of Durga Puja wallpapers, Durga Puja photo galleries, and picture of Durga Puja posts from across the globe.