Sandhi Puja is one of the most unique and spiritually enlightening rituals observed during Durga Puja. The puja is particularly observed in Bengal and among Bengali communities. It marks the sacred transition between Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, a period known as ‘Sandhi’ or ‘junction’ of the two lunar tithis.
In this blog, let’s take a look at what exactly is the Sandhi Puja in Kolkata, the rituals associated with it, its significance, and more.
Sandhi Puja In Kolkata: Significance, 108 Diyas, Important Vidhis, And More
Significance Of Sandhi Puja
Sandhi Puja marks the holy transition or ‘sandhi’ between Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. During this period, devotees worship Goddess Durga in her fierce form of ‘Chamunda’. Traditionally, the duration of the Sandhi Puja is about 48 minutes – the final 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami.
This 48-minute puja is considered highly auspicious for Goddess Durga. During the puja, devotees worship Ma Chamunda, one of the fierce forms of Durga. According to legends, Sandhi Puja is associated with the divine battle between Durga and the demons Chanda and Munda. During the battle, Durga manifested her fierce form and defeated the demons, hence deriving the name ‘Chamunda’. Worshipping the goddess during Sandhi Puja is believed to honor her strength and grant devotees courage, victory, and prosperity.
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The Ritual Of 108 Diyas
One of the most recognizable traditions of Sandhi Puja is the lighting of 108 diyas. The number 108 is regarded as a holy figure in Hinduism and is traditionally associated with sacredness and completeness. During the ritual, 108 diyas are lit up and offered to Goddess Durga. The lighting of the diyas symbolizes the destruction of darkness and the triumph of the divine light over ignorance and negativity.
Sandhi Puja Vidhi: Important Rituals
Sandhi Puja is traditionally performed in the auspicious window of the tithi timing. As per Hindu panchang, Sandhi Puja will be performed on Monday, October 19, 2026. The auspicious time for Sandhi Puja is from 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM. According to the Visuhdda Siddhanta Panjika of Belur Math, the vidhi is said to be from 10:28 AM to 11:16 AM. Worshipping the goddess in the sacred 48 minutes is believed to bless devotees with abundance and prosperity.
The puja area is cleaned and decorated before the Sandhi period begins. The idol or image of Goddess Durga is placed and offerings, flowers, incense, etc is offered.
Then, 108 diyas are lit up. During Sandhi Puja in Kolkata, priests and organizers often prepare the lamps in advance.
The goddess is also offered flowers along with devotional prayers and devotional chants. In some communities, the goddess is offered blue lotuses while in others, red flowers are offered. After prayers are recited, the goddess is offered traditional bhog or prasad which includes a variety of dishes.
Also Read: The Only South Kolkata Durga Puja List 2026 You Need!
Is Sandhi Puja and Maha Ashtami The Same?
Maha Ashtami is observed on the eighth day of Durga Puja while Sandhi Puja is observed during the transition between Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. The puja period for Maha Ashtami is generally broader than the period for Sandhi Puja, which is usually 48 minutes. Ashtami puja focuses on the traditional Ashtami rituals and prayers, while Sandhi Puja focuses more on the transition between the Ashtami and Navami.
A major difference between the two rituals is that during Ashtami, Goddess Durga is worshipped, while during Sandhi Puja in Kolkata, Goddess Chamunda is worshipped.
Summing Up
Sandhi Puja 2026 is set to be observed on 19th October, 2026. Followed during an auspicious 48-minute period, the puja worships the fierce manifestation of Goddess Durga, Chamunda. Devotees lit up 108 diyas and offer sacred flowers, bhog, and recite devotional prayers.
