Durga Puja is one of the most anticipated festivals in the Bengali calendar. It is not just a festival but an emotion, a celebration of traditions, culture, and devotion. As we approach this festive season, let us know more about it in depth. From dates to the cultural Bengali events that one must not miss, here’s everything you must know about the 2025 Durga Puja.
Durga Puja 2025 Dates
In 2025, Durga Puja will be celebrated from September 21 to October 2, 2025. The devi paksha or the auspicious time of worshipping goddess Durga begins in September, the main Bengali events or celebrations or pujas will begin from September 28 and end on October 2, Vijayadashmi.
21 September, 2025: Mahalaya
27 September, 2025: Maha Panchami
28 September, 2025: Maha Sashthi
29 September, 2025: Maha Saptami
30 September, 2025: Maha Ashtami
01 October, 2025: Maha Navami
02 October, 2025: Vijayadashami
Rituals
Durga Puja, or Durga Pujo or Durgotsava, is a festival of the Bengali community. The festival celebrates Goddess Durga’s triumph over the evil demon Mahishasura in a fierce battle that lasted for ten days. The main events or festivities of Durga Puja begin from the sixth day, or Sashthi, and end on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami.
Mahalaya: Mahalaya marks the beginning of Durga Puja and is believed to signify Goddess Durga’s arrival on earth. On this day, people wake up early morning before sunrise to awaken the goddess and also pay homage to their ancestors.
Maha Sashthi: This day marks the unveiling or awakening of the idol of goddess Durga, also known as Bodhan. With the Kalparambha ritual, priests formally initiate the worship, unveiling Goddess Durga’s idol to the sound of traditional dhakis (drums) resonating in the background.
Maha Saptami: On this day, a symbolic bathing and decoration of nine plants called Kola Bou (banana leaves mostly), known as Nabapatrika, is performed. Devotees adorn the plants with red-bordered white sarees, symbolizing the goddess’s presence and the fertility of nature.
Maha Asthami: On this day, nine young girls are worshipped and fed food. Devotees perform Kumari Puja, worshipping and feeding young girls, as an important ritual. They also hold the Sandhi Puja ceremony between Asthami and Navami, honoring Goddess Durga’s victory. It marks goddess Durga’s victory over demons Chanda and Munda.
Maha Navami: On this day, the devotees perform Maha aarti, which is basically a very grand prayer, and Homa, a fire ritual, is also performed. The devotees offer special kheer to the goddess.
Vijay Dashami: Vijay Dashami marks the last day of the festival and is concluded by playing Sindoor Khela. In this ritual, women smear sindoor or vermilion on each other’s faces, symbolising the goddess’s blessings and celebrating her victory over evil. On this day, devotees ceremoniously submerge Goddess Durga’s idols in water
Bengali Events
Bengali events during Durga Puja are a beautiful blend of culture, tradition, and spirituality, which one should not miss. From Dhunachi naach to traditional dances, these events add joy to the festival and are one of the main attractions.
Pandal Hopping: The Durga Puja pandals are today the cultural landmarks that attract huge crowds. Kolkata’s pandals dazzle with ingenious themes and decorations, creatively drawing inspiration from society, mythology, and nature’s beauty. For example, celebrating an underwater metro theme, violence against women, celebrating freedom fighters, and more. Kashi Bose Lane Durga Puja, Chorbagan Sarbojanin, and Tridhara Sammilani are some of the most visited pandals in Kolkata.
Feast: Special Bengali dishes like sandesh, khichdi, misti doi, rosgulla, fish curries, and more are prepared and shared in the community. Food plays an important role in this festival.
Local Fairs and Exhibitions: There are local fairs and exhibitions too, hosted here during Durga Puja. Here you will find many beautiful handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food options to choose from. This offers an opportunity for cultural exchange and also provides entertainment.
Traditional Music and Dance: Dhakis, or traditional drummers, create a rhythmic festive backdrop with the dhaka being played continuously. Classical and folk music, dramatic plays, as well as the famous Dhunuchi Nach, where women dance with incense burners in their hands, are some of the main highlights.
Where To Celebrate
Kolkata turns into a vibrant wonderland with its elaborate festivities during Durga Puja. Apart from Kolkata, cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Varanasi, Guwahati, and Ahmedabad also celebrate this festival with significant fervor.
Summing Up
Durga Puja is a joyous celebration that brings people together, and the atmosphere simply becomes magical and divine. From traditional dance to important rituals, we cannot wait for Druga Puja 2025 to kickstart. Are you excited?
