The wait is finally over!
Durga Puja 2025 is just around the corner, and Kolkata is buzzing with excitement.
From September 28 with Shashthi to October 2 with Vijayadashami, the city will come alive with vibrant pandals, delicious food, and joyful celebrations.
While Shashti marks the official start of the festival, Vijaydashami ends it with the celebration of victory over evil; each day has its own importance.
So, here’s a 5-day Durga Puja guide explaining the importance of each day. Check it out.
5-Day Durga Puja Guide in Kolkata 2025
Day 1: Shashthi/ Shosti(September 28, 2025)
Shashthi marks the official start of Durga Puja. The “Bodhon” ritual is performed early morning to unveil the idol of Goddess Durga, symbolizing her arrival.
People throng beautifully decorated pandals all over Kolkata, admiring artistic idols and thematic decorations. Cultural performances and community feasting begin, inviting joy and devotion into homes and streets.
The festival atmosphere is electric with the sound of dhaks (traditional drums) and conch shells.
Day 2: Saptami (September 29, 2025)
Saptami is significant for the Nabapatrika Snan ritual, where banana plants wrapped as “Kola Bou” or banana bride are bathed in river water and adorned with a saree before being brought to the idols. This symbolizes nature’s fertility and nurturing power.
Devotees continue religious ceremonies with offerings and prayers, while cultural events like traditional dance and music keep the festive spirit alive in the city’s famous pandals, such as those in Ballygunge and Chakraberia.
Day 3: Ashtami (September 30, 2025)
The most sacred of all days, Ashtami includes the intense Sandhi Puja conducted at the exact junction of Ashtami and Navami, representing Goddess Durga’s fierce form combating evil.
Many also observe Kumari Puja, worshipping young girls as the living embodiment of Durga’s energy. The day is filled with sacred rituals, offerings, and vibrant cultural programs.
Pushpanjali, the flower offering by devotees, is a highlight. Pandals are at peak activity with huge crowds paying respects.
Day 4: Navami (October 1, 2025)
Navami marks the penultimate day, where the ritualistic Maha Arti and Homa (sacred fire ceremony) are performed. Devotees seek blessings for peace and prosperity.
The ritual offerings and prayers reach their peak, accompanied by grand feasts and cultural presentations. The city buzzes with energy as people prepare for the festival’s conclusion.
Day 5: Vijaya Dashami (October 2, 2025)
Vijayadashami is the farewell day of Goddess Durga’s visit to Earth and her symbolic victory over the demon Mahishasura.
The day features Sindoor Khela, where married women smear vermilion on each other, wishing marital bliss and fertility.
Processions begin with emotional farewells, carrying the Goddess idols to rivers or lakes (notably Babu Ghat near Eden Gardens) for immersion (visarjan), signifying her return to Mount Kailash. The day is an emotional blend of joy, reverence, and community togetherness.
Tips To Celebrate Durga Puja In Kolkata 2025
- Participate in “pandal-hopping” to see thousands of artistically decorated pandals with thematic displays.
- Attend cultural events, traditional dance, and music performances held near the pandals.
- Enjoy the communal meals (bhog), sampling traditional Bengali vegetarian dishes that are offered to the goddess.
- Join “Sindoor Khela” on Dashami if married, or observe this vibrant ritual as a visitor.
- Visit iconic traditional Durga Puja households and public pujas like Sovabazar Raj Bari, Bagbazar Sarbojanin, College Square, and more.
- Experience the festive atmosphere with lots of lights, street food, and the joyous crowd.
Summing Up
Durga Puja in Kolkata is more than a religious occasion; it is a grand cultural and community event blending artistry, devotion, and celebration over these ultimate 5 days from Shasti to Dashami.
So, when are you visiting the city of happiness?
Use this Durga Puja Guide in Kolkata to make the most of your festive experience!
