Durga Puja, the biggest and most vibrant festival of Bengal and one of the grandest celebrations in India, is much more than just a religious occasion. It is a confluence of devotion, art, culture, heritage, and community spirit, bringing millions together across India and the world.
The festival celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, and symbolizes the eternal triumph of good over evil. While its religious essence is rooted in the Devi Mahatmya and Puranic traditions, Durga Puja has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon that bridges spirituality with creativity.
Mythological Origins
The story of Durga Puja is woven into the narrative of the Devi Mahatmya (Chandi Path), part of the Markandeya Purana. According to legend, the demon king Mahishasura obtained a boon that no man or god could kill him. Empowered by this boon, he unleashed terror on earth and heaven.
Unable to subdue him, the gods combined their divine energies (shakti) to create a supremely powerful goddess-Durga. She was armed with weapons gifted by the gods: the trident of Shiva, sudarshana chakra of Vishnu, thunderbolt of Indra, conch of Varuna, and many more. Riding a lion, Durga fought Mahishasura for nine nights and finally vanquished him on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami.
Thus, the festival celebrates the goddess as a warrior, protector, and mother, and as the embodiment of supreme feminine power (Shakti).
Historical Evolution of Durga Puja
– Ancient Roots – References to the worship of Devi are found in texts like Kalika Purana and Durgotsav Vivaran (around 16th century).
– Medieval Bengal – During the late medieval period, especially under the patronage of wealthy landlords (zamindars), Durga Puja became a public and community celebration. The barowari puja tradition (organized by twelve families) later evolved into sarbojanin puja (for all people).
– Colonial Period – By the 18th-19th centuries, Durga Puja was celebrated with grandeur in Bengal’s aristocratic households. The famous Sovabazar Rajbari Puja in Kolkata was even attended by British officials.
– Modern Era – Today, Durga Puja is a mega-festival of creativity and inclusiveness, marked by themed pandals, global participation, and recognition by UNESCO (2021).
The Ritual Calendar of Durga Puja
The festival is generally celebrated over five main days, but preparations begin a week earlier.
Mahalaya
– Marks the beginning of the festival.
– Early morning recitations of Chandi Path and the iconic “Mahishasura Mardini” on radio (immortalized by Birendra Krishna Bhadra in Bengal).
– Belief: Goddess Durga descends from Mount Kailash with her children.
Shashthi (Sixth Day)
– The idol of the goddess is unveiled (bodhon).
– The goddess is welcomed into the pandals with rituals.
Saptami (Seventh Day)
– Begins with Nabapatrika Snan (ritual bathing of nine plants symbolizing Durga’s forms).
– The day’s puja marks the goddess as the destroyer of evil.
Ashtami (Eighth Day)
– The most important day of worship.
– Devotees offer flowers (pushpanjali) while chanting mantras.
– Kumari Puja (worship of a young girl as living Durga) is performed in some places.
– The grand Sandhi Puja is performed at the twilight junction of Ashtami and Navami, marking the exact moment when Durga killed Mahishasura.
Navami (Ninth Day)
– Rituals highlight the power of Durga in her victorious form.
– The day ends with preparations for bidding farewell to the goddess.
– Vijayadashami (Tenth Day)
The day of victory.
– The goddess is bid farewell with much emotion.
– Sindoor Khela takes place on this day.
– Sindoor Khela: Ritual, Symbolism, and Modern Perspectives
n One of the most iconic rituals of Durga Puja is Sindoor Khela (literally “vermillion play”), performed on Vijayadashami, just before the immersion (visarjan) of the goddess’s idol.
The Ritual
– Married women first offer vermillion (sindoor) to the goddess, applying it on Durga’s forehead and feet.
– Afterwards, they smear sindoor on each other’s foreheads, cheeks, and hair partings (sindoor daan), wishing long life and prosperity for their husbands.
– The ritual ends with sweets and embraces, amidst festive music and dance.
The Symbolism
– Sindoor, a traditional mark of marriage in Hinduism, symbolizes marital bliss, fertility, and power.
By applying sindoor to Durga, women identify themselves with the goddess, invoking her blessings.
– It represents sisterhood, shared joy, and communal harmony.
Modern Perspectives
– Traditionally restricted to married women, the ritual has seen debates in recent years.
– Many argue that it excludes widows, unmarried women, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
– Some modern pujas, especially in Kolkata, have made Sindoor Khela more inclusive, allowing women of all backgrounds to participate.
– Thus, it reflects how cultural traditions adapt to contemporary values of equality and inclusiveness.
Cultural Grandeur of Durga Puja
Durga Puja is not just about rituals but also about celebration in multiple dimensions:
Pandal Art
Kolkata is famous for themed pandals-replicas of temples, palaces, historical monuments, or abstract artistic creations.
Pandals reflect social messages-on environmentalism, education, women’s empowerment, or cultural heritage.
Idols
Idols of Durga are crafted with incredible artistry, often depicting the goddess in varied forms-from traditional clay figures to experimental modern art.
Kumartuli in Kolkata is world-famous for idol-making.
Dhak and Dhunuchi Naach
– The beating of the dhak (drum) sets the festival’s rhythm.
– Devotees perform dhunuchi dance with incense burners, swaying to the beats in ecstatic devotion.
Food Culture
– Bhog (sacred food offering) usually includes khichuri, labra (mixed vegetable), chutney, payesh (rice pudding), and sweets.
– Street food stalls offer rolls, biryani, fish fry, momos, and sweets, making Puja a gourmet’s paradise.
Community Spirit
– Durga Puja transcends religious boundaries-people from all communities join the celebrations.
– Cultural programs like plays, poetry recitals, Rabindra Sangeet, and folk performances add richness to the atmosphere.
Global and Economic Impact
– Worldwide Celebrations – From New Jersey to London, Singapore to Melbourne, Bengali diaspora communities celebrate Durga Puja, making it a global event.
– Economic Boost – In Kolkata alone, Durga Puja generates thousands of crores of rupees through pandals, tourism, decorations, food, and retail. It is a major driver of the local economy.
UNESCO Recognition
In December 2021, “Durga Puja in Kolkata” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. UNESCO described it as a “confluence of art, spirituality, and community involvement”, acknowledging the festival’s global cultural significance.
Symbolism and Philosophy
– Victory of Good over Evil – The slaying of Mahishasura is a reminder of eternal truth: evil may rise, but it will be destroyed by righteousness.
– Shakti as Feminine Power – Durga Puja celebrates the goddess as the supreme energy, empowering women and symbolizing resilience.
– Cycle of Creation and Dissolution – Idol immersion represents the philosophy of impermanence, reminding us that life is cyclical.
Durga Puja is not merely a religious festival-it is a season of joy, devotion, creativity, and togetherness. From the chants of Chandi Path on Mahalaya to the emotional farewell on Vijayadashami, from the rhythm of the dhak to the color of Sindoor Khela, every moment resonates with deep cultural meaning.
For Bengalis, Durga Puja is more than a celebration-it is an emotion, a homecoming of the goddess, and a celebration of life itself. With its recognition by UNESCO and its global presence, Durga Puja has become not just Bengal’s pride, but the world’s cultural heritage.
Tag: Durga Puja
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Durga Puja: Grand festival of divine mother
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Durga Puja: Celebrating the triumph of Goddess
Durga Puja, one of the most revered festivals in Hinduism, celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. In 2024, this vibrant five-day celebration, known as Durgotsava, will start from October 8. Beyond its religious significance, Durga Puja serves as a cultural and spiritual gathering for millions of devotees, particularly in India, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
While Sharadiya Navratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, it holds a unique charm in Gujarat and Bengal. In Bengal, the Durga Puja festival is celebrated in full swing.
This year, Durga Puja will start on October 8, 2024, and will conclude on October 12 with Vijayadashami. Durga Puja is the biggest and most important festival for the Bengali community. Each day of the festival, including Shashthi, Mahasaptami, Mahaashtami, Mahanavami, and Vijayadashami, holds special significance. Durga Puja lasts for five days, from the Shashthi (sixth day) to Dashami (tenth day) of Sharadiya Navratri.
Significance Of Each Day Of Durga Puja
Bilva Nimantran (October 8, 2024):
Bilva Nimantran Timing: 3:39 PM – 5:59 PM
On this day, Goddess Durga is invited to reside in the Bilva tree or kalash (pitcher). This ritual of inviting Goddess Durga is known as the Nimantran. The evening time and the conjunction of Shashthi are considered the most suitable for Bilva puja.
Kalparambh (October 9, 2024):
According to scriptures, on the day of Kalparambh, Goddess Durga, along with Maa Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi, descends to Earth alongside Kartikeya and Ganesh Ji. The Kalparambh puja is performed at an auspicious morning time. In Bengal, the curtain is drawn from the idol of Maa Durga on this day. The rituals of Kalparambh are similar to the Bilva Nimantran observed in other states.
Navapatrika Puja (October 10, 2024):
Navapatrika Day: 5:05 AM
The day of Navapatrika Puja is also known as Mahasaptami. On this day, Goddess Durga is invited to a group of nine plants known as Navapatrika. The Goddess is also given a grand bath on this day.
Sindoor Khela (October 12, 2024):
This day marks the last day of Durga Puja. On this day, married women offer red vermilion (sindoor) to the Mother and apply it to one another. It is believed that this ritual grants the blessing of everlasting marital bliss.
Why is Durga Puja Celebrated: Origin,
Significance, and Traditions
The origins of Durga Puja can be traced back to ancient Indian scriptures. According to mythology, Mahishasura was a demon who had received a boon from Lord Brahma that he could not be defeated by any god or man. This made him powerful, and he caused great distress to the gods in heaven. In response to the gods’ plea for help, Lord Brahma, along with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, created Goddess Durga, endowing her with their supreme powers to battle Mahishasura.
A fierce battle ensued between Mahishasura and Goddess Durga. To gain an advantage, the demon transformed himself into a buffalo. The conflict lasted for 10 days, at the end of which Goddess Durga emerged victorious by beheading the buffalo and defeating Mahishasura as he appeared in his original form.
In essence, the festival of Durga Puja commemorates this epic battle, spanning over 10 days, with the final day known as Vijayadashami celebrating the triumph of good over evil, in addition to celebrating Goddess Durga’s visit to her parental home with her children.
The celebrations kick off with Mahalaya, marking the beginning of Goddess Durga’s journey to Earth. The formal festivities start on “Maha Sashthi,” the sixth day, highlighted by the grand unveiling of Durga’s idol to the public amid the vibrant beats of “dhakis” playing the traditional “dhak” drum, a staple of the puja and Bengali tradition.
The next day, “Maha Saptami,” begins with the early morning ritual of immersing a banana tree in water, symbolically transforming it into the “Kola Bou” (Banana Bride), dressed in a saree with a red border and placed beside Lord Ganesha. The “Kola Bou” is interpreted by some as Ganesha’s bride, while others see it as a representation of Goddess Durga herself or a sacred assembly of nine plants embodying the goddess’s plant form.
“Maha Ashtami,” the eighth day, is crucial as it commemorates Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura. This day is filled with devotees offering prayers with “Anjali” and enjoying festive meals like khichdi. The following day, “Maha Navami,” commences after the “Sandhi Puja,” culminating in the grand “Maha Aarti,” drawing large crowds for participation.
The festivities conclude on “Maha Dashami,” the tenth day, with the immersion of Durga and other deities’ idols in the river Ganges, a ceremony known as “Visarjan.” Before this immersion, married women partake in “Sindoor Khela,” applying vermilion to each other’s faces. The day wraps up with processions and joy, and the tradition of visiting relatives to exchange “Bijoya Dashami” greetings signals the end of Durga Puja. -
Durga Puja
Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava, or Sharodotsava, is an annual Hindu festival originating in the Indian subcontinent which reveres and pays homage to the Hindu goddess, Durga.
It is particularly popular and traditionally celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, and the country of Bangladesh. The festival is observed in the Indian calendar month of Ashwin, which corresponds to September-October in the Gregorian calendar, and is a ten-day festival, of which the last five are of significance.
The dates of Durga Puja 2021
– Shashti – 11th October 2021
– Maha Saptami – 12th October 2021
– Maha Ashtami – 13th October 2021
– Maha Navami – 14th October 2021
– Viajaya Dashami – 15th October 2021
The puja is performed in homes and in public, the latter featuring a temporary stage and structural decorations (known as pandals). The festival is also marked by scripture recitations, performance arts, revelry, gift-giving, family visits, feasting, and public processions. Durga puja is an important festival in the Shaktism tradition of Hinduism.
As per Hindu scriptures, the festival marks the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting asura, Mahishasura.[Thus, the festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation. Durga puja coincides with Navaratri and Dussehra celebrations observed by other traditions of Hinduism,in which the Ram Lila dance-drama is enacted, celebrating the victory of Rama against Ravana, and effigies of Ravana are burnt.
The primary goddess revered during Durga Puja is Durga but celebrations also include other major deities of Hinduism such as Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity), Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge and music), Ganesha (the god of good beginnings), and Kartikeya (the god of war). In Bengali and Odia traditions, these deities are considered to be Durga’s children and Durga puja is believed to commemorate Durga’s visit to her natal home with her beloved children. The festival is preceded by Mahalaya, which is believed to mark the start of Durga’s journey to her natal home. Primary celebrations begin on the sixth day (Shasthi), on which the goddess is welcome with rituals. The festival ends on the tenth day (Vijaya Dashami) when devotees embark on a procession carrying the worshipped clay sculpture-idols to a river, or other water body, and immerse them, symbolic of her return to the divine cosmos and her marital home with Shiva in Kailash. Regional and community variations in celebration of the festival and rituals observed exist.
Durga puja is an old tradition of Hinduism, though its exact origins are unclear. Surviving manuscripts from the 14th-century provide guidelines for Durga puja, while historical records suggest that the royalty and wealthy families were sponsoring major Durga puja festivities since at least the 16th-century.The prominence of Durga Puja increased during the British Raj in the provinces of Bengal, Odisha and Assam.
In today’s time, the importance of Durga puja is as much as a social and cultural festival as a religious one, wherever it is observed.
Over the years, Durga Puja has become an inseparable part of Indian culture with innumerable people celebrating this festival in their own unique way while pertaining to tradition.
Rituals and practices
Durga puja is a ten-day event, of which the last five days involve certain rituals and practices. The festival begins with Mahalaya, a day on which Hindus perform tarpa?a by offering water and food to their dead ancestors. The day also marks the advent of Durga from her mythological marital home in Kailash. The next significant day of the festival is the sixth day (Sashthi), on which devotees welcomes the goddess and festive celebrations are inaugurated. On the seventh day (Saptami), eighth (Ashtami) and ninth (Navami) days, the goddess along with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya are revered and these days mark the main days of worship with recitation of scriptures, puja, legends of Durga in Devi Mahatmya, social visits to elaborately decorated and illuminated pandals (temporary structures meant for hosting the puja), among others.
Durga puja is, in part, a post-monsoon harvest festival observed on the same days in the Shaktism tradition of Hinduism as those in its other traditions. The practice of including a bundle of nine different plants, called navapatrika, as a symbolism of Durga, is a testament practice to its agricultural importance. The typically selected plants include not only representative important crops, but also non-crops. This probably signifies the Hindu belief that the goddess is “not merely the power inherent in the growth of crops but the power inherent in all vegetation”. The festival is a social and public event in the eastern and northeastern states of India, where it dominates religious and socio-cultural life, with temporary pandals built at community squares, roadside shrines, and temples. The festival is also observed by some Shakta Hindus as a private home-based festival. The festival starts at twilight with prayers to Saraswati. She is believed to be another aspect of goddess Durga, and who is the external and internal activity of all existence, in everything and everywhere. This is typically also the day on which the eyes of the deities on the representative clay sculpture-idols are painted, bringing them to a lifelike appearance. The day also marks prayers to Ganesha and visit to pandals temples.[
Day two to five mark the remembrance of the goddess and her manifestations, such as Kumari (goddess of fertility), Mai (mother), Ajima (grandmother), Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and in some regions as the Saptamatrikas (seven mothers) or Navadurga (nine aspects of Durga). On the sixth day major festivities and social celebrations start. The first nine days overlap with Navaratri festivities in other traditions of Hinduism. The puja rituals involve mantras (words manifesting spiritual transformation), shlokas (holy verses), chants and arati, and offerings. These also include Vedic chants and recitations of the Devi Mahatmya text in Sanskrit.The shlokas and mantras praise the divinity of the goddess; according to the shlokas Durga is omnipresent as the embodiment of power, nourishment, memory, forbearance, faith, forgiveness, intellect, wealth, emotions, desires, beauty, satisfaction, righteousness, fulfillment and peace. The specific practices vary by region.
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Ashwin Navratri
Navratri is a nine days festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. Navratri is a Sanskrit word which literally means nine nights. During these nine nights and ten days, Goddess Durga is worshipped in 9 different forms, known as Navdurga. The tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashami when idols of Goddess Durga are immersed into the water body.
Navratri is celebrated in most Indian states. However Navratri is very popular festival in the western states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and the southern state of Karnataka. On the very first day of Navratri, Goddess Durga is invoked into a Kalash with full Vedic rituals along with chanting of Mantras. The invocation and dwelling of Goddess Durga into the Kalash is known as Ghatasthapana or Kalashsthapana and is done at an appropriate time of the day.
In West Bengal Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja. In West Bengal, Goddess Durga is worshipped on the last three days of Navratri and these three days are famously known as Durga Saptami, Durga Ashtami and Durga Navami. It would be correct to say that Durga Puja in West Bengal is a smaller version of 9 days Navratri. Kalparambha and Bilva Nimantran during Durga Puja, which is done on the sixth day of Navratri, is symbolically same as Ghatasthapana or Kalashsthapana in other states.
Hindu religious books suggest 7 days Navratri, 5 days Navratri, 3 days Navratri, 2 days Navratri or even 1 day Navratri as an alternative to 9 days Navratri.
Jyoti Kalash, Kumari Puja, Sandhi Puja, Navami Homa, Lalitha Vrat and Chandi Path are other famous rituals and events which are observed during 9 days Navratri.
Navratri literally means ‘nine nights’ and it is one of the most significant Hindu festivals that will be observed from October 7th this year. This auspicious occasion will last till October 15th.
On October 15/16, Vijayadashami also known as Dussehra will be celebrated. It marks the end of Navaratri every year. During Navaratri, devotees worship nine forms of Goddess Durga namely Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Navratri 2021 Dates
– On October 7, on Pratipada tithi, Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja will be performed.
– On October 8 on Dwitiya tithi, Brahmacharini Puja should be performed.
– On October 9 on Tritiya and Chaturthi, Chandraghanta Puja and Kushmanda Puja should be performed.
– On October 10 for Panchami tithih Skandamata Puja should be performed.
– On October 11, for Sashti tithi Katyayani Puja should be performed.
– On October 12, Saptami tithi, perform Kalaratri Puja
– On October 13, Ashtami tithi perform Maha Gauri Puja
– On October 14, Navami tithi perform Siddhidhatri Puja
– On October 15, Dashami tithi perform Navratri Parana/Durga Visarjan
Significance
It is believed that Lord Shiva granted permission to his wife Goddess Durga for seeing her mother for just nine days. During that time, Goddess Durga demolished demon Mahishasura. Hence Goddess Durga aka Kali is represented as a symbol of shakti – the ultimate strength. It is also said that Maa Durga has eternal divine power, which can never be created nor destroyed.
Importance
Throughout the nine nights, nine forms of the goddess are worshiped with much grandeur. On the 10th day, which is October 8 this year, people celebrate Vijayadashami means Dusshera by burning huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna. Thus, Navratri itself symbolises victory over evil.
Celebrations
During these nine nights of Navratri, people observe fast. Cultural programs are organised, people depict the story of Lord Rama. On the eighth day, Kanya Pujan is observed in which minor girls are worshipped and offered prashad, food and sweets. All over the country Dandiya and Garba programmes are organised by community people.
Durga Puja
Predominantly celebrated in the states of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, and Bihar, Durga Puja happens to be one of the biggest festivals for Bengalis. The festival celebrates Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon, Mahishasura. Though it’s a 10-day festival, the last five days are considered to be the most significant ones. Other than Goddess Durga, deities of Saraswathi, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Karthik are also worshipped.
This year, Durga Puja will begin onMonday, 11 October, and end on Friday, 15 October.
Significance of Durga Puja
As per Hindu mythology, the festival marks Goddess Durga’s visit to her natal home along with her children. Durga Puja is preceded by Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of Durga’s journey to her home. The actual puja starts from “Maha Sashthi” or the sixth day where devotees welcome the Goddess with pomp and gusto. On this day, Durga’s deity is unveiled in front of the public. Several rituals are performed while the “dhakis” keep the mood and spirit of the puja alive by playing the “dhak”—a kind of drum that’s associated with the puja and Bengali culture.
The 7th day marks the commencement of “Maha Saptami”. On this day, just before dawn, a banana tree is immersed in the water as a part of the ritual. After the ceremonial bath, the tree or “Kola Bou” (as called in Bengali) is draped in a saree, usually a red-bordered one, and placed on the right-side of Ganesha, thereby implying that “Kola Bou” is actually the bride of Ganesha. However, several cultural revisionists and historians have different views on this as some believe that “Kola Bou” is another representation of Durga. Hence, they refute the theory that “Kola Bou” is the bride of Ganesha.
Another different view is that “Kola Bou” is a symbolic representation of nine types of plants that form a sacred complex. Priests tie a bunch of eight plants on the trunk of the banyan tree before performing the ritual. The nine different leaves combined together form “Kola Bou”—often considered as the plant form of Durga.
“Maha Ashtami” marks the 8th of the puja and is considered as the day when the Goddess defeated “Mahisasura”. Prayers are offered in the form of “Anjali” while feasts are organised in different localities. Khichdi and other delicacies are prepared on this day.
The 9th day is dubbed as “Maha Navami”. As soon as the “Sandhi Puja” ends, Maha Navami commences. Maha Aarti is performed as a closing ritual. Huge queues are common on this day as people flock in to take part in “Maha Aarti”.
The 10th day or “Maha Dashami” marks the final day of Durga Puja. On this day, Durga and the other deities are immersed in the river Ganga. Before the immersion, married women take part in “Sindoor Khela” where they smear vermillion on each other’s faces. On the day of immersion, also called “Visarjan”, huge processions are common. People dance and cheer on the road to celebrate the spirit of the puja. After the immersion, a typical custom is followed where people visit their relatives’ house to wish “Bijoya Dashami”.