Durga Puja Begins

Major Hindu Festival, Religious and Cultural Celebration

Public Holiday (especially in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Bihar, Jharkhand); widely celebrated across India and by Hindu diaspora.

Durga Puja formally begins on Mahashashthi and culminates on Bijoya Dashami, making it a 5-day festival. The broader Navaratri period is 9 days, with Durga Puja being a specific segment within it.

Marks the beginning of the annual worship of Goddess Durga, celebrating her arrival to Earth (her paternal home) and symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It commemorates her victory over the demon Mahishasura.

Key Rituals & Practices

Kalparambha (beginning of the Puja rituals)

Bodhon (awakening of the Goddess)

Amantran (invitation)

Adhivas (consecration)

Pran Pratishtha (infusing life into the idol)

Chokkhudan (painting the eyes on the idol)

Shashthi Puja (worship on the 6th day)

Installation of idols in elaborately decorated pandals

Starting of daily anjali (flower offerings) and arati (lamp worship)

Associated Deities

Goddess Durga (main focus)

Lakshmi

Saraswati

Ganesha

Kartikeya

Shiva (as her consort)

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Ashwin (Sharad Ritu)

Paksha

Shukla Paksha (Bright Fortnight)

Tithi

Mahashashthi (6th day of Ashwin Shukla Paksha)

Historical & Mythological Context

According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Durga descends from her heavenly abode (Kailash) to her paternal home (Earth) with her children – Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya – for these five days. The worship begins on Mahashashthi, marking her formal arrival and the commencement of the main rituals leading up to her victory over Mahishasura on Bijoya Dashami.

Alternative Names

Durgotsava

Sharodotsava

Maha Puja

Gregorian Date

Varies annually (typically late September or October)