For Bengalis, Durga Puja is homecoming, joy, and community. More than a religious event, it’s a 10-day cultural festival that brings people of all backgrounds together under the blessings of Goddess Durga. Here’s what it means, how it’s celebrated, and the key 2025 dates you need.
Table of Contents
Durga Puja 2025 dates
- Mahalaya – 21 September: Agomoni (welcoming the Goddess); artisans perform chokkhudan (painting the eyes).
- Maha Shashti – 28 September: Deity unveiled; dhaks (a kind of drum) and Mahishasuramardini recitations/performances.
- Maha Saptami – 29 September: Ritual bath of the banana plant (Kola Bou), placed beside Ganesha.
- Maha Ashtami – 30 September: Morning pushpanjali (flower offerings); community bhog (khichdi, curries, and more).
- Maha Navami – 1 October: Sandhi Puja culminates; evening aarti and dhunuchi dance contests.
- Vijaya Dashami – 2 October: Sindur khela for married women; farewell processions and idol immersion (visarjan).
Reflecting the scale of Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal, the State Government has announced that in the year 2025, the offices shall remain closed for 12 days, from 26 September to 7 October 2025.
According to the Government of India, the restricted holidays for Durga Puja will be from Shashti, 28 September, to Dussera, 2 October 2025. If you’re planning to attend, book your flight ticket early to secure better fares and timings.
Why is Durga Puja celebrated?
© Flickr
According to Hindu tradition, Goddess Durga, a form of Parvati, was invoked to defeat the shape-shifting demon Mahishasura and restore cosmic balance. Her victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, a theme that devotees celebrate during Durga Puja each year.
How is Durga Puja celebrated?
What you’ll see & do
© Flickr
- Artistic clay idols of Durga are installed in ornate pandals (temporary pavilions).
- Daily prayers and rituals: aarti, pushpanjali (flower offerings), and community bhog lunches.
- Worship of Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati, and Kartik alongside the Goddess.
- Themed pandals and idols with remarkable artistry and craftsmanship.
- Evenings with dhak drums and dhunuchi (incense) dances.
- City-wide lights, fairs, street-food stalls, and pop-up markets in the days leading up to the main festivities.
Pandal-hopping tips
Pandal is a temporary pavilion where the idol is installed, often built around a creative theme that changes each year. Here are some tips for pandal-hopping during this auspicious festival:
- Go early mornings for pushpanjali (flower offerings); evenings for lights, music, and performances.
- Weeknights are less crowded than weekends.
- Carry small cash for bhog/donations; ask before photographing people or rituals.
