Major Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is the grandest festival of Bengal and eastern India, celebrated over five days (Shashthi to Dashami) in the month of Ashwin. It marks Goddess Durga's descent to earth with her four children — Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesha — to slay the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Elaborate clay idols of the goddess are installed in intricately decorated pandals (temporary shrines), and the festival culminates on Vijayadashami when idols are immersed in rivers amid emotional farewell processions.
Last updated: 24 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
Celebrates the victory of divine feminine power over evil, the homecoming of Mother Durga, and the triumph of good over adharma. The festival is the cultural heartbeat of Bengal.
Rituals & Traditions
Bodhon (invocation) on Mahashashthi. Saptami puja with Kola Bou (banana bride) ritual. Ashtami Pushpanjali and Sandhi Puja at the junction of Ashtami and Navami. Navami havan. Sindoor Khela (vermilion play among married women) on Vijayadashami. Idol immersion (Visarjan) in rivers.
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Durga Puja?
Durga Puja is the grandest festival of Bengal and eastern India, celebrated over five days (Shashthi to Dashami) in the month of Ashwin. It marks Goddess Durga's descent to earth with her four children — Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesha — to s...
Q.What is the significance of Durga Puja?
Celebrates the victory of divine feminine power over evil, the homecoming of Mother Durga, and the triumph of good over adharma. The festival is the cultural heartbeat of Bengal.
Q.What are the rituals of Durga Puja?
Bodhon (invocation) on Mahashashthi. Saptami puja with Kola Bou (banana bride) ritual. Ashtami Pushpanjali and Sandhi Puja at the junction of Ashtami and Navami. Navami havan. Sindoor Khela (vermilion play among married women) on Vijayadashami. Idol immersion (Visarjan) in rivers.
Q.What foods are made during Durga Puja?
Bhog khichuri, Labra tarkari, Chutney, Payesh, Sandesh, Mishti doi, Luchi alur dom