Durga Puja is one of the grandest festivals celebrated by Bengalis and Hindus worldwide. It marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura — the triumph of good over evil. In Durga puja 2025, the festival will be celebrated with great devotion, artistry, and cultural fervor.
📅 Key Dates of Durga Puja 2025
Mahalaya – Sunday, 21 September 2025
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Marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and the end of Pitru Paksha.
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Devotees wake up early to listen to Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s “Mahishasura Mardini” on the radio.
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Idol eyes (Chokkhu Daan) are painted, symbolizing the Goddess being invoked on earth.
Maha Shashthi – Sunday, 28 September 2025
- The formal start of Durga Puja 2025.
- Rituals like Kalparambha, Bodhan, Amantran, and Adhivas are performed.
- Unveiling of Durga’s idol in the pandals; celebrations begin in full swing.
Maha Saptami – Monday, 29 September 2025
- Early morning ritual of Nabapatrika Snan (nine plants tied together, symbolizing Durga, are bathed in the river).
- From this day, Durga is worshipped in her warrior form.
- Pandal hopping begins with full enthusiasm.
Maha Ashtami – Tuesday, 30 September 2025
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Considered the most sacred day of theDurga Puja 2025.
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Devotees offer Pushpanjali (flower offerings) to the Goddess.
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Sandhi Puja is performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami — 108 lamps are lit, and 108 lotus flowers are offered.
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Many households and pandals observe Kumari Puja, worshipping young girls as embodiments of the Goddess.
Maha Navami – Wednesday, 1 October 2025
- The last day of Durga Puja 2025 rituals.
- Special Navami Bhog (food offering) is prepared, usually khichuri, labra, chutney, payesh, and sweets.
- Evening filled with dhunuchi naach (dance with incense burners) and cultural performances.
Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) – Thursday, 2 October 2025
- Marks the farewell of Goddess Durga.
- Married women celebrate Sindoor Khela, applying vermillion on each other and offering it to the Goddess.
- Idols are taken in grand processions with dhaak (drums), conch shells, and chants of “Asche bochor abar hobe” (“She will return next year”).
- Immersion (Visarjan) of idols in rivers or water bodies symbolizes Durga’s return to Mount Kailash.
The Significance of Durga Puja 2025
At its heart, Durga Puja is a celebration of Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, showing the triumph of good over evil. People warmly welcome the goddess and her children—Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesha—into beautifully decorated pandals, which are temporary temples. They offer prayers, special food called bhog, and their deepest devotion during this joyful time.
The Art and Aesthetics
One of the most magical parts of Durga Puja is the beautiful art of the idols and pandals. Whether made from traditional clay or featuring modern, creative themes, every pandal shares its own unique story. The streets turn into open-air art galleries, filled with stunning designs, dazzling lights, and imaginative displays that captivate everyone who visits.
The Spirit of Togetherness
Durga Puja 2025 is about the people just as much as it is about the goddess. It’s a time when families come back together, friends meet up, and even strangers share smiles as they move from one pandal to another. The festival fills the air with the beat of the dhaak (traditional drum) and the delicious smells of street food like phuchkas, rolls, and sweets, making it a celebration for all the senses.
Rituals and Traditions
Each day of the Puja has its own special magic:
- Shashthi is when the goddess is first revealed.
- Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami are the days filled with the most important rituals, including the sacred Sandhi Puja.
- Dashami is a mix of happiness and sadness, as people say goodbye to Durga with Sindoor Khela and immerse her idol, hoping she will come back again next year.
Why It Matters
In a world that can sometimes feel divided, Durga Puja 2025 shows us the power of coming together, the strength of keeping traditions alive, and the eternal triumph of light over darkness. Whether you follow the faith or simply appreciate the culture, Durga Puja 2025 is an experience that leaves a lasting impression on the heart.
Durga Puja 2025, beginning on 28 September and ending on 2 October, will once again be a grand reminder of tradition, devotion, and creativity.