Hindu festival
Durga Puja
Also known as Durgotsava.
In short
Durga Puja is the grand worship of Durga, celebrated over the last days of Navratri — from Shashthi to Dashami of the waxing moon in Ashwin. Especially in Bengal, the Goddess is welcomed in elaborate pandals, worshipped for four days, and given farewell on Vijayadashami.
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When is Durga Puja?
- This year’s date
- Set by the panchang each year from the rule below. Godify shows a specific date only once it is confirmed against an authoritative panchang — never guessed.
- Tithi / rule
- Principally Shukla Shashti to Dashami of Ashwin (Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami)
- Calendar
- Lunar calendar (tithi-based)
- Deity
- Durga
The story
Durga Puja celebrates the Mother Goddess's victory over Mahishasura, and her annual visit to her earthly home. It is at once a solemn worship and a great communal festival, most elaborate in Bengal and eastern India.
From Shashthi (her welcome) through Ashtami and Navami (the height of worship) to Dashami (her farewell and immersion), the days trace the arrival, presence, and parting of the Goddess.
How it’s celebrated
The Goddess is installed in decorated pandals and worshipped from Shashthi to Navami; Vijayadashami brings sindoor games and the immersion (visarjan) of the idols, bidding her farewell.
A mantra to mark the day
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥
yā devī sarva-bhūteṣu śakti-rūpeṇa saṃsthitā, namas tasyai namas tasyai namas tasyai namo namaḥ
Salutations again and again to the Goddess who abides in all beings as power.
More Hindu festivals
About Durga Puja
When is Durga Puja?
From Shukla Shashti to Dashami of Ashwin — the closing days of Sharada Navratri. The exact Gregorian dates are set by the panchang each year.
How is Durga Puja different from Navratri?
Durga Puja is the same season as Navratri but centres on the last days (Shashthi–Dashami) with the elaborate pandal worship of Durga, especially in Bengal.
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