Its a Five Day Celebration

Durga Puja starts with Mahalaya the first day of the nine - day celebrations. On this day Goddess arrives with the accompaniment of songs and narration of the story of Durga who was created by the Gods to fight the asuras or demons. The story reinforces the concept of the triumph of good over evil. The main function begins on Sashti - the sixth day where bodhan - the unveiling of the deity takes place. The seventh day is known as MahaSaptamtamii. On Maha Ashtami day - the eighth day, the priest makes anjali -offerings to the goddess along with the chanting of mantras

The five festive Puja days are spent welcoming Devi Durga, aplomb with rituals and accompanied with dhak, dhunuchi and shiuli.





Sasthi-------------------------------------------Sashti, the sixth day of the moon when Goddess Durga is welcomed with much fanfare and gusto. Look for the 'Bodhon' rituals when Goddess Durga is unveiled.











Saptami_________________________Saptami features the first day of Durga puja; commencement of rituals; predawn bathing of 'Kola Bow'.











Ashtami_________________________Most important day of Durga Puja; celebrating Durga's victory over Mahishasur; devotees recite the mantras and offer flowers to Devi Durga (pushpanjali) and pray

for her blessings; rituals of animal sacrifices; animals are now substituted with 'chalkumro' (type of pumpkin), cucumber and banana.








Nabami____________________________ Last day of Durga Puja; commencement of 'Sandhi Puja'. Nabami Bhog...Goddess Durga is offered food which is later distributed among the devotees .

Sandhi puja_________________________ ( 108 'Dip' lighted ) End of Ashtami and the beginning of Nabami is the time for Sandhi Puja. At this time Devi Durga transformed into Devi Camunda to kill "Chando" and "Mundo", the two generals of Mahishasura (the Buffalo Demon ).




Dashami- Dashami is the day when Goddess Durga accompanied with her children sets for Kailash, her husband's abode. With a heavy heart the Bengalis immerse the clay idol of Durga in the sacred

Ganges bidding her goodbye and earnestly waiting to see her again the next year.






"Sindur Khela" (Vermillion game)-
"Sindur Khela" is a major event of Dashami. Married women apply vermilion to each other and greet each other with sweets. It is in the evening when Goddess Durga is immersed Bengalis greet each other with bijoya greetings and men follow the customary 'Kolakuli' (embrace each other). Durga Puja is a festival, Bengalis celebrate without religious inhibitions. It is more of a socio-cultural celebration that tends to renew kinship with friends and relatives.