Significance
Durga Puja is the largest festival in West Bengal, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Elaborate pandals and idols are installed for five days.
Mythology & Legend
According to the Markandeya Purana, Durga was created by the combined energy of the gods to slay Mahishasura. She fought for nine days and killed him on the tenth (Vijayadashami). The festival also marks Durga's annual visit to her parental home with her children.
Rituals & Observances
- On Mahalaya, listen to Chandi path or Mahishasura Mardini; invoke the goddess.
- From Saptami to Navami, visit pandals and offer pushpanjali (flowers).
- Perform aarti and enjoy cultural programmes; wear new clothes each day.
- On Dashami, perform Sindoor Khela (vermillion play) and bid farewell (Visarjan).
Sacred Mantras
ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः
oṃ duṃ durgāyai namaḥ
Salutations to Durga
Traditional Foods
- ●Bhog
- ●Khichuri
- ●Labra
- ●Payesh
- ●Mishti
Regional Variations
West Bengal(দুর্গাপূজা)
Pandals, pushpanjali, Sindoor Khela
Odisha(ଦୁର୍ଗା ପୂଜା)
Similar, with Odia traditions
Tripura(দুর্গাপূজা)
Bengali-style puja
Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- ✓Visit pandals
- ✓Offer pushpanjali
- ✓Participate in Sindoor Khela
- ✓Respect the idol
Don'ts
- ✗Do not touch the idol without permission
- ✗Avoid inappropriate behaviour
- ✗Do not litter