Durga Puja Significance & Spiritual Meaning
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.
Durga Puja 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.
Durga Puja 2026 Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- 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).
Durga Puja Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः
oṃ duṃ durgāyai namaḥ
Salutations to Durga
Durga Puja Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Bhog
- ●Khichuri
- ●Labra
- ●Payesh
- ●Mishti
Durga Puja Regional Celebrations across India
West Bengal(দুর্গাপূজা)
Pandals, pushpanjali, Sindoor Khela
Odisha(ଦୁର୍ଗା ପୂଜା)
Similar, with Odia traditions
Tripura(দুর্গাপূজা)
Bengali-style puja
Durga Puja Do's & Don't's
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
Durga Puja — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Durga Puja?
- Durga Puja is the largest festival in West Bengal, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
- When is Durga Puja 2026?
- In 2026, Durga Puja falls on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
- What are the Durga Puja puja rituals?
- 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).
- What to eat on Durga Puja?
- Bhog, Khichuri, Labra, Payesh, Mishti
- What should you do on Durga Puja?
- Visit pandals; Offer pushpanjali; Participate in Sindoor Khela
- What should you avoid on Durga Puja?
- Do not touch the idol without permission; Avoid inappropriate behaviour; Do not litter
- Which deity is worshipped on Durga Puja?
- Durga Puja is dedicated to Durga.