Durga Puja 2025: Date, Rituals and Events

Durga Puja is not simply a festival—it’s an emotion that draws millions together in celebration of spirituality, art, and tradition. Marked by grandeur and devotion, Durga Puja is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and represents the triumph of virtue over evil. The festival is a visual and spiritual extravaganza that is widely celebrated, particularly in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and large metropolises like Delhi and Mumbai.

Durga Puja 2025 Date

Devotees will summon the holy feminine spirit during the October Durga Puja celebration in 2025, which coincides with the Sharad Navratri festival. From Shashthi to Vijaya Dashami, the five main days of Durga Puja, preparations start in Mahalaya, which commemorates Goddess Durga’s descent to Earth.

• Mahalaya – Sunday, September 28, 2025

• Shashthi – Saturday, October 4, 2025

• Saptami – Sunday, October 5, 2025

• Ashtami (Mahashtami) – Monday, October 6, 2025

• Navami (Mahanavami) – Tuesday, October 7, 2025

• Vijaya Dashami – Wednesday, October 8, 2025

What is Durga Puja?

A significant Hindu holiday, Durga Puja, also called Durgotsav, honors the goddess Durga’s feminine, divine force. Her spectacular victory against the buffalo monster Mahishasura, which represents the triumph of good over evil, is celebrated during the festival. Although preparations start weeks in advance, Durga Puja is traditionally celebrated during the month of Ashwin (September–October) and lasts for five main days: Dashami, Navami, Ashtami, Saptami, and Shashthi. The festival’s focal point is the exquisitely carved statue of Goddess Durga, who is depicted riding a lion, killing Mahishasura, and brandishing 10 arms full of weapons. Her offspring, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartikeya, and Ganesha, who stand for wealth, knowledge, bravery, and achievement, are frequently shown with her.

History of Durga Puja

Durga Puja has ancient roots that are intricately woven into Indian mythology, literature, and cultural development. What started out as a somber Vedic ceremony developed into the lavish, neighbourhood-driven celebration that is observed today, particularly in Bengal.

Origins in Mythology

Hindu texts state that the goddess Durga was made by the gods’ combined force (Shakti) to vanquish Mahishasura, a formidable monster that no god nor man could destroy. Equipped with weapons bestowed by gods like as Vishnu, Shiva, and Indra, Durga engaged in a ferocious nine-night combat until defeating the demon on the tenth day, which is known as Vijaya Dashami. This cosmic conflict represents the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil), elevating Durga Puja from a simple ritual to a celebration of moral order and divine justice.

Historical Evolution in Bengal

In Bengal, Durga Puja has been documented since the 16th century, when royal families and zamindars (landlords) held private pujas on their properties. They were known as “Bonedi Barir Pujo,” and many of them, with their rich customs and antique appeal, are still in existence in Kolkata today. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Durga Puja had evolved into Barowari Pujo, a communal celebration that was planned and attended by the local populace as a whole. This change democratized the puja, transforming it into a public festival that gave rise to the ornate pandals and public celebrations of today.

Colonial & Modern Influence

Durga Puja also developed as a location for cultural assertion and nationalist rallies during the British Raj, quietly opposing colonial tyranny via religious solidarity. The festival kept expanding after independence, incorporating contemporary themes, creative installations, social commentary, and international involvement. Durga Puja is now acknowledged globally for its artistic, cultural, and spiritual significance as well as its status as a religious festival and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (added in 2021).

Significance of Durga Puja

More than just a religious celebration, Durga Puja is a thriving fusion of social cohesion, cultural expression, and spiritual devotion. Fundamentally, the event commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, signifying the everlasting triumph of virtue over evil. However, its deeper meaning is shown on several levels, including sociological, emotional, spiritual, and mythical.

Spiritual Importance

Invoking Shakti, the sacred feminine spirit that upholds and guards the cosmos, is done during Durga Puja. In addition to being a warrior goddess, devotees also revere Durga as a cosmic power and a loving mother. It is said that the offerings, chants, and rituals performed during this period would promote spiritual enlightenment, inner power, and protection from negativity.

Cultural Importance

Durga Puja is a cultural phenomenon in areas like Kolkata. Beautiful works of art are created from pandal (temporary temples); some are traditional, while others are based on mythology, social themes, or contemporary architecture. The festivities feature dance, music, theater, fashion, and cuisine, all of which highlight Bengal’s and India’s rich cultural legacy.

Social Importance

Durga Puja is a celebration of communal solidarity. People from all walks of life join together to celebrate unity in diversity, organize pandals, and take part in ceremonies. Through shared delight, it builds the social fabric, encourages innovation, and crosses generations.

Psychological and Emotional Importance

For a lot of people, Durga Puja is also about rebirth—letting go of the past, welcoming fresh starts, and getting back in touch with one’s heritage. It’s a time for introspection, emotional support, and appreciation of the tenacity and power of women.

How is Durga Puja Celebrated?

In India and around the world, particularly in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, and major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, Durga Puja is celebrated with unparalleled fervor and inventiveness. Rituals, cultural activities, social gatherings, and artistic exhibitions abound over the five main days, which run from Shasthi to Dashami.

Pandal Hopping & Artistic Displays

The main activity of Durga Puja celebrations is pandal hopping. Temporary constructions known as pandals are set up around towns and intricately adorned with everything from global art and social commentary to mythological themes. Some imitate castles, caverns, or even environmentally conscious ideas, while others are based on temples. An exquisitely made idol of Goddess Durga and her offspring is housed within each pandal.

Daily Rituals and Worship

• Shashthi: The unveiling of the goddess idol (bodhan).

• Saptami: Installation of the ‘nava-patra’ and morning puja.

• Ashtami: The most important day, featuring Pushpanjali (flower offerings) and Kumari Puja.

• Navami: Includes the sacred Sandhi Puja and homam.

• Dashami: Immersion (visarjan) of the idol, accompanied by Sindoor Khela (vermillion ritual among married women).

Music, Dance & Dhunuchi Naach

A captivating ambiance is produced by the dhaak (drums), traditional music, and the energetic Dhunuchi dance. Drama, singing, and dance are all common cultural acts that go on late into the night.

Bhog and Food Stalls

Without food, no Durga Puja is complete! In the evenings, food vendors provide a variety of Bengali street cuisine, including kathi rolls, fish fries, mishti doi, and more, while devotees enjoy bhog, a vegetarian meal presented to the goddess, during the day.

New Clothes & Community Bonding

Changing into fresh clothing every day is a treasured custom. In celebration, families and friends get together to take pictures, watch performances, and rediscover their cultural heritage.

Top Kolkata Durga Puja Pandals to Watch in 2025

During Durga Puja, Kolkata, India’s cultural capital, is transformed into a metropolis of lights, art, and devotion. The city is filled with thousands of pandals, all of which compete with one another in terms of inventiveness, size, and spirituality. Kolkata provides an unparalleled Durga Puja experience, ranging from experimental, theme-based designs to centuries-old heritage pujas.

1. Sarbojanin Bagbazar

• Among North Kolkata’s oldest and most revered pujas.
• renowned for its rich cultural legacy, traditional décor, and active community involvement.
• provides rituals and classical music in a serene, meditative setting.

2. Kumartuli Park

• This pandal, which is located next to the idol-makers’ hamlet, combines creative genius with tradition.
• See how creativity and socially important issues are frequently combined with craftsmanship and divinity.

3, College Square

• Renowned for the lake’s breathtaking reflection of the lit pandal.
• A popular area for strolls in the evening and for photographers.
• Large numbers and a joyous mood are to be expected all night long.

4. Deshapriya Park

• It is well-known for its expansive scope and unconventional subjects.
• showcased one of the world’s highest Durga idols in the past.
• Typically, crowd control and security are excellent.

5. Suruchi Sangha

• Winner of several prizes for pandals with a theme.
• They honor a different Indian state’s culture each year.
• Perfect for families and anyone who like cultural events.

6. Santosh Mitra Square (Lebutala Park)

• Known for its royal-style or gold-themed pandals, this place is situated in Central Kolkata.
• Draws large audiences and frequently utilizes genuine gold or silver craftsmanship in idol decoration.

Famous Durga Puja Pandals in New Delhi

1. C.R. Park (Chittaranjan Park)

• Delhi’s “Mini Bengal” is a common nickname.
• home to some of the city’s most ornate and genuine pujas.
• B-Block Puja, Mela Ground, and Co-operative Ground are well-known pandals.
• Anticipate dazzling idol performances, cultural events, Bengali food vendors, and a lot of people.

2. Kashmere Gate Durga Puja

• One of the earliest pujas in Delhi, having been established in the early 1900s.
• upholds ancient customs and a highly traditional and spiritual ambiance.
• Situated in the center of historic Delhi, it combines devotion with nostalgia.

3. Matri Mandir Safdarjung Enclave

• Renowned for its musical evenings with well-known performers and cultural events.
• Provides a more private and welcoming setting for families.

4. Minto Road Puja Samity

• This pandal, which is conveniently placed, draws thousands of visitors each year.
• Emphasizes creative themes and eco-friendly festivities.
• Offers communal meals (bhog) and a joyous, welcoming atmosphere.

5. Timarpur & Civil Lines Puja Samity

• A reputable event that is renowned for combining traditional customs with contemporary style.
• It is a popular among inhabitants of North Delhi because of its excellent food courts, accessibility, and ethnic diversity.

The Spirit of Durga Puja Lives On

More than just a celebration, Durga Puja serves as a potent reminder of fortitude, kindness, and camaraderie. The core of Durga Puja is its capacity to bring people together in devotion, culture, and joy, whether you’re strolling through a gorgeously lighted pandal in Kolkata, seeing a moving aarti in Delhi, or enjoying a small-town celebration with your family.

Make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand whether you’re organizing a communal puja or organizing your own event at home. Purchase the Complete & Curated Puja Samagri Kit from Isvara. This package, which has been thoughtfully crafted to incorporate all the traditional puja items—from flowers and dhoop to incense, sindoor, and kalash—ensures that your devotion is hassle-free, genuine, and pure.