The Five Days
The festival runs from Shashthi to Dashami - Shashthi (unveiling of the idol), Saptami (main puja begins), Ashtami (Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja), Navami (final offerings), and Dashami (Vijaya Dashami - immersion and Sindur Khela).
Festivals & Occasions
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is the grandest festival of West Bengal, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Five days of pandals, dhak beats, and devotion.
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Durga Puja
Durga Puja is the grandest festival of West Bengal, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Five days of pandals, dhak beats, and devotion.
Pandal Hopping
Kolkata transforms with thousands of artistic pandals (temporary temples). Families visit pandals, offer anjali, and enjoy bhog (offerings). The dhak (drum) beats and conch shells create the festival atmosphere.
Vijaya Dashami
On the last day, married women apply sindur (vermilion) to the Goddess and each other in Sindur Khela. The idol is immersed in water with cries of "Asche Bochor Abar Hobe" (will happen again next year).
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Durga Puja in 2026?
Durga Puja falls in October 2026. The key dates - Mahalaya, Shashthi to Dashami - are in our Bengali calendar.
What is Sandhi Puja?
Sandhi Puja marks the 48-minute juncture between Ashtami and Navami, when Goddess Chamunda is worshipped. It is the most powerful moment of Durga Puja.