Durga Puja (September–October)
Honors Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
Durga Puja, one of the grandest and most cherished festivals in India, especially in West Bengal, is a magnificent celebration of the goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the divine feminine power that protects and nurtures the world. Celebrated with unmatched fervour, artistic splendour, and spiritual devotion, Durga Puja is not merely a religious festival — it is a cultural phenomenon that unites communities, inspires creativity, and fills the atmosphere with joy, devotion, and festivity.
According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura, a powerful demon, gained immense strength through a boon that made him invincible against men and gods. Drunk with power, he unleashed terror across the heavens and the earth. To restore balance, the gods combined their energies to create Goddess Durga, a divine embodiment of Shakti — the supreme feminine power. Armed with weapons given by different deities and riding a majestic lion, Durga fought Mahishasura for nine days and nights, finally defeating him on the tenth day, celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. This epic battle represents the victory of truth, righteousness, and justice over tyranny and evil.
Durga Puja is observed during the lunar month of Ashwin (September–October) and coincides with the last five days of Navratri. The celebrations begin with Mahalaya, which marks the invocation of the goddess. On this day, devotees wake up early to listen to the recitation of “Chandi Path” — verses from the Devi Mahatmyam — that narrate the story of Durga’s creation and her victory. The air fills with devotion as traditional songs, such as “Mahishasura Mardini,” echo across homes and temples, heralding the arrival of the goddess.
The heart of Durga Puja lies in the magnificent pandals — temporary structures erected to house elaborately crafted idols of Goddess Durga and her children — Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartikeya, and Ganesha. Each idol portrays Durga in her majestic form, slaying Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of divine energy. Artists and craftsmen spend months creating these idols and pandals, often turning them into breathtaking works of art that reflect themes from mythology, history, or even contemporary social issues. The creativity and artistry showcased during Durga Puja have made it one of the most spectacular cultural events in the world.
For five days — Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami — the cities and towns of Bengal come alive with lights, decorations, and festive music. People, dressed in their finest attire, visit pandals to offer prayers, socialize, and enjoy cultural programs. Traditional rituals such as Pushpanjali (offering flowers), Sandhi Puja (performed at the junction of Ashtami and Navami), and Dhuno Porano (offering incense to the goddess) are performed with devotion. One of the most powerful moments of the festival is the Dhak — the rhythmic drumming that fills the air and ignites the spirit of celebration.
Food is another vital aspect of Durga Puja. Festive delicacies such as khichuri, luchi, cholar dal, beguni, sandesh, and rosogolla are shared among family and friends. Bhog — the sacred offering to the goddess — is distributed to devotees, symbolizing divine blessings. The festival is not just about worship but also about togetherness, joy, and cultural pride.
On the final day, Vijayadashami, devotees bid farewell to the goddess with the ritual of Visarjan — the immersion of the idol in a river or sea. Women perform Sindoor Khela, smearing vermilion on each other in a joyous celebration of womanhood and prosperity. Though the immersion marks the physical departure of the goddess, it signifies the spiritual message that her divine energy remains within every devotee.
Durga Puja transcends religious boundaries — it is a celebration of art, community, and the strength of good over evil. It reminds people of the power of righteousness, courage, and unity. In every beat of the dhak, in every lamp that glows, and in every smile that shines during the Puja, the spirit of Goddess Durga lives on — fierce, compassionate, and eternal — reminding humanity that light will always conquer darkness.