Last Updated on October 19, 2025 by Avinash Kumar Singh
Durga Puja is one of the most beautiful and grand festivals celebrated in India, especially in West Bengal. It refers to a time when the people of the community come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil. This celebration honours Goddess Durga. She is the mother of the universe and protector of all living beings. Thus, Durga Puja 2025 will be as joyful as ever and just as it has been for hundreds of years. The festival takes place in September or October. This means it takes place during autumn and the weather is very pleasant. During this time, the streets are decorated, drums are played, and incense is in the air. Durga Puja is special not just because it is a religious occasion but also a celebration of art, culture, music, and more in the same vein. Families come together, friends gather, and entire localities mobilise to create beautiful temporary structures also called Pandals. Every year, skilled artisans craft giant clay statues of Goddess Durga for these pandals. These artisans spend months preparing the clay idol for the occasion. Over these ten days, everyone forgets their daily worries and becomes engrossed in devotion and celebration. Children are adorned with new garments, families partake in meals together, and all perform the rituals with purity of heart. The festival imparts lessons of bravery and fighting against wrongdoing. Bharat Taxi is the best mode to travel in Kolkata during this time and enjoy Durga Puja to the fullest.
The Story of Durga Puja
Long ago, there was a powerful demon king named Mahishasura. He was half man, half buffalo, and therefore incredibly strong. Because of his hard meditation and prayers for years, he was blessed that no man or god could kill him. Feeling invincible due to this boon, he became overproud and cruel. Mahishasura started to terrorise the earth and heaven. He drove the gods from their home and took possession of their kingdom. When the gods battled him, they weren’t able to defeat him due to his special blessing. People on earth suffered greatly under his rule. Everywhere there was dark, and it did not seem possible to attain peace. To see such a horrible situation, all the gods came together and made a decision. Gods and Goddesses have combined their powers and energies to create Goddess Durga. She was born a wonderful woman with ten arms, each holding a weapon that was given to her by a god. Goddess Durga received the mighty trident of Lord Shiva, the spinning disc of Lord Vishnu and several other weapons from various gods.
Additionally, Goddess Durga is both pure of heart and potent in body. She showed all that is good and what is right in the world. The mountains shook with her power as she landed on earth on a lion. It looked like the earth had also celebrated her arrival. Goddess Durga fought a ten-day battle with Mahishasura. It was a hard-fought battle in which the demon had put all his tricks and magic powers. He could change shape and tried to confuse the goddess, but the goddess didn’t turn. On the tenth day, when Mahishasura was thinking he was winning, Goddess Durga pierced him through the trident and defeated him forever. And, the world was again full of joy. After ensuring that the Gods have gone home, people can live freely. Durga Puja is celebrated to commemorate this great victory. Additionally, it is a festival to express gratitude to the goddess for her protection and blessings.
The Ten Days Of Festival
The festival lasts for ten days. However, the festival is celebrated during the last five days. Mahalaya marks the commencement of the festival season in India. In other words, each day contributes to the specific meaning and rituals that make the festival complete. This day usually comes a week before the main celebration. On this day, people get up early in the morning to listen to special radio programs that tell the story of Goddess Durga.
According to belief, on this day, the goddess starts her journey from heaven to earth to meet her devotees. The families would begin preparing for the upcoming festival, while the artists would complete the goddess statues of the goddess. Shashthi is proposed as the first formal day for Durga Puja.
When the goddess comes down to earth, she is ceremoniously welcomed. The clay image of the goddess comes alive through a ritual called “pran pratishtha,” meaning “giving life to the image.” During this period, the priests chant the special prayers, and the devotees believe that the goddess comes to reside in the statue.
As conch shells and drums resound with chants of joy, the air surrounding Saptami, the second day of Durga Puja, gets infused with sounds. In their best clothes, people visit various pandals to see the decorations and idols. Families offer special prayers and food to the goddess. The whole day will be filled with music, dance and cultural programmes. Children are particularly excited to receive new dresses and tasty treats. Ashtami is the most important day of Durga Puja. This is where one remembers the principal combat between the goddess and the demon. Many devotees offer special prayers throughout the day when the deity is dressed in its special attire. In the evening, fasting occurs until the conclusion of the prayers.
On this day, young girls are treated with reverence as they symbolise the goddess in pure form. There is a ceremonial evening, known as ‘Sandhi Puja,’ performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami.
Navami is the day of quite a glorious celebration of victory. It is believed that the Goddess defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura on this day. During this festival, great feasts are organised, and families come to share food. The devotees chant special prayers of gratitude and offer 108 lotus flowers to the goddess. Day-and-night cultural programmes are continuing. The last day of the festival is called Dashami, and it is the most emotional day. This is when the goddess returns to her heavenly home.
The day begins with prayer, but it is also sombre. This is because everyone knows the festival is nearing its end. At night, the idols are taken out in processions and taken to rivers or ponds for immersion. This is called “Visarjan”. People dance, sing, cry, and send off an aarti of the beloved goddess DURGA. They eagerly wait for the next year when she will return. These rituals are performed with love and care as they have been performed for generations.
Pran Pratishtha, where life is conditioned in the clay statue, is the most important ritual. The priest captures the goddess’s gaze as he recites holy prayers. At this moment, worshippers believe that the goddess enters the statue and becomes alive. The whole environment changes from preparation to performing the worship on Shashthi morning.
The Shodhoshopchar Puja refers to the traditional sixteen-step worship that is performed daily during the festival. Each step has its own significance. The goddess is welcomed like an honoured guest in our home. We give her a seat and water to wash her hands and feet. She is given fine clothing and jewellery. Flowers are placed in her hair. Incense is burnt for her. She is given food and prayers. This ritual shows our respect and love for the Divine Mother. Pushpanjali is conducted daily for morning flower offerings. In the presence of the goddess statue, people hold their palm flowers, rice and sacred grass.
They chant prayers together, leaving them in front of the goddess and then throw flowers. Through this delightful yet straightforward ritual, everyone, regardless of age, can worship and feel a sense of connection to the divine. Dhunuchi Nach is the most exciting ritual, where devotees dance with clay pots filled with burning incense and camphor. As they beat the drums, the dancers start to move with the rhythm while holding on to these fire pots. This creates a wonderful atmosphere filled with smoke and flame.
The dance symbolises a triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Dancers require considerable skill and devotion, as they not only have to keep the sacred fire burning but also find joy through their dance. Similarly, aarti is performed many times throughout the day and is the most touching form of worship. While priests light oil lamps for the goddess, the devotees sing devotional songs. The joining of music and light, not to mention the prayers of geeks and the solitary lotus, creates a truly Divine atmosphere. During aarti, devotees begin to shed tears of joy, feeling the presence of the divine mother.
Sindoor Khela: This ritual takes place on Dashami and is exclusively for married women. As they pray for the well-being of their families, they also apply red vermillion powder on one another and the goddess statue. The ceremony represents the power of women and the protection of the divine feminine. These rituals make Durga Puja something more than a festival. Instead, it makes Durga Puja a spiritual experience that touches every heart and soul. The ceremonies leave every participant with a sense of the divine that invokes peace, strength, and joy in the visitor long after the festival ends.
The Vibrant Colour Palette of Durga Puja
Colours play a magical role in Durga Puja, turning ordinary streets into vibrant wonderlands. Absolutely, I can make that change for you. Each colour has deep meaning and adds to the spiritual beauty of the festival. Red is the most important colour of Durga Puja. It represents the power and strength of Goddess Durga. The goddess wore red clothes that represent her power to fight against evil. Women wear red saris with red dots on their foreheads as a mark of respect to the goddess, who is offered red flowers like hibiscus. Everywhere you look, red is present, whether it be the walls of the pandal or prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
Yellow brings cheer and happiness to the festivities.
This shade of gold symbolises success, knowledge, and good fortune. You can design festive garlands and rangoli from yellow chrysanthemum flowers. The colour also represents the harvest season as the Durga Puja coincides with autumn when the crops are ready. People relish the beauty and photo opportunities of the pandals adorned with flowers and lights.
Yellow lights illuminated the pandals at night, making visitors feel good.
White signifies purity, peace and divine knowledge. Hindus offer white lotus flowers to their goddess Saraswati, who is believed to grant knowledge. Priests wear white clothes during ceremonies to show purity. White rice has been used in rituals where small white sweets are offered to the Gods.
Orange and saffron colours most often signify sacrifice, courage and spiritual awakening. These colours are found in the decorative cloth that covers pandals and in the flames of holy fire. A combination of an orange marigold and a yellow one can create a stunning decoration. The colour green signifies rebirth, nature, and harmony. Pandas decorated with green leaves link the celebration to nature. The colour represents the fertility of Earth and the goddess’s role as the mother of all creation. Gold represents divine light and spiritual wealth. The festival of Durga Puja is visually stunning, featuring golden embellishments, jewellery for goddess statues, and gold strands in saris. Each day, people choose specific colours to wear, which adds to the beautiful tempo of Durga Puja, where the whole community comes together in an attractive colour dance.
Pandal Hopping-Personification of Art
One of the most exciting things to do during Durga Puja is to go on a ‘pandal hopping’ spree. This means visiting the different ‘pandals’, which are temporary structures designed for the festival. Each ‘pandal’ is like entering a magical world made by talented artists and devoted community members. The art of pandal making has undergone tremendous evolution. Since the first simple structures of bamboo covered with cloth, many extraordinary creations have arisen. Contemporary pandals often resemble famous structures, mesmerising underwater worlds, space stations, and foreign recreations. Artists devote months to preparing these masterpieces, working tirelessly to complete them on time. Each pandal conveys a unique story. Some are based on social messages, such as environmental protection and women’s empowerment. People recreate famous events or landmarks from afar in other worlds.
When you walk into a pandal, it may feel like you are in the Taj Mahal, inside a pyramid, or in an ocean. There is no shortage of creativity, and there will always be new surprises every year. The spirit that goes into creating the pandals is wonderful. Months before the festival, entire communities plan and fight for their pandal. Everyone contributes according to their ability, from the young to the elderly, and from the wealthy to the less fortunate. Some donate money, others give time and skills. Children will assist with small decorations, while adults will undertake major construction work. Many pandals now use eco-friendly materials to help save the environment. Artists create beautiful decorations from recyclable, natural, and biodegradable materials. Bamboo, clay and other organic materials are used in the construction of pandals. These materials do not cause any damage to nature. The latest types of pandals utilise a sophisticated lighting system that changes colour and creates different moods throughout the day. Some people use this technology to tell stories on various walls. A few make a sound-and-light show or an immersive experience. Visiting pandals is akin to visiting an art gallery, a theatre, or a spiritual centre. Families are careful to plan their pandal-hopping routes so that they can cover both favourites and new ones. The goddess’s statue in each pandal also has its own uniqueness. Each artist works on Durga’s face, clothes, and ornaments in their unique style.
Culinary Traditions
Food is the heart of any Bengali celebration, and Durga Puja is no exception. The festival offers sumptuous food, prepared with generations of recipes that are a feast for the eyes. During Durga Puja, Bhog is the most sacred food tradition, which not just fills the stomach but also fills the heart. It not only brings families together but also offers gratitude to the goddess.
The special prasad offered to Goddess Durga before anyone eats is called the bhog of Durga puja. Khichuri (a concoction of rice & lentils), mixed vegetables, fried fish and sweet dishes are the usual offerings. The thinking is that the goddess first eats the food and then blesses it.
They believe that the food becomes prasad after that. Every pandal provides bhog to all visitors, and no one is denied this privilege, regardless of their identity or financial status. Bhog is prepared with careful planning and can only be made through proper coordination and preparation. To prepare food for the afternoon prasad, volunteers start early in the morning to prepare in large quantities before sunrise. The offering is prepared with dedication and neatness and will be offered to the divine mother.
The traditional sweets hold an essential place in the celebration of Durga Puja. Sandesh is crafted from fresh soft cheese that is mixed with sugar, shaped into beautiful moulds, and decorated with pistachios or silver. The goddess loves Rasgulla. They are soft white balls in sugar syrup. Mishti doi, sweet yoghurt served in clay pots, offers an ideal cooling and refreshing end for heavy meals. Kheer, a sweet rice pudding made with milk, sugar, cardamom and other ingredients, is produced in large quantities and distributed as prasad. The sweet smell of cooking fills the space over time, providing a wonderful aroma to the festival.
Another milk-based sweet dish, made from rice or vermicelli, payesh is considered highly auspicious. While Bengalis eat fish daily, fish dishes are a must-have during the Durga Puja festival. Ilish fish (hilsa) curry is the king of fish dishes and is specially made for the festival. Fish fry is a snack where pieces of fish are marinated with turmeric and salt, and fried till golden. This is a popular delicacy that one eats while pandal-hopping. Likewise, vegetarian dishes also play critical roles. During Durga Puja, food enthusiasts enjoy eggplant bhaja, potato and poppy seed curry, and shukto, a mixed vegetable dish, to counter the rich foods that dominate the festivities.
The holiday is also a time when street food sees high demand. Puchka, also known as golgappa, is a tasty fried bread filled with chutneys and spiced water. Jhalmuri is a spicy mix of puffed rice, vegetables, and chutney, making it a perfect light snack for hungry pandal hoppers. Today, while fuelling the fun with various cuisines, our Durga Puja celebrations have remained no less traditional. Pandals are now serving contemporary Indian dishes alongside conventional preparations. So, there is something for every taste bud.
Cultural Performances and Entertainment
Durga Puja turns entire neighbourhoods into open-air theatres where music and art celebrate the victory of good over evil. The cultural events of this festival pay tribute to the two great artistic legacies of Bengal, as well as modern forms of art. One of the most beautiful parts of the Durga Puja festivities is classical dance performances. Traditional forms showcase dance steps by dancers in colourful costumes, such as those seen in Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and Kathak. Many of the performances depict stories from Hindu mythology, especially the story of Goddess Durga herself. The flowing movements, eloquent faces, and delicate footwork of the dancers create an enchanting experience that links the audience to a sense of divinity. Folk dances showcase the joyful, festival-oriented side of Bengali culture. The Dhunuchi dance, in which dancers perform with clay pots filled with burning incense, creates exciting and dramatic performances. The performers keep their balance in the air and express their devotion. Thus, this art form is a spiritual practice.
Music concerts fill seats with devotional measures, classical ragas, and folk tunes. Famous singers perform on stages built near pandals, while local artists have the opportunity to showcase their skills. The sounds of tabla, harmonium and other traditional instruments create a festive atmosphere. During Durga Puja, Rabindra Sangeet, songs by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, are significant. These songs often speak about the divine mother, the beauty of autumn, and the joy of celebrations. When hundreds of voices come together to sing these old songs, there are moments of pure magic and connection. On makeshift stages, mythological tales come alive. Local music-loving theatre groups put on plays about the Goddess Durga. Professional theatre companies perform classical Shakespearean plays or modern adaptations of mythological plays.
These performances make the stories accessible to both children and adults. Poetry recitations are the showcase of the literary riches of Bengali culture. In their poetry, some poets recite verses dedicated to the goddess, while others convey a poetic expression of the festive spirit. The Indian Bengali poets add a rhythmic dimension of beauty to the celebration.
Modern Era & Planning Guide
Fashion and Attire
Durga Puja is not just a religious festival; it’s also a grand fashion celebration where people showcase their finest traditional clothing. The festival showcases the diverse array of Indian ethnic wear. Each day has its own colour codes and style preferences. Traditional Bengali attire takes centre stage during the festive occasion of Durga Puja. Women wear lovely and exquisite handwoven saris in various types of silks. The red and white cotton saris with red borders are classic choices for the festival and are very popular.
People wear yellow silk saris on certain days as a mark of prosperity and good luck. Various men’s fashions include kurtas, dhotis, or punjabis (Bengali shirts worn during the Durga Puja). Many women’s fashion styles feature saris with traditional Bengali motifs, such as paisley, floral, or geometric patterns. A white kurta paired with a white dhoti is a classy choice, and many men prefer this attire for prayer. Youngsters prefer colourful punjabis in shades of yellow, orange or red for evening festive celebrations and cultural programs.
Kids’ clothing becomes a perfect match for the occasion. Little girls wearing colourful lehengas or traditional dresses or small saris, and little boys in tiny kurta and dhoti. Many families coordinate their children’s dresses with the daily colour codes, which make cute family pictures. Daily Colour Codes guide what people will wear every day of the festival. Every day has a colour associated with it; however, this is just a guideline and not a rule. Most days see red ruling the roost, with yellow allowing everyone to bask in sunshine on prosperity-focused days. White signals purity to all on prayer days, while green brings everyone to nature’s bounteous table.
Modern adaptations have made traditional wear more accessible and practical. Many women today prefer readymade saris or salwar kameez sets in classic colours and patterns. Younger participants are adapting Indo-western fusion outfits with a hint of traditionalism and contemporary cuts. Jewellery and Accessories complete the festive look. In India, women wear traditional gold jewellery, red and white bangles, and flowers in their hair. The red and white colour combination holds special significance, often associated with a married woman’s auspicious status.
Even unmarried girls and kids wear them to fit in with the festival’s traditional look. The Shopping Season starts weeks before Durga Puja. It is a busy time in the markets. Do you know families buy new clothes for every day of the festival? The local markets teem with vibrant fabrics, ready-made garments, and blue beads, making shopping before the festival almost as exciting as the festival itself.
Regional India Celebrations of Durga Puja
The festival originated in Bengal, but it is now celebrated in almost all of India, with each region adding its own special touches.
West Bengal remains the central area of Durga Puja celebrations, where the festival is the year’s biggest event. Kolkata has become a city of lights and art with thousands of pandals created into a museum. Working year-round to plan their celebrations, that’s pretty impressive community involvement! The aesthetics, cultural programmes and the sheer scale of celebration in Bengal set the benchmark for the rest of the nation.
Assam celebrates Durga Puja with equal zeal but with a regional flavour. Here, the festivities focus strongly on community bonding, with the entire village participating together. Assamese cultural elements, such as traditional dances, local music, and regional food specialities, are incorporated into the festivities. The goddess sculptures reflect local artistic styles, while the pandals use Assamese architectural features.
Odisha has an ancient connection to the worship of the goddess Durga, which is reflected in their celebrations. The state has a rich temple culture, which influences how Durga Puja is organised, with many Puja events held near temples. In Durga Puja, the Pandals of Dhaka, such as Bonedi Bari, and the Odissi Dance Performance are traditional, whereas community gatherings are common. These cities have a large Bengali community that organises celebrations as lavish as those in Bengal. Through these city-based celebrations, non-Bengalis get exposure to the cultural marvel. Corporate sponsorships and modern amenities make these celebrations more organised but equally authentic. Other States across India have also adopted Durga Puja, each adding local elements. The festival mingles with local Navratri traditions in Gujarat.
In Maharashtra, Marathi cultural elements are incorporated. In South India, the celebration is often tied to local goddess worship traditions, which allows for beautiful fusion celebrations. Each region’s celebration has its unique regional features. Some areas are more focused on classical music concerts, while others feature folk performances. Food offerings differ according to local tastes, with the design of the pandals reflecting local art forms. Durga Puja is no longer restricted to Bengal and other parts of India. Just like the famous Ganesh Chaturthi festival, other Indian states have adopted this festival with open arms.
Durga Puja in Modern Times
The modern era is all about digitisation. Technology isn’t replacing the festival but enhancing it. Digital Innovation has changed how pandals are experienced at the festival. These days, planners utilise projection mapping, LED screens, and interactive technology to create immersive environments. In some pandals, digital storytelling allows visitors to experience the Durga legend through multimedia presentations. People can enjoy virtual reality experiences that make them feel part of a myth.
Social Media Integration has made pandal hopping well-organised and enjoyable. Mobile applications guide individuals to find pandals, indicate crowd density, and provide the best route to take. During the Durga Puja festival, social media sites are flooded with pictures as people share their festivities. Live streaming enables people who can’t attend in person to participate in prayers and cultural programs. “Environmental Consciousness” has become the primary focus in modern celebrations. Nowadays, many committees use eco-friendly materials, biodegradable decorations and natural colours. Idols made of clay, using natural materials, will replace those made with harmful chemicals. Solar panels power some pandals, while water conservation measures are undertaken during the festival.
Global Participation has expanded rapidly as diaspora communities hold authentic celebrations worldwide. Every year, various countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and others, lavishly celebrate Durga Puja. The global celebration of the Bengali New Year helps preserve the culture of the Bengali people worldwide. Besides, several corporations help in the professional organisation of many such celebrations. While this has enabled more spectacular productions and improved facilities, communities work hard to retain the community spirit of Durga Puja.
- Accommodation Planning means you’ll need to book early, particularly in Kolkata, as hotels fill up soon. Many families can offer homestays. Seasoned travellers will find a decent option in a guesthouse. There are a handful of 5-star properties that also usually have their own cultural programs. You should also book your train tickets in advance since it’s the peak season now. At the festival, the local transport is mainly walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Many cities have special bus services between the main pandal areas. Ride-sharing apps charge a surge fee but are convenient.
- Cultural Etiquette: visitors must dress modestly and respectfully, especially when entering the pandal areas. It is customary to remove your shoes upon entering. It’s okay to take photos of people at events, but asking is polite if it’s a close-up. Join the prayers and cultural programmes. Your active participation is encouraged and appreciated.
- What to carry: Comfortable shoes for walking, a kurta, pyjama, saree, or Nehru jacket, a small bag for essentials, as larger bags may not be allowed in case of overcrowding, a phone charger for navigation and photos.
- The festival season can experience showers. You may wear light rain gear. Be cautious in crowded areas. Keep your valuables secure. It is essential to stay hydrated during pandal hopping. It’s a good idea to follow the guidelines set by the local authority. Ensure you are in groups, especially at night. You have a lot of options for food Adventures.
- You can try the bhog at the different pandals. Check out the street food (from hygienic vendors only). You can also find local Bengali cuisine at some excellent restaurants. Many pandals offer free food to sample a wide variety of preparations during the festival.
The “Modern Challenge” is to deal with larger crowds, ensure safety with elaborate decorations and balance tradition and innovation. Traffic management while hopping pandals has emerged as a crucial urban problem that cities try to tackle with good planning and proper crowd control measures. Planning for Durga Puja 2025. Whether you are a new visitor or a frequent visitor, planning can help you enjoy a great Durga Puja experience. Festival Dates 2025 usually fall during September or October. The chief five-day festival is the highlight. Mahalaya typically occurs a week before the countdown begins. Finding out exact dates well in advance will help you plan the travel and accommodation. This time of year, most parts of Bengal and other places that celebrate this festival get rather busy, so don’t waste time. Best Places to Experience Durga Puja: Kolkata (the unrivalled capital), other Bengali cities like Howrah, Durgapur, and Siliguri. Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune do an excellent job for those who can’t go to Bengal. Every spot has its own charm, from traditional neighbourhood pandals to grand, theme-based celebrations.
