religious Celebration
Durga Puja(দুর্গাপূজা)
Tithi Requirement:Ashwin Shukla Shasthi to Dashami
Durga Puja (দুর্গাপূজা), also known as Durgotsava, is the primary socio-cultural and religious festival of Bengalis worldwide. It marks the annual visit of Goddess Durga to her maternal home, accompanied by her children: Ganesha, Kartikeya, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
Timing & Calculation
Durga Puja is celebrated during the autumn month of Ashwin (usually falling in September or October). The festival dates are determined based on the lunar calendar:
- Mahalaya: Marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and the countdown to Puja.
- Maha Shasthi: Goddess Durga is welcomed with ritual unveiling (Bodhon).
- Maha Saptami, Ashtami, & Navami: Days of elaborate prayers, pushpanjali, and community feasting.
- Vijayadashami: The immersion of the idols, symbolizing the Goddess’s return to Mount Kailash.
The core rituals occur during the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Ashwin month, specifically from the 6th to the 10th lunar day (Tithi).