As the monsoon recedes and the cool breath of autumn arrives, India prepares for one of its most revered festivals Durga Puja 2025. From the rhythmic beats of the dhak (drums) to artisans crafting the divine forms of Maa Durga, the entire nation gears up for a grand celebration that fills the streets, homes, and hearts with devotion.
Durga Puja 2025 will be celebrated from Sunday, September 28 to Thursday, October 2. However, the festivities will begin earlier, starting with Mahalaya on Sunday, September 21, marking the official start of the celebrations. The five primary days of worship from Shashthi to Vijaya Dashami bring to life the goddess’s journey through mythology, art, and community bonding.
Key Dates for Durga Puja 2025
Date Day Occasion
Sept 21, 2025 Sunday Mahalaya
Sept 27, 2025 Saturday Maha Panchami
Sept 28, 2025 Sunday Shashthi
Sept 29, 2025 Monday Saptami
Sept 30, 2025 Tuesday Ashtami
Oct 1, 2025 Wednesday Maha Navami
Oct 2, 2025 Thursday Vijaya Dashami
In cities like Kolkata, artisans in Kumartuli work months in advance to create the iconic Durga idols. Mysuru’s royal Dasara festivities coincide with the Puja, featuring grand processions and the worship of weapons. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu sees families preparing for Navaratri Golu displays, inviting guests into their beautifully decorated homes.
Day-wise Calendar of Durga Puja 2025
Date Tithi Goddess Form Color Ritual Highlight
Sept 21 Mahalaya Invocation White Tarpan, chanting of Mahishasura Mardini
Sept 28 Shashthi Shailaputri Grey Kalash Sthapana, Bodhon
Sept 29 Saptami Brahmacharini Orange Pran Pratistha of Durga idol
Sept 30 Ashtami Chandraghanta White Pushpanjali, Kumari Puja
Oct 1 Maha Navami Mahagauri Red Sandhi Puja, Ayudha Puja
Oct 2 Dashami Siddhidatri White/Pink Sindoor Khela, immersion (Visarjan)
The Nine Forms of Durga and Their Symbolism
Each form of Maa Durga represents different qualities and cosmic battles between good and evil:
Shailaputri (Grey) – Sept 28: The daughter of the mountains, symbolizing divine strength. In Bengal, Bodhon marks Durga's awakening.
Brahmacharini (Orange) – Sept 29: Goddess of penance and devotion, inspiring spiritual discipline.
Chandraghanta (White) – Sept 30: Warrior goddess, worshipped for inner peace and strength.
Kushmanda (Red): Creator of the universe with her divine smile (marked in Golu displays in Tamil Nadu).
Skandamata (Royal Blue): Protector of children, nurturing the warrior Kartikeya.
Katyayani (Yellow): Fierce and strong, born to defeat the demon Mahishasura.
Kalaratri (Green): Destroyer of ignorance, representing transformative power.
Mahagauri (Peacock Green): Graceful and forgiving, she removes sins and grants peace.
Siddhidatri (Purple/Red):The giver of wisdom and spiritual power.
Maha Navami: The Climax of Durga Puja
Maha Navami, celebrated on October 1, is the peak of Durga Puja. In Bengal, the Sandhi Puja commemorates the goddess’s victory over the demons Chanda and Munda. In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, it’s Ayudha Puja, where tools, weapons, and even modern devices like laptops are worshipped. In North India, Kanya Pujan is performed, where young girls are honored as representations of the goddess.
Durga Puja Celebrations Across India
West Bengal (Kolkata): The city is alive with cultural performances, extravagant pandals, and idol immersions.
Odisha (Cuttack): Known for its unique silver filigree Durga idols, the state blends rituals with Odissi dance and local chants.
Delhi & Uttar Pradesh: Durga Puja merges with Navratri fasting and Ram Leela performances, with vibrant celebrations in cities like Noida and Lucknow.
Tamil Nadu: The Golu displays take center stage, with women exchanging sundal, kumkum, and betel leaves.
Karnataka (Mysuru): The royal Mysuru Dasara is famous for grand processions and the Ayudha Puja in the royal court.
A Silent Celebration: The Legend of Raktabeej
In a quiet village in Odisha, a temple marks Maha Navami in total silence. According to legend, the demon Raktabeej, whose blood multiplied with every drop shed, was defeated by Goddess Kali, who drank his blood before it touched the ground. This victory is commemorated with absolute stillness in the temple, as only one priest lights a diya to honor Kali.
What to Wear During Durga Puja 2025
Day Color Meaning
Shashthi Yellow Joy and new beginnings
Saptami Green Renewal and harmony
Ashtami Peacock Blue Knowledge and courage
Maha Navami Red Strength, transformation
Dashami White/Pink Peace, farewell, divine closure
In Bengal, the iconic Laal Paar Sarees (white with red borders) dominate during Maha Navami and Dashami. In South India, women dress according to the color of the day when visiting Golu displays and temples.
Durga Puja-A Sacred Celebration of Strength and Devotion
Durga Puja 2025, from September 21 (Mahalaya) to October 2 (Dashami), is not just a festival. It is a living story of courage, artistry, unity, and spiritual awakening. Whether you’re lighting a diya in a quiet temple or dancing in a pandal with thousands of others, Durga Puja is a time to reconnect with tradition, with your roots, and with the inner power that Durga embodies.
