Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals for Hindus. It celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. In 2025 Durga Puja date, the festival will be celebrated from 28th September to 1st October. Vijaya Dashami will be on October 2nd.
This article will explain everything about Durga Puja in 2025. You will learn the dates, rituals, and significance. Keep reading to know more.
What is Durga Puja?
Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The festival lasts for ten days, but the last five days are the most important.
People celebrate with great enthusiasm. They build beautiful pandals (temporary temples) and worship the goddess. Families come together, wear new clothes, and enjoy festive food.
2025 Durga Puja Important Dates
The festival follows the Hindu lunar calendar. Here are the key dates for Durga Puja in 2025:
| Event | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Mahalaya | September 21, 2025 | Sunday |
| Shashthi | September 28, 2025 | Sunday |
| Saptami | September 29, 2025 | Monday |
| Ashtami | September 30, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Navami | October 1, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Vijaya Dashami | October 2, 2025 | Thursday |
Mahalaya marks the beginning of the festival. The main celebrations start from Shashthi and end on Vijaya Dashami.
Durga Puja 2025: Shuv Muharat
Day 1: Panchami
Saturday, September 27, 2025 – Bilva Nimantran Muhurat 03:48 PM to 06:12 PM.
Day 2: Shashthi
Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Day 3: Saptami
Monday, September 29, 2025 – Navapatrika Puja Muhurat 05:49 AM.
Day 4: Ashtami
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 – Mahashtami Puja Time 04:31 PM on September 29 and ends at 06:06 PM on September 30.
Day 5: Nabami
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 – Maha Navami Puja Time 06:06 PM on September 30 and concludes at 07:01 PM on October 1.
Day 6: Dashami
Thursday, October 2, 2025 – Durga Visarjan Muhurat – 06:15 AM to 08:37 AM.
Significance & History of Durga Puja
Durga Puja is one of the most loved festivals in India. Its story goes back to ancient times. According to old legends, there was a demon named Mahishasura. He had received a powerful blessing from Lord Brahma that made him unbeatable by any man or god. This made him very strong and dangerous, causing trouble for the gods in heaven.
To stop Mahishasura, the three powerful gods — Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva — combined their energies to create a powerful goddess: Maa Durga. She was given special powers and weapons to defeat the demon.
A fierce battle began between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura. The fight lasted for ten long days. Mahishasura changed his form many times to escape defeat, even turning into a huge buffalo. But in the end, Maa Durga killed him by cutting off his head, ending the war and bringing peace.
Durga Puja celebrates this victory of good over evil. It also marks the time when Goddess Durga visits her parents’ home with her children. The last day of the festival is called Vijayadashami, which means “day of victory”.
During Navratri, on the sixth day, devotees bring the idol of Maa Durga into their homes. For the next five days, they worship her with love and devotion.
To celebrate, people decorate their homes, wear new clothes, invite family and friends, and visit beautifully designed puja pandals. On Vijaya Dashami, they perform Durga Visarjan, where the idol is immersed in water, marking the end of the celebration.
Durga Puja is more than just a festival. It represents the victory of good over evil. According to mythology, Goddess Durga fought the demon Mahishasura for nine days and killed him on the tenth day.
The festival also signifies new beginnings. People pray for their health, wealth, and happiness. It is a time for family reunions and spreading joy.
Durga Puja 2025: Important Rituals
Each day of Durga Puja has special rituals. These rituals are followed with devotion and excitement.
Each day of Durga Puja is filled with special rituals that hold deep spiritual meaning. People, especially in Bengali communities, worship Mahishasur Mardini, a fierce form of Goddess Durga, during this holy time.
Every day, priests offer prayers, flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess. One of the most important parts of the celebration is called Pushpanjali. During this ritual, devotees offer flowers to the goddess while chanting sacred mantras.
Another meaningful act of devotion is aarti, where people move lit lamps in circles in front of the goddess, asking for blessings and protection.
A very special moment in the festival is the Sandhi Puja, which happens at the exact time between Ashtami (eighth day) and Navami (ninth day). It is believed that Maa Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura during this moment. The atmosphere during Sandhi Puja is powerful, as it feels like the whole city is praying together.
Throughout Durga Puja, devotees prepare various traditional dishes and offer bhog (holy food) to multiple deities like Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya.
1. Mahalaya
Mahalaya is the day when Goddess Durga is invited to Earth. People wake up early to listen to prayers and songs. It marks the start of the festive spirit.
2. Shasthi
On Shashthi, the goddess arrives on Earth. The idols in pandals are unveiled. Devotees offer prayers and seek blessings.
3. Saptami
A banana plant is bathed and dressed as a bride. It is placed next to Durga’s idol. This ritual is called “Kola Bou Snan.”
4. Ashtami
Ashtami is the most important day. Devotees offer flowers and prayers. Many people observe a fast and perform special rituals.
5. Navami
On Navami, a special fire ritual called “Homa” is performed. Young girls are worshipped as forms of the goddess in “Kumari Puja.”
6. Vijaya Dashami
This is the last day. The idols are taken for immersion in water. People hug each other and say “Shubho Bijoya” to mark the end of the festival.
On the final day, after all the celebrations, a unique ritual called Sindoor Khela is performed. In this tradition, married women apply vermilion (sindoor) to the idol of Durga, then to one another. It is a joyful and emotional moment where they wish each other a long, happy, and prosperous life.
On the final day, after all the celebrations, a unique ritual called Sindoor Khela is performed. In this tradition, married women apply vermilion (sindoor) to the idol of Durga, then to one another. It is a joyful and emotional moment where they wish each other a long, happy, and prosperous life.
How is Durga Puja Celebrated?
Durga Puja is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. The festival brings people together in a grand way.
1. Pandals and Idols
Beautiful pandals are built in every neighborhood. Skilled artists create stunning Durga idols. Each pandal has a unique theme.
- Beautiful pandals are built.
- Artists make stunning Durga idols.
2. Cultural Programs
Dance, drama, and music events are organized. People enjoy traditional performances like Dhunuchi Naach and Rabindra Sangeet.
- Dance, drama, and music events happen.
- People enjoy traditional performances.
3. Food and Sweets
Special dishes like khichuri, luchi, and kosha mangsho are prepared. Sweets like rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi are shared.
- Special dishes like khichuri and luchi are made.
- Sweets like rasgulla and sandesh are shared.
4. New Clothes
People wear new clothes during the festival. Women wear beautiful sarees, while men prefer kurta-pajamas or dhotis.
- People wear new dresses.
- Women wear sarees and men wear kurta-pajama
5. Sindoor Khela
Married women apply sindoor (vermilion) to the goddess. They also play with sindoor among themselves. This ritual is a symbol of marital bliss.
- Married women apply sindoor (vermilion) to the goddess.
- They also play with sindoor among themselves.
Where is Durga Puja Celebrated?
Durga Puja is celebrated in many parts of India and the world. The biggest celebrations happen in West Bengal.
In India:
- West Bengal (Kolkata is famous for grand celebrations)
- Assam (Known for traditional pujas)
- Odisha (Celebrated with local customs)
- Bihar (People worship with devotion)
- Delhi (Big pandals in CR Park)
- Maharashtra (Celebrated by Bengali communities)
Outside India:
- Bangladesh (Huge celebrations in Dhaka)
- Nepal (Known as Dashain)
- USA (Indian communities organize events)
- UK (Grand pujas in London)
Pro Tips for Enjoying Durga Puja 2025
Durga Puja is a busy and exciting time. Here are some tips to make the most of it.
- Plan Early – Book hotels and transport in advance if traveling.
- Visit Famous Pandals – Kolkata’s Kumartuli and College Street pandals are must-see.
- Try Bengali Food – Do not miss street food like phuchka (pani puri) and rolls.
- Wear Comfortable Clothes – Crowds can be huge, so dress comfortably.
- Respect Traditions – Follow local customs and be respectful in pandals.
Durga Puja 2025 will be celebrated from 28th September to 2nd October. It is a festival of faith, joy, and togetherness. People worship Goddess Durga, enjoy cultural events, and feast on delicious food.