Discover the Durga Puja rituals explained day by day in a simple guide for devotees. Learn the meaning of each day’s tradition and its importance.
Durga Puja is the grand festival that celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. It is not just about worship but also about culture, tradition, and togetherness.
The rituals are performed over several days, each day carrying a profound spiritual significance. Here is a simple guide that explains the day-by-day rituals of Durga Puja.
Durga Puja Rituals in Mahalaya
The celebration begins with Mahalaya, which marks the arrival of Goddess Durga on Earth. On this day, people wake up early to listen to Mahishasura Mardini chants. It is also the day when the eyes of the idols are drawn in a ritual called Chokkhu Daan.
Day 1 – Shashthi
Shashthi marks the formal beginning of Durga Puja. On this day, the face of the idol is unveiled.
Devotees perform rituals to welcome the Goddess and her children—Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesha.
Day 2 – Saptami
Saptami begins with the Nabapatrika ritual, where nine plants are tied together, bathed in holy water, and placed beside the idol. This represents the different forms of Goddess Durga.
The day is filled with prayers, chanting, and offering flowers.
Day 3 – Ashtami
Ashtami is the most important day of Durga Puja. The highlight is the Sandhi Puja, performed at the junction of Ashtami and Navami. Devotees believe this is when Goddess Durga took her most powerful form to destroy Mahishasura.
On this day, young girls, seen as a symbol of the Goddess, are worshipped in a ritual called Kumari Puja.
Day 4 – Navami
Navami is the day of Maha Aarti. Devotees offer bhog, flowers, and prayers with great devotion. The puja is performed with the belief that it brings peace, health, and prosperity.
Day 5 – Dashami
Dashami is the final day of the festival. Married women perform Sindoor Khela by applying vermilion to each other. Devotees then immerse the idol of Goddess Durga in water, a ritual called Visarjan, marking her return to Mount Kailash.
The day ends with the greeting “Shubho Bijoya,” which means wishing blessings and good fortune to loved ones.
Durga Puja Rituals at a Glance
| Day | Rituals and Traditions | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Mahalaya | Chokkhu Daan, Mahishasura Mardini chants | Marks arrival of Goddess Durga |
| Shashthi | Idol unveiling, welcoming rituals | Beginning of Durga Puja |
| Saptami | Nabapatrika Snan and Puja | Symbolizes nine forms of Durga |
| Ashtami | Sandhi Puja, Kumari Puja | Day of divine power |
| Navami | Maha Aarti, Bhog offerings | Prayers for peace and prosperity |
| Dashami | Sindoor Khela, Idol immersion | Goddess returns to Mount Kailash |
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