<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEach day of Durga Puja<\/strong> is filled with special rituals that hold deep spiritual meaning. People, especially in Bengali communities<\/strong>, worship Mahishasur Mardini<\/strong>, a fierce form of Goddess Durga<\/strong>, during this holy time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEvery day, priests offer prayers, flowers, fruits, and sweets<\/strong> to the goddess. One of the most important parts of the celebration is called Pushpanjali<\/strong>. During this ritual, devotees offer flowers to the goddess while chanting sacred mantras.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother meaningful act of devotion is aarti<\/strong>, where people move lit lamps in circles in front of the goddess, asking for blessings and protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Mahalaya<\/strong>: Start of the festival, paying homage to ancestors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shashthi<\/strong>: Unveiling of the goddess’s idol.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Saptami<\/strong>: Nabapatrika ritual with nine plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ashtami<\/strong>: Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Navami<\/strong>: Maha Aarti and Dhunuchi dance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dashami<\/strong>: Idol immersion and Sindoor Khela.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A very special moment in the festival is the Sandhi Puja<\/strong>, which happens at the exact time between Ashtami (eighth day)<\/strong> and Navami (ninth day)<\/strong>. It is believed that Maa Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura<\/strong> during this moment. The atmosphere during Sandhi Puja is powerful, as it feels like the whole city is praying together<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n