Durga Puja is one of India’s most cherished annual festivals, eagerly awaited not just by Bengalis but by people across the country. While it’s the largest festival celebrated in Bengal, it brings together communities from all over India and South Asia in a shared experience of splendor and joy.
Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsav, is a six-day-long festival that begins on the fifth day of Navratri—a 10-day celebration primarily celebrated in northern India to honor the divine Goddess Durga—and culminates on the 10th day, known as Vijaya Dashami (the day of victory).
This festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasur and symbolizes her return to her matrimonial home from Mount Kailash.
During these six days, people come together to fast, feast, and worship with a spirit of devotion and celebration, making me fall in love with the festival more each year and feel a bit emotional during Vijaya Dashami. If you’re looking for more reasons to get excited about Durga Puja, here are 10 things that will definitely get you pumped:
Moreover, if you’re planning to celebrate Durga Puja in Delhi, check out my complete to C.R Park Durga Puja Guide to make the most of your time. 🙂
Six days of no work, just play!
Yes, you heard that right! Durga Puja means six whole days of no work, just fun. We Bengalis love to dress up in our finest ethnic wear, visit pandals, offer prayers, and enjoy six full days of non-stop celebration and joy.
[Pandals are enclosures where the deity’s idol is displayed]
The joy of pandal hopping
Pandal hopping is my absolute favorite activity during Durga Puja. It’s a cherished tradition where people visit various pandals across the city, marveling at the artistry and creativity of the artisans. Kolkata, in particular, is renowned for its innovative and theme-based pandals—everything from a Titanic-shaped pandal to those raising awareness on important issues like menstrual hygiene and child trafficking.
Adda session with friends & family
Adda is the most beloved activity on a lazy Durga Puja afternoon, right after the anjali and while waiting for the bhog distribution to begin. It’s all about gathering with friends and family to chat about everything under the sun—whether it’s travel, local happenings, or politics.
The bhog
Nothing beats a steaming hot plate of khichdi for bhog on a warm summer afternoon. The unique blend of khichdi (a dish made from rice and lentils), labda (mixed vegetables), and beguni (fried brinjal) truly warms the heart and soothes the soul. It’s the one time of year when even those who aren’t usually fans of khichdi can’t help but love it!
Anondo mela
Anondo Mela is a food festival typically organized on Panchami or Shashti. It’s akin to a grand potluck, where people bring their homemade delicacies to share and sell. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover and savor innovative recipes and culinary creations.
Exciting competitions
With six days of no work, the days can stretch on, so what better way to fill the time than with some friendly competitions? This was always my favorite part of Durga Puja as a child. I took part in every competition I could, from drawing and recitation to fancy dress, musical chairs, and even handi bhanga (like a pinata) once I turned 18! And guess who won most of them? That’s right, meeeeeeee. 😎
Spiritual sandhya aarti
Our everyday evening ritual was to attend the Sandhya aarti, followed by an elaborate Dhunuchi dance. The fragrance of the dhunuchi and the rhythmic beats of the dhaki would envelop the devotees in a spiritual spell, creating a deeply immersive and connected experience.
Watching cultural shows
During the evenings, if we weren’t out pandal hopping, we’d catch cultural programs at nearby pandals. There was a time in C.R. Park when artists like Sonu Nigam and Udit Narayan performed. Although big names are now less common due to the large crowds they draw, we still enjoy some fantastic shows by local and regional artists.
Relishing Bengali food at food stalls
No Durga Puja is complete without diving into authentic Bengali street food. From Kolkata’s mouthwatering kathi rolls and Mughlai parathas to delectable biryani and puchkas, Durga Puja is incomplete without them! I highly recommend Bijoli Grills, one of our favorite food stalls we make sure to stop by every year.
The grand visarjan
And finally, on the grand visarjan day, we bid farewell to Goddess Durga. With heavy hearts, chanting “ashche bochor abar hobe” (next year, we’ll celebrate again). The day starts with married women participating in shidoor khela, applying vermilion to the Goddess and offering sweets (mainly sandesh). Post visarjan, people exchange wishes of Shubho Bijoya with one another. And that’s how the countdown to the next Durga Puja begins.
I hope this made you fall in love with this festival. You can also read my other Durga Puja guides:
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