Durga Puja

Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated mainly in India and Bangladesh, honouring the goddess Durga and her victory over Mahishasura. Marked by elaborate rituals, artistic displays, and vibrant gatherings, it takes place over ten days in September or October, with the last five days being most prominent.

• Celebrated over ten days, with the last five most prominent
• Centred on worship of goddess Durga and her victory over Mahishasura
• Marked by artistic pandals and elaborate idols
• Inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021
• Concludes with immersion of Durga's image on Vijayadashami

What it is

Durga Puja is a deeply significant festival for Hindus, especially among Bengali, Assamese, Maithil, and Odia communities in India and Bangladesh. It celebrates the goddess Durga, revered as the embodiment of feminine power and the force that restores balance by defeating evil. The festival is a time of spiritual renewal, joy, and communal harmony, blending devotion with cultural expression. For many, it is the most important event of the year, bringing families and communities together to honour the goddess through worship, art, and festivity.

Where it comes from

The origins of Durga Puja are rooted in ancient Hindu traditions, with references to the goddess Durga found in Vedic literature and epics like the Mahabharata. The festival's rituals are shaped by texts such as the Devi Mahatmya, composed between the 4th and 6th centuries CE, which narrates Durga's battle with Mahishasura. Historical records and medieval manuals suggest that Durga Puja was celebrated in various forms from at least the 14th century, gaining prominence under royal and community patronage in Bengal and neighbouring regions. Over time, it evolved into both a religious and social festival, reflecting the resilience and identity of its devotees.

How it is celebrated

Celebrations begin with Mahalaya, marking the arrival of the goddess, and culminate on Vijayadashami with the immersion of her images. The heart of the festival lies in the creation of elaborate temporary structures called pandals, where beautifully crafted idols of Durga and her children—Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya—are installed. Rituals include daily worship, chanting of scriptures like the Devi Mahatmya, and offerings of flowers and sweets. The festival is also renowned for its cultural programs, music, dance, and dramatic performances, as well as feasting and visiting friends and relatives. Each region and community brings its own traditions, but the spirit of devotion and celebration is shared by all.

Joining in

To experience Durga Puja as a visitor, Kolkata in India is especially renowned for its grand public celebrations and artistic pandals. The city comes alive with lights, crowds, and processions, and visitors are welcomed to join in the festivities, witness rituals, and sample festive foods. In Bangladesh, major celebrations take place in Dhaka and other cities. Expect vibrant street scenes, open-air performances, and a warm, communal atmosphere where locals and newcomers alike gather to honour the goddess and enjoy the season.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Durga Puja, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Durga Puja on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Durga Puja travel guide on WikivoyageTravel guide
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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