Durga Puja

What

Elaborate, artistically striking clay idols of Durga slaying Mahishasura are installed in temporary pandals across Bengal and beyond, worshipped for five days, and then immersed in a river or the sea as a symbolic send-off.

Why

The festival narrates the same Mahishasura story as Navaratri, but with Bengal's own distinct emphasis and artistry — Durga is welcomed as a daughter visiting her parental home, making the festival's tone as much about homecoming and family as about the goddess's cosmic victory.

Preparation

• Visit a pandal to view the idol and offerings
• Wear new clothes for the main days
• Join or watch the sindoor khela on the final day
• Participate in or observe the immersion procession

Mantra

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shakti-Rupena Samsthita — to the goddess present in all beings in the form of power, salutations.