Come. You do not need to know the rules before you arrive.

What will I actually see?

Durga Puja is worship, but a community Puja is also music, food, conversation and people spending several days together. Depending on when you visit BSS, you may see Pushpanjali, Sandhya Arati, Dhunuchi, Dhamail, competitions, live music, Dandiya, Sindhur Khela or simply a lot of people catching up over food and adda.

What is Pushpanjali?

Pushpanjali is an offering of flowers accompanied by mantras. If you want to participate and are unsure what to do, ask one of us at the venue. If you would rather observe, that is perfectly fine too. The timings vary by Puja day, so use the BSS schedule for the latest confirmed time.

What is bhog?

Bhog is food first offered to the Goddess and then shared as prasad. At BSS in 2026, bhog will be served every Puja day from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. For many community Pujas, eating together is as much a part of the memory as the rituals themselves.

What should I wear?

There is no BSS dress code for visitors. Wear something comfortable and respectful. Traditional or festive clothes are lovely if you feel like dressing up, but they are not a requirement for entering the Puja.

What is different about a Sylheti Durga Puja?

The worship of Maa Durga connects us to the wider Durga Puja tradition, while BSS also carries the culture of Sylhet. One tradition you will see in our programme is Dhamail, a group song-and-dance form closely associated with Sylhet. That mix is important to us: we preserve where we come from while inviting the city we now call home to celebrate with us.

Which day should I come?

There is no wrong answer. If rituals are your priority, check the Pushpanjali and Puja timings. If you want music, dance or Dhamail, check the cultural programme. If you want to experience a relaxed Pujo afternoon, plan around bhog between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. Many of us will tell you to come more than once.