Bengaluru Sreehatta Sammelani · Durga Puja Explained
From Mahalaya to Bijoya: what the days of Durga Puja mean
If this is your first Durga Puja, the names can sound like a calendar you are expected to already understand. You are not. Here is the version we would give a friend visiting BSS for the first time.
Mahalaya: the wait becomes real
Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha in popular Bengali tradition. It is associated with the invocation of Goddess Durga and, in Bengali homes, generations have begun the day listening to Chandipath at dawn. Emotionally, this is when Pujo starts.
Shashthi: Maa arrives
The main days of celebration begin. Bodhon, Amontron and related rituals ceremonially welcome the Goddess. The pandal begins to feel alive as families and friends start arriving in numbers.
Saptami: Nabapatrika and morning rituals
Saptami traditionally includes the Nabapatrika ritual, in which nine plants are bound together and ritually bathed and worshipped. The symbolism connects the worship of the Goddess with forms of nature and Shakti.
Ashtami: one of Pujo's biggest days
For many visitors, Ashtami means dressing early, reaching the mandap for Pushpanjali and spending much of the day around the Puja. Sandhi Puja, observed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami according to the ritual calendar, is one of the festival's important observances.
Navami: the last full day
Navami carries the strange feeling of wanting the day to slow down. Worship continues, but everyone knows Dashami is next. At BSS in 2026, Maha Navami also brings our Dhamail of Unity and Dandiya programme.
Bijoya Dashami: goodbye, for now
Dashami marks the farewell to Maa Durga. Sindhur Khela is one of the familiar Bengali customs associated with the day, followed by the emotions of departure and immersion. Afterwards comes Bijoya: greetings, sweets, pronam to elders and embraces between friends. The festival ends with a promise that it will happen again next year.