As the monsoon slowly departs and autumn brings its golden arrival, the whole of India wakes up for one of its most important festivals, Durga Puja 2025. The sound of drums, the touch of alpana and the idols of the goddess crafted by artisans create a different atmosphere all around. Every house, lane and heart comes alive with the arrival of the goddess.
This year, Durga Puja will be celebrated from September 28 (Sunday) to October 2 (Thursday). However, the atmosphere of worship will begin a week before that, with Mahalaya* on September 21. From that day onwards, Goddess Durga is invoked. Then, step by step, the five main days of Shasthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami complete the divine journey of the goddess.
Durga Puja 2025: Important Dates and Early Celebrations
Here’s a summary of the important dates for Durga Puja 2025:
| Date | Day | Occasion |
| 21 September 2025 | Sunday | Mahalaya |
| 27 September 2025 | Saturday | Maha Panchami |
| 28 September 2025 | Sunday | Shashthi (Start of Puja) |
| 29 September 2025 | Monday | Saptami |
| 30 September 2025 | Tuesday | Ashtami |
| 1 October 2025 | Wednesday | Maha Navami |
| 2 October 2025 | Thursday | Vijaya Dashami |
The work of carving idols has been going on for months in Kolkata’s Kumartuli. Meanwhile, the royal celebrations of Dussehra begin in the royal palaces of Mysore, where Ayuddha Puja is specially celebrated on Maha Navami. In South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, families organize Navratri golu exhibitions and invite guests during this time.
Here’s the translated table for Durga Puja 2025: Day-wise Calendar with Deities, Colors, and Ritual Highlights in English:
| Date | Tithi | Goddess Form | Color | Ritual Highlights |
| 21st September, Sunday | Mahalaya | Invocation Begins | White | Tarpan, Chanting of Mahishasura Mardini |
| 28th September, Sunday | Shashthi | Shailaputri | Grey | Kalash Sthapana, Bodhon (Invocation) |
| 29th September, Monday | Saptami | Brahmacharini | Orange | Pran Pratishtha of Durga Idol |
| 30th September, Tuesday | Ashtami | Chandraghanta | White | Pushpanjali, Kumari Puja |
| 1st October, Wednesday | Maha Navami | Mahagauri | Red | Sandhi Puja, Ayudha Puja |
| 2nd October, Thursday | Dashami | Siddhidatri | White or Pink | Sindoor Khela, Idol Immersion (Visarjan) |
Each of these days carries different powers, teachings, and symbolic meanings of the goddesses—from the steadfastness of the mountain maiden Shailaputri, to the compassion of Mahagauri, to the boon of knowledge of Siddhidatri.
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The Greatness of Maha Navami
Maha Navami is one of the most important festivals of Durga Puja. In Bengal, it is the conjunction of Ashtami and Navami Sandhi Puja, when the goddess is believed to have killed Chanda-Munda in the form of Chamunda.
Ayudha Puja is celebrated in South India, where the tools used in work, weapons, and the science of weapons are worshipped. In North India, Navami marks the end of Kanya Puja and Ramlila, which ultimately leads to the festival of Vijaya Dashami.
Durga Puja in various parts of India
West Bengal (Kolkata)
The beauty of the pandals, the splendor of the idols, the wave of immersion in cultural ceremonies.
Odisha
The silvery Tarkashi idol of Cuttack carries a unique characteristic.
Delhi and Uttar Pradesh
Durga Puja blends with the atmosphere of Navratri fasting and Ramlila.
Tamil Nadu
Golu display, distribution of sundal and social gatherings.
Karnataka (Mysore)
Royal Dussehra festival, processions and historical rituals.
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Silent Puja of Raktabeeja
This silent puja is still performed in a remote village in Odisha. Goddess Kali defeated Raktabeeja and drank every drop of his blood before it fell to the ground. Since then, the puja here is performed in silence, where only the priest can light the lamp.
Festival of Colors
Each day is associated with a different color—
- Shashti (Day 6): Yellow (for joy and new beginnings).
- Saptami (Day 7): Green (for renewal and harmony).
- Ashtami (Day 8): Peacock Blue (for knowledge and courage).
- Maha Navami (Day 9): Red (for strength and transformation).
- Dashami (Day 10): White or Pink (for peace, farewell, and divine closure)
In Bengal, white-red bordered sarees are particularly popular on Dashami, and in South India, women participate in Golu display according to the color of the day.
Durga Puja is not just a festival, it is a grand story of devotion, courage and cultural unity. From Mahalaya on September 21 to Vijaya Dashami on October 2, this festival reconnects every person with their roots, traditions and inner strength.
Hi readers. I’m Piyali Batabyal, a passionate blogger who loves to share her thoughts, ideas, and experiences across a variety of topics—from lifestyle and beauty to personal growth and creativity. With a curious mind and a love for words.
Alongside my writing, I am also a professional makeup artist with a flair for enhancing natural beauty and creating transformative looks.