Durga Puja
Durga Puja is the grand annual festival worshipping Goddess Durga, celebrated most elaborately in West Bengal and eastern India over five main days in autumn. Famous for its artistic pandals, towering idols and cultural performances, it was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021.
Quick facts: Durga Puja
| Region | West Bengal and eastern India |
|---|---|
| When | Ashvin month — September/October |
| Duration | 5 main days (Shashthi to Dashami) |
| Goddess | Durga (slaying Mahishasura) |
| Recognition | UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (2021) |
Significance of Durga Puja
Durga Puja celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo-demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil and the power of the divine feminine (Shakti). It is also a homecoming festival, welcoming the goddess and her children to their earthly home.
History & origins
Community Durga Puja (Sarbojanin) grew from aristocratic household celebrations in Bengal into large public events in the 18th–20th centuries. In 2021 UNESCO recognised Kolkata’s Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
How Durga Puja is celebrated
The main days are Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami. Artisans of Kumartuli craft clay idols of Durga slaying Mahishasura. Elaborate themed pandals host worship, cultural programmes, food and music. The festival closes with Sindoor Khela and the immersion (Bisarjan) of the idols.
Regional variations
- West Bengal & Kolkata: the largest, most artistic celebrations with themed pandals.
- Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Jharkhand: widely celebrated across eastern India.
- Across India: coincides with Navratri and Dussehra festivities.
Frequently asked questions about Durga Puja
What is Durga Puja?
Durga Puja is the grand festival worshipping Goddess Durga, celebrated mainly in West Bengal with elaborate pandals, clay idols and cultural events. It celebrates Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura.
Why is Durga Puja famous in Kolkata?
Kolkata is renowned for its artistic, themed pandals and idol-making in Kumartuli. In 2021 UNESCO recognised Kolkata’s Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
How many days is Durga Puja?
The main celebration spans five days — Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami — ending with the immersion of the idols.
What is the relationship between Durga Puja and Navratri?
Durga Puja coincides with the last days of Navratri and shares the worship of Goddess Durga; Bengal emphasises the communal pandal celebration, ending on Vijayadashami (Dussehra).