Get ready for the vibrant celebrations of Shardiya Navratri and the spectacular Durga Puja! While Navratri is celebrated across India, Bengal's Durga Puja is a unique spectacle, deeply rooted in tradition and bursting with joy. This year, the festivities kick off officially with Kalparambha on Panchami Tithi, leading up to the grand finale with Sindoor Khela and idol immersion.Let's dive into the calendar and what each special day brings:The Grand Schedule of Bengal Durga Puja 2025:Panchami Tithi (Friday, September 26, 2025): Kalparambha & Mother's InvitationThis day marks the official beginning of Durga Puja. It's when the Goddess is formally invited to descend to Earth. The rituals of 'Kalparambha' are performed, symbolizing the start of the Puja, and Goddess Durga's face is unveiled (Chakshu Daan), bringing her idol to life.Shashthi Tithi (Saturday, September 27, 2025): Bodhon & The ArrivalShashthi is a significant day. This is when the ritual of 'Bodhon' takes place, invoking the Goddess. The iconic 'Kola Bou' (banana bride), representing Ganesha's wife and a symbol of fertility, is brought to the pandal, signifying the arrival of Goddess Durga along with her children (Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, Kartikeya).Saptami Tithi (Sunday, September 28, 2025): Pran Pratistha & Main Puja BeginsSaptami is when the main puja officially begins. Through the 'Pran Pratistha' ritual, the divine presence is formally invoked into the idol. This is also the day when the 'Kola Bou' is bathed, symbolizing the cleansing and purification before the major celebrations. Devotees offer prayers and bhog to the Goddess.Ashtami Tithi (Monday, September 29, 2025): Pushpanjali, Kumari Puja & Sandhi PujaMaha Ashtami is arguably the most important day. It begins with 'Pushpanjali,' where devotees offer flowers and prayers to Maa Durga. Many communities also perform 'Kumari Puja,' worshipping young girls as manifestations of the Goddess. The highlight is 'Sandhi Puja,' performed at the cusp of Ashtami and Navami (the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and first 24 minutes of Navami). This powerful puja honors Devi Chamunda and is considered incredibly auspicious.Navami Tithi (Tuesday, September 30, 2025): Maha Navami & HavanMaha Navami is the final day of worship before Vijayadashami. After morning rituals, a grand 'Havan' (fire sacrifice) is performed to offer prayers and seek blessings from Goddess Durga. This day is about concluding the primary worship of the nine forms of the Goddess.Dashami Tithi (Wednesday, October 1, 2025): Sindoor Khela & VisarjanVijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja. On this day, married women gather for 'Sindoor Khela,' a beautiful tradition where they apply vermilion (sindoor) to each other's faces and to Goddess Durga's idol, wishing for long and happy married lives. After this joyful ritual, the idols are immersed in water (Visarjan), symbolizing the Goddess's return to her celestial abode. It's a bittersweet farewell until next year
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