When is Durga Puja?

Did you feel the sudden urge to listen to the dhak beats, or missing the pristine aroma of the dhunuchi (incense burner)? It only means one thing, Durga puja (or pujo) is right around the corner. If you are planning to come home or experience this festival for the first time, here’s a handy roundup of everything you need to know.

From diet plans going for a toss to sleepless late-night pandal hopping, Durga pujo is a 10-day festival that starts on the day of Mahalaya and continues till the tenth day or Dussehra. This year, Mahalaya is on October 14, Maha Sashti on October 20, and Bijoya Dashami on October 24. Here’s what you cannot miss if you have landed in the city of Durga pujo.

Gifting

The preparation of Durga pujo starts with gifting. If you want to share love amongst your friends and family, surprise them with anything they love to own. From clothes to headphones, this is one of the auspicious times to show your care to your friends and relatives.

Pandal hopping

Whether you’re in Kolkata or any other city in India, one can’t miss the Durga puja pandal hopping. Join the crowd marching from one pandal to another, and don’t forget to carry a smartphone with a great camera to preserve the vibes of these pandals.   

Traditional attire

What encapsulates Durga puja better than getting decked up in a saree or dhoti-kurta? Maha Ashtami and Bijoya Dashami are just incomplete without a white saree bordered with red embroidery and colourful kurtas for men and women. If you want to get pujo ready in conventional attire, block a day to do your laundry by simply putting it inside your washing machine.

Street foods

Disable the calorie count function on your smartwatch, as cheat days last for five days during Durga pujo.  

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More than big restaurants, enjoy the festival with a range of street side food. Just in case you are full and packing the leftover food for home, don’t forget to put it inside the refrigerator no matter how tired you are.  

Immersion ceremony

The immersion ceremony takes place on Viajyadashami (October 24). Popularly known as Bhashan or Bishorjon, the immersion ceremony is performed after a heartwarming round of “sindoor-khela“, where married women smear vermillion on each other to bid farewell to Goddess Durga. Save these moments with the right camera or smartphone while chanting “Ashchhe bochhor aabar hobe” (until next year).