Durga Puja Days
The five festive Puja days are spent welcoming Devi Durga, aplomb with rituals and accompanied with dhak, dhunuchi and shiuli.
SASTHI
Sashti, the sixth day of the moon when Goddess Durga is welcomed with much fanfare and gusto. Look for the 'Bodhon' rituals when Goddess Durga is unveiled.
SAPTAMI
Saptami features the first day of Durga puja; commencement of rituals; predawn bathing of Kola Bow.
Most important day of Durga Puja; celebrating Durga's victory over Mahishasur; devotees recite the mantras and offer flowers to Devi Durga (pushpanjali) and pray for her blessings; rituals of animal sacrifices; animals are now substituted with 'chalkumro'(type of pumpkin), cucumber and banana.
NABAMI
Last day of Durga Puja; commencement of 'Sandhi Puja'. 'Nabami Bhog' - Goddess Durga is offered food which is later distributed among the devotees.
SANDHI PUJA
(108 'Dip' lighted ) End of Ashtami and the beginning of Nabami is the time for 'Sandhi Puja'. It was at this moment Devi Durga transformed into Devi Chamunda to kill "Chando" and "Mundo", the two generals of Mahishasura (the Buffalo Demon).
DASHAMI
Dashami is the day when Goddess Durga accompaning her children sets for Kailash, her husband's abode. With a heavy heart the Bengalis immerse the clay idol of Durga in the sacred Ganges bidding her goodbye and earnestly waiting to see her again the next year.
SINDUR KHELA
"Sindur Khela" is a major event of Dashami. Married women apply vermilion to each other and greet each other with sweets. It is in the evening when Goddess Durga is immersed. Bengalis greet each other with bijoya greetings and men follow the customary 'Kolakuli' (embrace each other). Durga Puja is a festival, Bengalis celebrate without religious inhibitions. It is more of a socio-cultural celebration that tends to renew kinship with friends and relatives.
