Durga Puja 2025: When is Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami? Check 5-Day Festival Schedule

Durga Puja 2025 is one of the most awaited Hindu festivals, celebrated with unmatched devotion and grandeur across India, especially in West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, and Bihar. The festival symbolises the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura, spreading the eternal message of good triumphing over evil. Let’s look at the complete Durga Puja 2025 calendar, rituals, and key celebrations.

Durga Puja 2025: Festival Dates and Calendar

Durga Puja begins on the Shashti Tithi of Shukla Paksha in Ashwina month and continues for five days. The festivities conclude with Durga Visarjan on Vijayadashami. In 2025, the celebrations are scheduled as follows:

• Shashti (Day 1): September 27, 2025
• Maha Saptami (Day 2): September 28, 2025
• Maha Ashtami (Day 3): September 29, 2025
• Maha Navami (Day 4): September 30, 2025
• Vijayadashami & Durga Visarjan (Day 5): October 1, 2025

How Durga Puja is Celebrated

Durga Puja is not just a festival - it’s an emotion for millions of devotees. On the sixth day of Navratri, idols of Goddess Durga are brought home or placed in grand pandals. Worship continues for five consecutive days, ending with Durga Visarjan on Vijayadashami, symbolising the goddess’s return to her divine abode.

During these days:

• Homes and pandals are decorated beautifully.
• Traditional rituals like aarti, pushpanjali, and bhog offerings are performed.
• Devotees honour Goddess Durga in her form as Mahishasur Mardini.
• Idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Ganesha are also worshipped alongside Maa Durga.

Rituals and Traditions of Durga Puja 2025

The festival is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual practices:

• Bhog Prasadam: Special dishes are prepared and offered to Goddess Durga.
• Sindoor Khela: On the final day, married women offer vermilion (sindoor) to Maa Durga and then apply it to each other, praying for prosperity and long life.
• Cultural Celebrations: Music, dance, and community feasts bring people together in festive joy.

Powerful Durga Mantras for Devotees

Chanting Maa Durga mantras during Durga Puja is believed to bring peace, strength, and prosperity. Some of the most powerful mantras include:

1. Jayanti Mangala Kaali Bhadrakaali Kapalini, Durga Kshama Shivadhatri Swaha Swadha Namostute!
2. Sarva Mangal Maangalyaye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanyaye Tryambike Gauri Narayani Namostute!
3. Sarva Badha Vinirmukto Dhan Dhanyai Sutanvitaha, Manushyo Matprasaaden Bhavishyati Na Sanshayah!

Durga Puja 2025 is not only a festival but a vibrant blend of devotion, culture, and tradition. With its five days of divine rituals, cultural programs, and joyous celebrations, the festival unites people in faith and happiness. Mark your calendars from September 27 to October 1, 2025, to witness the grand spirit of Durga Puja.