What happens on each of the four days of Durga Puja?

Saptami opens with the Nabapatrika, nine plants bathed at dawn as forms of the goddess. Ashtami has Sandhi Puja at the junction with Navami, the most charged moment of the four days. Navami is the great arati. And Dashami is Sindoor Khela, when married women smear each other with vermilion before the idols go for immersion.

Bengal Maha Navami

Bengali forms

Next date

20 October 2026

Tuesday · Shukla Navami

Tithi begins10:52 AM · 19 Oct

Tithi ends12:51 PM

Full panchang for this day

About

Ninth day of Durga Puja in Bengal, observed on the udaya Navami with Maha Navami puja.

Falls on: Ashwin Shukla Saptami to Dashami

What it is

The four principal days of Durga Puja. Saptami opens with Nabapatrika, nine plants bound together, bathed at dawn, representing nine forms of the goddess. Ashtami carries Sandhi Puja. Navami is the great arati and the homa. Dashami is Sindoor Khela, married women smearing each other with vermilion, and then the immersion.

Food

Bhog, khichuri, labra, chutney, payesh, served to thousands at community pujas.

Common questions

What happens on each of the four days of Durga Puja?: Saptami opens with the Nabapatrika, nine plants bathed at dawn as forms of the goddess. Ashtami has Sandhi Puja at the junction with Navami, the most charged moment of the four days. Navami is the great arati. And Dashami is Sindoor Khela, when married women smear each other with vermilion before the idols go for immersion.

2026

Oct20TueTuesdayNextShukla NavamiTithi begins10:52 AM · 19 OctTithi ends12:51 PM

2027

Oct8FriFridayShukla NavamiTithi begins06:28 AMTithi ends09:02 AM · 9 Oct