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.

Durga Saptami

Bengali

Bengali forms

Next date

17 October 2026

Saturday · Shukla Saptami

Tithi begins05:55 AM

Tithi ends08:28 AM · 18 Oct

Full panchang for this day

About

The seventh day (Saptami) of Durga Puja, when the goddess is worshipped in her full form.

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

Oct17SatSaturdayNextShukla SaptamiTithi begins05:55 AMTithi ends08:28 AM · 18 Oct

2027

Oct6WedWednesdayShukla SaptamiTithi begins02:33 AMTithi ends04:13 AM · 7 Oct