Tri State Durga Puja 2026
The Story of Durga
দুর্গার গল্প
Why do we celebrate Durga Puja every year? Read the exciting story in 8 comic panels!
The Demon Takes Over
Long ago, a powerful demon named Mahishasura defeated all the gods and took over the heavens. Everyone was afraid!
The Gods Ask for Help
The gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva came together and prayed. Their combined energy began to glow with golden light.
Durga is Born!
From the combined power of all the gods, Goddess Durga appeared — radiant, mighty, and with ten arms ready for battle!
The Weapons Are Given
Each god gave Durga a special weapon — a trident, a discus, a sword, a bow, and many more. She was ready!
The Lion Awaits
A magnificent lion came forward to carry Durga into battle. Together they were unstoppable!
Nine Days of Battle!
For nine days and nights, Durga fought Mahishasura and his demon army. She was brave and never gave up!
Victory!
On the tenth day, Durga defeated Mahishasura! Good had won over evil. The heavens erupted in celebration!
We Celebrate Durga Puja!
Every year, we celebrate Durga's victory with music, dance, and joy. That's what Durga Puja is all about — come join us!
History
How Durga Puja Began
Durga Puja in Bengal goes back over 400 years. Here's how it grew from a private ceremony to a world-famous festival!
First Community Puja
The earliest recorded Durga Puja is held in Hooghly, Bengal — bringing the whole community together for the very first time.
A Grand Royal Puja
Raja Nabakrishna Deb hosts one of Kolkata's most famous early Durga Pujas — setting the stage for spectacular celebrations.
Puja for Everyone!
Durga Puja becomes "sarbojanin" — meaning for the whole community, not just wealthy families. Anyone can join the celebration!
UNESCO World Heritage!
The United Nations officially recognises Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Our festival is now world-famous!
The Festival
5 Days of Celebration
Durga Puja is celebrated over five incredible days — each one with its own special traditions!
Shashthi
Ma Durga arrives! The pandal opens and the Bodhon ceremony wakes the goddess. The excitement begins!
Saptami
First morning prayers! Everyone wears new clothes, visits the pandal, and offers flowers to the goddess.
Ashtami
The biggest day! Pushpanjali — offering flowers with a Sanskrit chant. At midnight, the magical Sandhi Puja lights up the sky!
Navami
Feast day! Yummy bhog prasad — khichuri, labra, and payesh — is shared with everyone in the community.
Dashami
Goodbye time! Women celebrate Sindur Khela, then the idol is carried to the river for Visarjan. See you next year, Ma Durga!
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Fun Facts
Did You Know?
Durga Puja has been celebrated in Bengal for over 400 years — longer than the United States has existed!
Kolkata has over 3,000 pandals every year — each one a unique work of art made by skilled artisans!
More than 100 million people celebrate Durga Puja across the world — from Bengal to New York to Dayton, Ohio!
In 2021, the United Nations declared Durga Puja an official Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. What an honour!