| Mahalaya 'Torpon' |
29th September (Monday)/
12th Aashin 1415 |
From previous day 1.15pm - That Day 12.55pm |
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| Maha PANCHAMI |
4th Oct, 08
SATURDAY
(17th Aashwin 1415) |
From previous day
4:35pm-That day
6:28pm |
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Maha SHASHTI
Within 9:27am
"Kalparambho"
Durga Devi "BODHON" "Amantran" and "Adhibas' in the evening |
5th Oct, 08
SUNDAY
(18th Aashwin 1415) |
From previous day
6:29pm-That day
8:32pm |
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. |
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Maha SAPTAMI
"Nabo Patrika" within
9:27am
Predawn bathing of
"Kola Bow" |
6th Oct, 08
MONDAY
(19th Aashwin 1415) |
From previous day
8:33pm-That day
10:35pm |
Saptami features the first day of Durga puja; commencement of rituals; predawn bathing of ' Kola Bow '. |
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Maha ASHTAMI
SANDHI PUJA
00:05am-00:53am
SACRIFICE- 00:29am |
7th Oct, 08
TUESDAY
(20th Aashwin 1415) |
From previous day
10:36pm-Next day
00:29am |
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. |
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| Maha NABAMI |
8th Oct, 08
WEDNESDAY
(21st Aashwin 1415) |
From that day
00:30am-Next day 2:04am |
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). |
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Bijoya DASHAMI
(Immersion)
within 9:27am |
9th Oct, 08
THURSDAY
(22nd Aashwin 1415) |
From that day
2:05am-Next day
3:14am |
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" (Vermillion game)-"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. |
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