This ritual marks the beginning of Durga Puja, celebrating Goddess Durga’s descent to Earth after vanquishing Mahishasura.
Bodhon is performed on Shashthi evening, it is the ritual of invoking and revealing Goddess Durga’s face, formally inviting her to the celebration.
On Saptami, nine plants symbolizing Durga’s incarnations are bathed and dressed in a red saree.
Maha Ashtami is a significant day for offering Pushpanjali to Goddess Durga. Many devotees fast and break it after the Anjali in the evening.
On Ashtami and Navami, Kumari Puja is performed where young girl represents Goddess Durga.
Performed during the transition between Ashtami and Navami, Sandhi Puja involves elaborate offering, including 108 lotuses.
Dhunuchi Nacch is a devotional dance performed during Durga aarti, where dancers balance burning clay bowls while moving to the beats of the dhak.
On Vijayadashami, married women apply sindhur to the Goddess and among themselves, praying for marital bliss and family protection.
Durga Visarjan marks the farewell to Goddess Durga, with her idol immersed in water during a grand procession, symbolizing her return to Mount Kailash.
After Visarjan, the Bijoya period begins that celebrates the victory of good over evil.