Durga Puja Vidhi (Pushpanjali & Sandhi Puja)
Durga Puja spans Shashthi to Dashami of Sharadiya Navratri and is the grandest festival of Bengal, Assam, and Odisha. Shashthi has Bodhan, Saptami has Navapatrika, Ashtami has Pushpanjali and Sandhi Puja, Navami has Mahanavami, and Dashami has Visarjan. Pushpanjali and Sandhi Puja are the holiest rituals.
Ashwin Shukla Shashthi to Dashami (September–October)
Morning (Pushpanjali) / Ashtami-Navami junction (Sandhi)
→ When is it observed? See the date & significance
Puja Samagri (Items Required)
- Durga idol (clay)
- Flowers (red hibiscus, lotus, marigold)
- Bilva leaves
- Sindoor, akshata, sandalwood
- Betel, areca, coconut
- Incense, lamp, camphor
- 108 lamps for Sandhi Puja
- Fruits, sweets, bhog
Puja Procedure — Steps
Shashthi — Bodhan & Amantran (Awakening & Invitation)
On Shashthi, perform Bodhan (awakening) before the idol. Invoke the Goddess on a Bilva branch. Install divine consciousness in the idol.
Saptami — Navapatrika Snan (Bathing the Nine Plants)
Bathe the Navapatrika (nine sacred plants wrapped in a sari) in the river.
Ashtami — Pushpanjali (Floral Offering)
Bathe and wear clean clothes. The priest chants mantras — devotees hold flowers, bilva, akshata in joined hands and offer at Durga's feet while chanting "Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche." This is Pushpanjali.
Ashtami–Navami — Sandhi Puja (The Sacred Junction)
At the exact junction of Ashtami ending and Navami beginning (48 minutes), light 108 lamps and offer 108 lotus flowers. This is the holiest moment of Durga Puja.
Navami — Mahabhog & Havan
Offer Mahabhog to Goddess Durga. Perform the havan.
Dashami — Sindoor Khela & Visarjan (Immersion)
Married women apply sindoor to Durga, then play with sindoor among themselves. Immerse the idol chanting "Come again next year."
Main Mantra
Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche ।
Benefits of this Puja
Durga Puja destroys enemies and fear, relieves illness, removes poverty, brings family peace, progeny, and the special grace of Goddess Durga. Pushpanjali fulfils wishes; Sandhi Puja removes all suffering.
Important Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Durga Puja Vidhi (Pushpanjali & Sandhi Puja) performed and what is the muhurat?
Ashwin Shukla Shashthi to Dashami (September–October) — Morning (Pushpanjali) / Ashtami-Navami junction (Sandhi)
What samagri (items) are needed for Durga Puja Vidhi (Pushpanjali & Sandhi Puja)?
Durga idol (clay), Flowers (red hibiscus, lotus, marigold), Bilva leaves, Sindoor, akshata, sandalwood, Betel, areca, coconut, Incense, lamp, camphor, 108 lamps for Sandhi Puja, Fruits, sweets, bhog
Which mantra is chanted during Durga Puja Vidhi (Pushpanjali & Sandhi Puja)?
Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche ।
What are the benefits of Durga Puja Vidhi (Pushpanjali & Sandhi Puja)?
Durga Puja destroys enemies and fear, relieves illness, removes poverty, brings family peace, progeny, and the special grace of Goddess Durga. Pushpanjali fulfils wishes; Sandhi Puja removes all suffering.