First Day of Durga Puja Festivities 2025 in India

The first day of Durga Puja festivities, known as Maha Shashthi, marks the goddess's arrival on Earth. Devotees perform Kalash Sthapana (establishing the sacred urn) and unveil the idol's face amid prayers and cultural events, signifying the start of the grand celebrations.

First Day of Durga Puja Festivities: A Public Holiday?

The first Day of Durga Puja Festivities (Maha Shashthi) is not a public holiday in most parts of India. However, in states like West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Tripura, where Durga Puja is widely celebrated, it is often a regional holiday, with schools, offices, and businesses remaining closed for the festival.

First Day of Durga Puja Festivities

The first day of Durga Puja festivities, known as Maha Shashthi, marks the goddess's arrival on Earth. According to mythology, this is the day when Goddess Durga and her children, Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya, Goddess Saraswati, and Goddess Lakshmi, descend from her heavenly abode to bless her devotees. It is believed that her journey begins after an invocation by the devotees through prayers and rituals. This day is significant as it sets the stage for the following grand Durga Puja celebrations.

First Day of Durga Puja Festivities Celebration in India

Maha Shashthi is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in India, especially in states like West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, and parts of Bihar and Jharkhand. The day begins with the Kalash Sthapana, a sacred ritual where a pot (Kalash) is set up as a symbol of prosperity and divine energy. Devotees perform prayers, and priests conduct rituals to invoke Goddess Durga into the beautifully crafted idols. The unveiling of the idol's face, known as Bodhon, takes place on this day, symbolizing the goddess's arrival.

The atmosphere in cities and towns becomes festive, with pandals (temporary structures) beautifully decorated to house the idols. People dress in traditional attire, visit the pandals, and participate in cultural programs, music, and dance performances organized by local communities. Families and friends come together to offer prayers and share meals, making it a day of bonding and devotion.

The first day of Durga Puja is significant as it marks the beginning of one of the most revered festivals in India. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the goddess's divine power to protect her devotees. Maha Shashthi fosters a sense of community and togetherness, bringing people from all walks of life to celebrate and seek blessings. The rituals and celebrations highlight India's rich cultural heritage and its enduring devotion to spiritual values.

First Day of Durga Puja Festivities Observances