DURGA IDOLS
Masik Durgashtami (November 17, 2026) Date, Tithi Timings, Puja Vidhi and Significance
Masik Durgashtami will be observed on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the monthly observance falls on Shukla Paksha Ashtami. Devotees observe fasts, perform special puja rituals and recite Durga mantras to seek divine blessings. Check the November 2026 Ashtami Tithi timings, puja vidhi, fasting practices and religious significance of this auspicious day.
Protest after egg thrown near Durga idol immersion procession in Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, a protest took place after an egg was thrown near a Goddess Durga idol procession. The incident happened at around 2 am, prompting participants and local residents to respond negatively. Police registered a case under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for religious disrespect. A suspect was arrested, and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to gather more evidence.
Kojagara Puja (October 25, 2026): Date, Puja Timings, Significance, Rituals, History and Why Goddess Lakshmi Is Worshipped on Sharad Purnima
Kojagara Puja 2026 is being observed today, Sunday, October 25, alongside Sharad Purnima. Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the festival holds special significance in Bengal and eastern India, where devotees worship the Goddess of wealth and prosperity during the full moon night. The celebrations include Lakshmi Puja, traditional kheer offerings and a night vigil. The Purnima Tithi began at 11:55 AM today and will end at 9:41 AM on October 26. Here is everything to know about Kojagara Puja’s religious significance, puja vidhi, offerings and night vigil customs, along with the key differences between Kojagari Lakshmi Puja and Diwali Lakshmi Puja.
Why I am not a Bhagat Singh kind of atheist
Casual atheism is being examined through personal experiences and cultural interactions within Indian society. The author reflects on the coexistence of atheists and believers, highlighting mutual acceptance. Additionally, the article notes the current lack of significant tension surrounding atheism in India. There is a discussion about differing perspectives on beliefs and rituals that showcase cultural appreciation. Overall, the author presents a unique view on faith and its cultural significance.
Bengal steps up Durga Puja immersion security after stampede kills 19; CM Suvendu Adhikari reviews arrangements
Suvendu Adhikari reviewed arrangements for Durga Puja idol immersions at Babughat in Kolkata on Wednesday. The review followed a tragic stampede at a city pandal that resulted in 19 fatalities. Enhanced security measures have been announced to ensure a smooth immersion process on Bijaya Dashami. A total of 18 IPS officers have been assigned to supervise immersions across Kolkata and nearby areas.
Kolkata pandal stampede: At least seven persons arrested in connection with the Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja Pandal
Kolkata pandal stampede: Authorities arrested several individuals connected to the stampede at Chorebagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal. The incident resulted in 19 fatalities and many injuries needing treatment. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the injured in hospitals. Compensation for families of the deceased and injured has been announced by the state government.
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Dussehra 2026 date: Is it October 20 or 21? Check Vijayadashami Vijay Muhurat puja muhurat, Ravan Dahan timings
Dussehra Date 2026: Dussehra 2026 will be celebrated on October 20 in most parts of India, while some regional traditions observe Vijayadashami on October 21. Check the correct date, puja muhurat, Dashami tithi and Ravan Dahan timings.
Maha Navami 2026 Today, October 19: Is It October 19 or 20? Check Tithi, Puja Vidhi and Homa Muhurat
In the year 2026, Maha Navami will be celebrated on October 19 as per the Sharad Navratri calendar, although the Bengali tradition marks it on October 20. This piece delves into the importance of Maha Navami, detailing the rituals of worship, and distinguishes between Maha Navami Puja and the special Sandhi Puja. Devotees are encouraged to check their local panchang for precise timings and customs.
Dussehra 2026: When is Vijay Muhurat? Check Dashami Tithi, puja timings, Ravana Dahan, Durga Visarjan rituals & significance
Dussehra 2026, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, marking the victory of good over evil. The festival commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura. Devotees observe the occasion with prayers, Ravana Dahan, Shami Puja and other traditional rituals. Here is a detailed guide to Dussehra 2026, covering its history, religious significance, Dashami Tithi timings, Vijay Muhurat, Aparahna Puja time and regional celebrations across India.
Chorbagan stampede: Former secretary says idol's shifting went against tradition
Former Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja Committee general secretary Jayanta Banerjee has expressed anguish over the stampede that killed 19 people in north Kolkata, saying this year's shift in the idol's position went against long-followed community practices. He said he had repeatedly cautioned organisers against the change but did not link it to the tragedy.
Are Durga Puja pandals near you in Kolkata open today? Check the list of closures & entry restrictions after Chorbagan stampede kills 19 and injures 25
Kolkata Durga Puja pandal closure news: Several major Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, including Tala Prattoy, Alipore Sarbojanin, Chetla Agrani and Ballygunge Sarbojanin, have temporarily suspended entry following a stampede at Chorbagan Sarbojanin that killed 19 people and injured 25 others. Allen Park's show has also been cancelled, while police have arrested seven people and an SIT will investigate the incident.
Navratri Day 8 (October 18, 2026): Maa Mahagauri Puja Vidhi, Mantra, Bhog, Colour and Significance
Navratri Day 8 2026 falls on October 18 and is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga. Discover the traditional puja vidhi, mantra, coconut bhog, purple colour and religious significance. Learn about the goddess's story, the symbolism of purity and peace, and why Durga Ashtami and Kanya Pujan dates may vary according to local Panchang calculations.
Navratri Day 8 Colour 2026: Purple Significance, Maa Mahagauri Puja and Ashtami Kanya Pujan on October 18
Navratri Day 8 Colour 2026: Purple is the designated colour for the eighth day of Sharad Navratri, falling on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in the colour sequence followed here. The day, known as Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami, is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga. Purple symbolises spiritual growth, dignity, wisdom and transformation. Devotees can wear purple outfits for puja and celebrations to mark the occasion.
From Ram temple to Vande Mataram, Kolkata Durga Pujas draw on heritage, nationalism for inspiration
Kolkata's Durga Puja celebrations this year feature themes inspired by India's civilisational heritage, nationalism and cultural identity, from a replica of the Ram temple at Mohammed Ali Park to a Vande Mataram installation marking 150 years of the national song. Other pandals celebrate rural Bengal's traditions and showcase a towering Bharat Mata statue.
Kolkata: Durga’s diversities add to the city’s joy
The famed creativity of Bengalis is very much in evidence at this pre-eminent religio-cultural festival. In recent decades, artists and visualisers have been tapped to create modern settings and contexts to act as foils to the traditional Bengali clay craftspeople's portrayals of Ma Durga and her divine brood comprising Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh and Kartik and their animal mounts, not to mention the fearsome vanquished buffalo demon at her holy feet.
Navratri 2026 Kanya Pujan Date: October 19 or 20? Check Navami Puja vidhi, rituals and fast-breaking timings
As Sharadiya Navratri unfolds, many devotees are gearing up for the sacred Kanya Pujan and havan rituals. With Navami Tithi taking place on October 19 and 20 this year, it's essential for families to consult local calendars for the appropriate observance dates.
Navratri 7th day colour 2026: Maa Kalaratri, puja vidhi, bhog, fasting foods, mantra, aarti, and wishes to share on WhatsApp
Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day 7 honours Maa Kalaratri: On October 17, 2026, devotees will celebrate the seventh day of Sharadiya Navratri, honoring Maa Kalaratri. Essential rituals such as cleansing the puja area, lighting a diya, and performing aarti will take place. The fasting menu will feature fruits, milk, and items like Makhana and Sabudana while family and friends exchange wishes.
Dusshera 2026 Date: Is it October 20 or 21? Check the correct date, Vijayadashami tithi, puja muhurat and regional celebrations
Dussehra 2026, also known as Vijayadashami, will be celebrated on October 20. The festival marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
Maha Saptami 2026: October 17 Nabapatrika Snan Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Significance of Durga Puja Saptami
Durga Puja Saptami 2026: Maha Saptami marks an important day of Durga Puja, featuring the ceremonial Nabapatrika Snan, the worship of nine sacred plants and special rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga. In 2026, Maha Saptami falls on October 17, with the Nabapatrika bathing ceremony traditionally performed at dawn. The same date also marks the seventh day of Sharad Navratri, dedicated to Maa Kalaratri
Navratri Day 7 (October 17, 2026): Maa Kalaratri Puja Vidhi, Mantra, Bhog, Colour & Significance
On October 17, 2026, devotees will celebrate the seventh day of Sharad Navratri, honoring Maa Kalaratri. The day focuses on themes of courage, protection, and overcoming fear through Maa Kalaratri's worship. Devotees traditionally offer jaggery as bhog and wear grey, the popular color for the day. The puja involves specific rituals, including chanting the mantra 'Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah.' Observances may vary based on regional traditions and family customs.
Mumbai police ban photography, circulation of images of half-submerged Durga idols
Mumbai police have issued a prohibitory order regarding the shooting and circulation of images or videos. This order applies to floating or half-submerged Durga idols from October 20 to 22. Idols will be immersed in various water bodies throughout the city during this time. The measure aims to prevent religious sentiments from being hurt while maintaining public peace and order. Police emphasize that circulating certain images can potentially disturb tranquility.
Navratri Day 6 Bhog 2026: Honey, Fruits and Sweets, What to Offer Maa Katyayani on October 16
Navratri Day 6 Prasad 2026: On October 16, the sixth day of Sharad Navratri, devotees worship Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Goddess Durga. Devotees offer fruits, sweets and other traditional bhog as a gesture of devotion and seek the goddess's blessings for courage, strength and protection. Honey is also commonly associated with Maa Katyayani's worship and is offered as bhog in several traditions.
Durga Puja look AI prompts: 6+ Gemini AI & ChatGPT prompts to transform your photo for Instagram and WhatsApp status
This article features eight AI prompts to transform your selfies into stunning Durga Puja portraits, from traditional Bengali red-and-white saree looks and glamorous pandal photos to bridal-inspired styling and Sindoor Khela-inspired images. It also shares tips for preserving facial features, achieving realistic results and creating festive photos in a vertical format for WhatsApp status, Instagram Stories and Facebook.
Sindoor Khela 2026: Why Bengali Women Play With Vermilion on Durga Puja Dashami, The Ritual, Meaning and Bengali Tradition
Sindoor Khela is a heartfelt Bengali tradition that bids farewell to Goddess Durga at the end of Durga Puja. On Vijaya Dashami, women honor the goddess by applying sindoor to her, sharing it amongst themselves as a symbol of love and blessings. This ritual strengthens family ties and expresses hopes for a joyful marital life, while also embracing women from diverse backgrounds, making it a beautiful, inclusive celebration.
Durga Puja Day 1 (16 October 2026): What Is Mahashashthi? Kalparambha, Akal Bodhon and Bilva Nimantran Explained
Durga Puja 2026 begins its main celebrations with Mahashashthi on October 16. Discover the meaning and significance of Kalparambha, Akal Bodhon and Bilva Nimantran, the traditional rituals associated with welcoming Maa Durga. Learn the story behind autumn worship, the importance of the sacred bel tree and what happens during Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Vijayadashami in Bengal.
Navratri 2026 Day 5 (October 15, 2026): Maa Skandamata Puja Vidhi, Mantra, Bhog & Colour
On October 15, 2026, the fifth day of Navratri will shine with devotion to Maa Skandamata. Embracing the vibrant color yellow, which signifies joy and optimism, devotees will present bananas as an offering during the puja, ideally performed at home. Chanting her sacred mantra and observing a fast are encouraged to seek her blessings for family health and maternal safety.
Mahalaya 2026 date: When does Durga Puja begin this year? Check all puja dates, timings and significance
MMahalaya 2026 Durga Puja Dates: Mahalaya 2026 will be observed on October 10, marking the end of Pitru Paksha and signalling the arrival of Durga Puja. Check the Mahalaya date, Amavasya tithi timings, Durga Puja start date and the significance of Mahishasura Mardini.
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