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)
🪔 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
Step 1: षष्ठी — बोधन एवं आमन्त्रण
On Shashthi, perform Bodhan (awakening) before the idol. Invoke the Goddess on a Bilva branch. Install divine consciousness in the idol.
Step 2: सप्तमी — नवपत्रिका स्नान
Bathe the Navapatrika (nine sacred plants wrapped in a sari) in the river.
Step 3: अष्टमी — पुष्पांजलि
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.
Step 4: अष्टमी-नवमी — सन्धि पूजा
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.
Step 5: नवमी — महाभोग एवं हवन
Offer Mahabhog to Goddess Durga. Perform the havan.
Step 6: दशमी — सिन्दूर खेला एवं विसर्जन
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, cures diseases, removes poverty, brings family peace, progeny, and the special grace of Goddess Durga. Pushpanjali fulfils wishes; Sandhi Puja removes all suffering.