When 2025's autumn sets in, India awakens to a wave of colourful devotion, ushering from Durga Puja to Dussehra. These festivals, woven into the fabric of Indian mythology, honour the Goddess and herald the ultimate triumph of good over evil. This guide brings together the complete ritual calendar, the historic and spiritual underpinnings, and stylish decor suggestions, whether you are observing Navratri rituals, planning for Durga Puja 2025, or counting the days and time for Dussehra 2025.
Why do we celebrate Navratri, Durga Puja & Dussehra?
Durga Puja & Navratri:
Durga Puja commemorates the Goddess's conquest of the buffalo demon Mahishasura, an enduring allegory of how righteousness eclipses pride and chaos. The timing coincides almost perfectly with Navratri, the nine sacred nights devoted to the feminine principle, each night inviting different forms of worship and regional variations.
- In West Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated with great glory. People visit beautifully decorated pandals, participate in rituals, and enjoy music, dance, and cultural performances.
- In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the nights are filled with energy through Garba and Dandiya Raas, traditional group dances performed in vibrant, colorful outfits.
- In South India, the festival is more about devotion at home. People worship the Goddess in her three forms of Durga (strength), Lakshmi (wealth), and Saraswati (wisdom) over the nine days.
- In North India, the nine nights center on fasting and chanting. Temples resound with the names of the nine forms of Durga, and on the tenth Day, elaborate temporary sanctuaries—the pandals—crowd the streets, alive with communal worship, song, and the rhythmic wave of the aarti light.
Dussehra or Vijayadashami:
Dussehra celebrates Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana, demonstrating that the power of good ultimately prevails over evil. It also concludes the festival period that starts with Navratri, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Dussehra arrives with Ramlila enactments on temporary stages, the ceremonial combustion of Ravana's towering figure, and lively fairs featuring music, crafts, and circle dances. Communities unite under the same festive banner, renewing their trust in righteousness.
Durga Puja to Dussehra 2025 Calendar:
A complete Navratri to Dussehra 2025 calendar including key rituals and their dates.
Durga Festival Calendar
Bringing of Goddess Durga
First Day of Shardiya Navratri
Kalaratri Puja, Traditional Bathing of the Idol
Maha Ashtami, Sandhi Puja
Maha Navami, Ayudha Puja
Durga’s Victory, Ravan Dahan
Mahalaya:
The arrival of Deva Paksha marks the beginning of the fortnight dedicated to the Goddess. On this Day, devotees immerse themselves in the recitation of the "Mahishasura Mardini" stotra, extolling the Goddess's triumph, and simultaneously pay homage to departed ancestors through prayers and symbolic offerings of rice, water, and light.
Shashthi (6th Day):
On this Day, Goddess Durga is welcomed, and a special ritual called "Bodhon" is performed. It means awakening the Goddess, inviting her to come and bless everyone. Devotees offer prayers, flowers, and chant mantras to begin the main days of Durga Puja with love and devotion.
Saptami (7th Day):
The Nabapatrika ritual involves the ceremonial bathing of nine selected plants in a river or pond, each of which is later arranged to represent a unique manifestation of the Goddess Durga and, simultaneously, to signify the elemental forces of the universe. The bathing and decoration of these plants underline a devotional recognition of the living environment and its constant, sustaining presence in human life.
Ashtami (8th Day):
This is the most powerful Day of the festival. Sandhi Puja is performed at a special time between two days, and Kumari Puja is done by worshipping a young girl as a form of the Goddess, showing pure and divine energy.
Navami (9th Day):
This Day marks the final battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, showing the victory of good over evil.
Dashami (10th Day):
Sindoor Khela, idol immersion (Visarjan), and the story of Lord Rama defeating Ravana are remembered (Ravan Dahan) on Dussehra, marking the end of the festival and the victory of good over evil.
Home Decor Ideas for Durga Puja 2025
Invite the presence of the divine feminine into your living space with understated yet elegant arrangements.
- Create a Puja Corner
- Place a brass Idol of Maa Durga or a framed picture.
- Use red or white cloth, marigold flowers, incense, diyas, and a bell.
2. Floral Rangoli & Torans
- Create a rangoli using red, yellow, and white flower petals.
- Decorate doors with mango leaf torans or with wall hangings.
3. Brass Urli Bowls & Diyas
- Float flowers and small candles in brass bowls at the entrance.
- Use traditional or modern brass diyas for a festive look.
4. Festive Drapes & Lights
- Hang warm fairy lights and lanterns for a soft glow.
- Use rich fabrics like silk or cotton in saffron, red, or gold.
Celebrate with Meaning: Gift Ideas for Dussehra
Looking to gift something meaningful:
- Handcrafted brass idols from artisan brands.
- Spiritual home decor items, such as yantras, incense holders, or temple bells.
- Personalized Navratri gift sets with candles, sweets, and wellness items.
Grace Your Home with Divine Craft
During this holy season, LuxeArtisanship presents beautiful, handcrafted brass idols and spiritual decor that seamlessly blend tradition with elegance. Crafted by skilled artisans, each piece embodies Indian mythology and seamlessly integrates into modern homes.
- Their Durga idols show strength and grace—great for your puja space or as a centerpiece in your living room.
- Made with the traditional lost-wax method, these idols have a pure, handmade feel that machine-made items can't match.
- Perfect for Navratri prayers, Dussehra gifts, or decorating your home for the festival, LuxeArtisanship brings the spirit of India into your space.
Greet the Divine Mother or commemorate Lord Rama's triumph, and their pieces harmoniously weave reverence and elegance into your altar and surroundings.
May your Navratri resonate with bhakti, your Durga Puja overflow with joy and vitality, and your Dussehra shine with the brilliance of victory.
Shubho Pujo and Happy Dussehra 2025!
