Durga Puja 2022: Shashti to Dashami, significance of the five auspicious days

The 10-day-long festival of Durga Puja commenced on October 1 with Shashti and will end on October 5 with Dashami. Here's the importance of the five auspicious days of Durga Puja.

Updated on: Oct 03, 2022 12:19 PM IST

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Durga Puja is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated across the country to mark the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting asura, Mahishasura. Also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, this festival holds great significance for the Bengali community who celebrates it with great pomp every year. It begins with Mahalaya, which will be observed on September 25 this year. Here's how the significance of the five auspicious days of Durga Puja. (ANI)

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Day 1 – Shashti: The main festival starts with Shoshti, which is the sixth day of Durga Puja. On this day, the goddess is worshipped as Katyayani, the sixth aspect of the Navadurga forms of Mahadevi. She is decorated with all the weapons received from different gods to fight the demon. (PTI)

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Day 2 – Saptami: It is believed that on this day the legendary battle between Goddess Durga and the demon king Mahishasura began. The rituals begin with the immersion of a banana tree in sacred water around the time of dawn. The tree is then draped with a saree and worshipped. This banana tree is recognised as Kala Bou and is depicted to be Ganesha’s wife. (PTI)

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Day 3 – Ashtami: Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami is considered to be the most auspicious day of the nine-day-long festival. The main Asthami puja prepares the Goddess for her face-off with the asura. On this day 108 diyas are lit and 108 lotuses are offered to the goddess, each for a different form of goddess Durga. (PTI)

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Day 4 – Navami: As per Hindu Mythology, it is believed that on the ninth day, known as Maha Navami, Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasur. On this day, Kumari Pujo or Kanya Pujan takes place on this day where young girls are disguised as goddess Durga and worshipped. (File Image)

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Day 5 – Dashami: Also known as Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra, this is the last day of the 10-day-long festival of Durga Puja. It is believed that on this day Maa Durga returns to her husband, Lord Shiva, on Mount Kailash. It marks the celebration of righteousness over evil. (HT Photo/Prateek Choudhury)