Festivals in West Bengal in October 2025
October is a particularly significant month for festivals in West Bengal, marked by the grand celebrations of Durga Puja, the arrival of Goddess Durga, and the continued festivities leading up to Kali Puja. This time of the year sees a confluence of cultural, religious, and spiritual events that bring the entire state to life with colors, music, dances, prayers, and processions. October 2025 will be no different, with these traditional festivities continuing to be a cornerstone of the region’s vibrant culture and spiritual heritage.
Read More About Hindu Philosophy
1. Durga Puja – The Grandest Festival of West Bengal
Date: October 1 – October 5, 2025
Durga Puja, celebrated to honor Goddess Durga, is undoubtedly the most significant festival in West Bengal. It is the epitome of Bengal’s cultural and religious fervor, attracting millions of devotees, tourists, and artists from all around the world. The festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Rituals and Traditions:
- Mahashashthi: The celebrations begin on Mahashashthi, the sixth day of the festival. On this day, the Goddess’s idol is brought to the pandal (temporary temple), and rituals such as chandi path (chanting of sacred verses) and the anandamela (feast) are held. The atmosphere is charged with excitement as the community gets together for the grand start of the festival.
- Mahasaptami & Ashtami: The seventh and eighth days—Mahasaptami and Ashtami—are significant, especially with the kumari puja (worship of a virgin girl as the Goddess) performed during Ashtami. The sandhi puja (a special ritual performed at the intersection of Ashtami and Navami) is one of the most important ceremonies during Durga Puja.
- Navami and Vijayadashami: The ninth day, Navami, marks the culmination of the worship, and on Vijayadashami, the idols of Durga are immersed in the rivers or other water bodies, symbolizing her return to her celestial abode. Sindoor Khela, a custom of married women smearing vermilion on each other’s faces, is one of the most famous rituals on this day.
Cultural Impact:
Durga Puja is not just a religious observance; it is also an art and cultural festival. The pandals are designed with creativity, often adopting themes that range from traditional mythological depictions to modern-day issues. The dhunuchi naach (dance with incense burners) and bhog prasad (food offerings) are integral to the festivities. The festival also gives rise to a variety of cultural programs, including Bengali music, dance performances, and art exhibitions. In cities like Kolkata, the festival turns into an international spectacle with thousands of tourists visiting just to witness the grandeur of Durga Puja.
2. Mahalaya – The Spiritual Prelude to Durga Puja
Date: October 5, 2025
Mahalaya is an important prelude to Durga Puja, marking the beginning of the Goddess’s descent to earth. The day is filled with rituals, prayers, and spiritual significance. It is the time when Bengalis believe that the Goddess Durga embarks on her journey from the heavens to her earthly abode.
Rituals and Traditions:
- Tarpan (Ancestral Worship): On Mahalaya, Bengalis perform tarpan rituals, where they offer water, sesame seeds, and barley to appease their ancestors. This is believed to invoke blessings for prosperity and peace.
- Chandi Path and Radio Broadcasts: One of the highlights of Mahalaya is the broadcast of “Mahalaya” on All India Radio, which has been a tradition for decades. The broadcast, featuring the recitation of the Chandi Path (sacred hymns) and prayers dedicated to Goddess Durga, sets the mood for the upcoming Durga Puja. It is a beloved part of Bengali culture, often bringing nostalgic memories for people who grew up listening to it.
Cultural Importance:
Mahalaya is not only a day of religious observance but also a cultural marker for the arrival of Durga Puja. The day invokes a sense of anticipation and devotion, preparing the hearts and minds of Bengalis for the grand festivities to follow. It is also a time to honor one’s ancestors and seek their blessings for the upcoming year.
3. Kali Puja – A Powerful Tribute to Goddess Kali
Date: October 27, 2025
After Durga Puja, the focus shifts to Kali Puja, which falls in the New Moon phase (Amavasya) of Kartika month in the Hindu calendar. Kali Puja is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali, the embodiment of power, destruction, and transformation.
Rituals and Traditions:
- Worship of Kali: On Kali Puja, devotees set up elaborate shrines to honor Goddess Kali, offering flowers, sweets, fruits, and alcoholic offerings (as per the tradition). Rituals often involve the chanting of mantras and the performance of Homa (sacred fire rituals).
- Night Celebrations: Kali Puja is usually celebrated at night, and the rituals continue through the night until early morning. The focus is on invoking Kali’s fierce form to destroy all evil and bring about prosperity and peace.
- Pandals and Decorations: Like Durga Puja, Kali Puja also sees temporary pandals dedicated to Kali, adorned with lights, decorations, and idols of the Goddess. The night is filled with devotional music, dance, and prayers that create an electrifying atmosphere.
Cultural Impact:
Kali Puja is not just about religious rituals but also has a deep cultural significance in Bengal. It is a festival that represents strength and transformation. Kali Puja, along with the Deepawali celebrations, marks the triumph of light over darkness. The festival is particularly important in Kolkata, where the grand celebrations include processions, feasts, and cultural events.
4. Sharad Purnima – A Night of Reverence and Offerings
Date: October 5, 2025
Sharad Purnima, also known as the Kaumudi Mahotsav, is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Ashvin (October), following Durga Puja. It is a festival that marks the harvest season and celebrates the divine energy of Moon God Chandra.
Rituals and Traditions:
- Kheer Bhog: Devotees prepare kheer (a sweet dish) and offer it to the deities during the night, especially in temples. It is believed that the moonlight on Sharad Purnima has healing properties and blesses the food prepared during the night.
- Dancing and Singing: Sharad Purnima is also a time for cultural expressions, including folk dances and songs dedicated to the moon and the Goddess Durga. The festive spirit continues as people come together to celebrate the beauty of the night.
Cultural Significance:
Sharad Purnima is associated with harvest time and the beauty of the full moon. In Bengal, it is seen as a festival of abundance, connecting the cycles of nature with human celebrations. The focus is on offering thanks for the harvest and seeking blessings for prosperity
