Rituals
Shashthi to Dashami: the five days, explained
ষষ্ঠী থেকে দশমী
What happens on each of the main days, so you know what you're seeing.
Public celebrations run from Mahalaya to Bijoya Dashami. The sixth day, Shashthi, is when the main festivities begin.
On Ashtami morning, people offer pushpanjali. Sandhi Puja is performed at the juncture where Ashtami ends and Navami begins, the moment associated with the goddess's battle against the demons Chanda and Munda.
On Bijoya Dashami, women perform sindoor khela, smearing vermilion on the goddess and on each other, before the idols are immersed.
EditorialFor pandal hopping, Saptami to Navami evenings are the busiest. Weekday afternoons and very late nights are usually calmer, but there's no guarantee.
Sources
Source: Wikipedia — Durga Puja
