Families who want to do a proper Durga pooja often struggle with the kalash, the sequence and how to include the family. A pandit leads the worship and the steps so you can sit and take part.
Why it is done
Durga is worshipped across India as the goddess associated with strength. Many families hold Durga Puja during Navratri or on other family occasions, with kalash sthapana, worship and aarti. Bengali Durga Puja is a separate community festival with its own customs.
Who it is for
Families who observe Navratri; households that do Durga worship on a family occasion; first-time hosts who want a pandit to guide the sequence.
When to do it
Many families choose Navratri, often the first day for kalash sthapana and the later days for visarjan, but customs vary. Your pandit can suggest muhurat options and your family's custom takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 1 hour for the standard ceremony; about 1.5 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video version works well if the family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You arrange the samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes it easier.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: about 22 steps over roughly 1 hour with one pandit, covering Ganesh worship, sankalp, kalash and Durga worship, aarti and prasad.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: about 33 steps over roughly 1.5 hours with one pandit, with a fuller worship sequence including 108 names recitation.
Choose the standard for a family pooja. Choose the extended if you want a fuller worship with more time.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself. The Vedic Rituals Navratri Pooja Kit packs related essentials if you want to arrange samagri yourself; your pandit will tell you if anything specific to this ritual needs adding.
The sequence
- Purification and sankalp
- Ganesh and Gauri worship
- Kalash sthapana
- Invocation of Durga
- Worship with sixteen offerings
- Recitation of Durga's names
- Aarti and pushpanjali
- Prasad distribution
How to prepare
- Clean the space and prepare a raised surface
- Keep a kalash, Durga image or yantra ready
- Keep flowers, fruits and sweets ready
- Plan whether you will also do visarjan or a havan
- Decide whether you will use the pandit's samagri or your own
Who should attend
Household members, with the head of the family or couple at the main worship. Guests can join for the aarti.
Your tradition
Bengali Durga Puja, North Indian Navratri and Gujarati Navratri differ widely in rituals. The sequence we describe is a general one. Tell us your tradition when booking.
Safety
The ritual uses diyas and incense. Keep lamps on a stable surface, away from curtains and decorations, and keep children and pets at a safe distance.
Questions
Is this the same as Bengali Durga Puja? No. Bengali Durga Puja is a larger community festival. This is a family-level Durga pooja.
How long should I plan for? About 1 hour for the standard and about 1.5 hours for the extended ceremony.
Is visarjan included? This can be arranged separately. Ask us when booking.
Can we do it on video? Often yes. You arrange samagri and a helper at home.
Do I need an idol? Families differ. Many use an image, kalash or yantra. Ask the pandit if unsure.