Durga Puja 2025 is almost here, and the excitement is heavy in the air! For millions across the world—especially Bengalis—it’s the most awaited time of the year. It’s when we set aside our daily stress and lose ourselves in four days of pure joy, devotion, and celebration.

We wait eagerly for Maa Durga’s homecoming as she arrives with her four children—Kartikeya, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Lakshmi—to her earthly abode. The world around us transforms as the season unfolds—the gentle sway of Kash flowers in the breeze, the heavenly fragrance of Shiuli blossoms at dawn, the blue skies with soft white clouds drifting by, and that unmistakable, intoxicating scent of Saptaparni trees. It’s as if nature itself is whispering, “Maa is coming home.”

Gearing up for Durga Puja 2025

Now, let’s be real, while the rituals and the delicious food is fun, we all wait to dress up and slay with your killer looks. Durga Puja is the time to revamp your wardrobe with new clothes, out of which the saree finds a special place.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what saree to wear on each day of the puja with its meaning. So, you won’t only look gorgeous but also have a deep connection to the saree you wear during the festivities.

Mahalaya – Welcoming Goddess Durga

Mahalaya is when the festive spirit truly begins to stir. It marks the time when Goddess Durga starts her journey from Mount Kailash to her earthly home. One of the most cherished traditions of this day is waking up to Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s soulful recitation of the Chandi Path. The moment those sacred verses fill the air, you can feel the excitement building—it’s the first sign that Durga Puja is just around the corner.

Chokku Daan is one of the most special and sacred moments leading up to Durga Puja. It’s the ritual where the eyes of Maa Durga’s idol are painted, bringing her to life in the truest sense. This usually happens at dawn on Mahalaya, and it’s such a magical sight to witness. The moment the artist paints the final stroke, it feels as if the goddess herself has arrived. It’s a beautiful blend of devotion and artistry, marking the beginning of the celebrations and filling everyone’s hearts with a deep sense of reverence and excitement.

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Saree for Mahalaya

Light Muslin sarees and cotton handloom sarees in soft pastel colors like powder pink, cream and lavender are in this year. Complete the look with a bindi and minimal jewelry like earrings.

Significance

Mahalaya symbolizes devotion and gearing up for the festival. Airy and light sarees reflect spirituality and purity, making them perfect for the occasion.

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Shasthi- Marks the arrival of Maa Durga

Bodhan is a deeply significant ritual that marks the formal welcome of Goddess Durga to her earthly home. It usually takes place on Mahalaya or the evening of Maha Shashti and symbolizes awakening the goddess from her divine rest. According to tradition, this ritual has its roots in the story of Lord Rama, who invoked Maa Durga before his battle with Ravana, seeking her blessings for victory.

During Bodhan, devotees perform prayers and offerings to invite the goddess into the idol, signifying her arrival among us. It’s a beautiful moment that blends mythology, devotion, and tradition—officially ushering in the Durga Puja festivities and filling the air with joy and spiritual energy.

Saree for Shasthi

Chiffon and silk sarees with light embroidery in hues of peach, sky blue, soft gold or cream integrate well with Shashi’s spirit. This saree works because it evokes a soft aesthetic vibrancy signifying the fresh start of Durga puja rendering a soft glam look.

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Saptami – The puja rituals begin

Saptami marks the true beginning of Durga Puja’s main rituals, setting the tone for the days of celebration ahead. The most important and fascinating part of this day is the Kola Bou Snan—the sacred bath of the Kola Bou, or banana plant.

In this ritual, a banana plant is carefully bathed at dawn in a river or nearby water body, symbolizing purification and the welcoming of divine energy. The plant is then draped in a traditional red-bordered saree and adorned with sindoor, giving it the appearance of a bride. Once dressed, Kola Bou is placed beside Lord Ganesha on the idol’s stage.

Many believe that Kola Bou represents the consort of Ganesha, while others see her as a manifestation of Goddess Durga’s power and fertility. This beautiful tradition celebrates nature’s bounty and reminds us of the deep connection between the divine, the earth, and all living beings. It’s a moment filled with devotion, symbolism, and joy, making Saptami truly special.

Saree for Saptami

Tussar silk and traditional Jamdani sarees in earthy tones like rust orange, mustard and green are the perfect sarees for Saptami. Pair them up with temple jewelry or oxidized pieces for a sophisticated ethnic look. Saptami symbolizes tradition and donning classic weaves keeps you rooted to our beautiful culture.

Asthami- The grand day of Durga puja

Maha Ashtami, the grandest day of Durga Puja, is filled with devotion, spiritual energy, and vibrant celebrations. It marks the moment when Goddess Durga, in her most powerful form as Mahishasura Mardini, began her battle against evil.

The day begins with sacred rituals like Maha Snan, the ceremonial bath of the Goddess, followed by the Maha Ashtami Puja, where devotees offer flowers, fruits, and prayers, seeking her blessings for strength and protection. A key highlight of the morning is Pushpanjali, where people come together to offer flowers while chanting mantras, symbolizing surrender and gratitude.

The Kumari Puja, where a young girl is worshipped as a living embodiment of the Goddess, adds deep spiritual meaning by honoring the divine feminine in its purest form.

As evening approaches, the highly anticipated Sandhi Puja takes place at the exact juncture of Ashtami and Navami. This powerful ritual, marked by the lighting of 108 lamps, sacred chants, and offerings, commemorates the moment when Durga transformed into Chamunda to slay the demons Chanda and Munda.

The day concludes with the offering of bhog, a special meal prepared for the Goddess, which is later distributed as prasad among devotees. With families dressed in their finest traditional attire, pandals filled with music and joy, and communities coming together, Ashtami beautifully captures the essence of Durga Puja — a celebration of faith, courage, and the eternal victory of good over evil.

Saree for Ashtami

Inevitably the white saree with a red border is the timeless classic for Asthami. For the rich opulent evening look, don a Banarasi silk in an intense tone like crimson or gold. The colors red and white work well as the former represents power and the latter purity.

Navami- the sacred night of lights and mantras

Maha Navami, the penultimate day of Durga Puja, carries a profound sense of devotion and reverence as it marks the culmination of the Goddess’s battle against evil. According to mythology, this is the day when Goddess Durga achieved her most powerful form to destroy Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness.

The day begins with Maha Navami Puja, where elaborate rituals are performed with offerings of flowers, incense, and prayers to invoke her blessings. Devotees participate in Pushpanjali, offering flowers as a gesture of surrender and gratitude. A key highlight of the day is the Navami Homa, a sacred fire ritual that signifies purification and the destruction of negative energies, performed with deep devotion and chanting of sacred mantras.

As the day progresses, pandals come alive with devotees and visitors gathered to witness the final grand moments of the festival. Cultural performances, devotional songs, and community feasts bring people together, strengthening bonds of faith and unity. The day concludes with the distribution of bhog and prasad, a symbolic sharing of the Goddess’s blessings.

While Navami is marked by celebration and reverence, it also carries a bittersweet note, as it signals the approaching farewell to the Goddess. It beautifully reflects the spirit of Durga Puja — a powerful reminder that divine strength and goodness will always prevail, even in the face of overwhelming darkness.

Saree for Navami

Opt for a vibrant red or deep maroon with white silk saree with intricate zari or temple borders — colors that symbolize strength and victory. Choose rich fabrics like Banarasi, Kanjivaram, or Tussar to reflect the grandeur of the occasion.

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Dashami- The bitter -sweet goodbye

Vijaya Dashami, the final day of Durga Puja, is an occasion filled with mixed emotions — joy, gratitude, and a touch of sadness. It marks the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, symbolizing the eternal triumph of good over evil. The day begins with the Dashami Puja, where devotees offer their final prayers to the Goddess, expressing thanks for her blessings and protection.

After the rituals, the Goddess is offered Sindoor (vermilion) in a beautiful tradition known as Sindoor Khela, where married women apply sindoor to the idol and to each other, praying for happiness and prosperity. This is followed by the Visarjan (immersion) preparations, where the idol of Durga is readied for her symbolic journey back to her heavenly abode.

As the evening approaches, processions filled with music, chants of “Bolo Durga Mai Ki Jai!”, and dancing devotees accompany the Goddess to the river or water body for immersion. This farewell is both festive and deeply emotional, as it signifies bidding adieu to the Mother while carrying her blessings home.

After the immersion, people visit friends and family to exchange Vijaya greetings, sweets, and warm wishes, celebrating the victory of righteousness and new beginnings. Though Dashami marks the end of Durga Puja, it leaves behind a lasting message of hope, strength, and the belief that light and goodness will always prevail.

Saree for Dashami

A classic red and white saree for the Sindoor Khela is ideal for the final day, as we sorrowfully bid farewell to our beloved goddess. In the evening heavy silks are ideal. Elevate your look with a bold red bindi, statement earrings, and shimmering gold bangles. Red, the color of victory, love, and strength, beautifully honors Maa Durga’s power while celebrating the essence of womanhood.

Tips for Enjoying the Week’s Festivities:

1. Prioritize Comfort: Choose breathable fabrics like light handloom sarees, silk blends, or cotton to stay comfortable throughout the day’s celebrations.

2. Mix & Match: Pair modern blouses with traditional weaves for a trendy twist. Bold, statement jewelry will help you stand out in the crowd.

3. Play with Colors: While red, gold, and white are Durga Puja classics, don’t hesitate to experiment with jewel tones or pastels for a fresh look.

4. Accessorize Smartly: Classic jhumkas or a heritage statement necklace can instantly elevate a simple saree to a glamorous ensemble.

For more Bengali saree style guide tips, check out this post

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Final Note

Durga Puja is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of strength, culture, and beauty. And nothing expresses that better than a well-chosen saree. Whether it’s the simple cottons of Mahalaya or the opulent silks of Navami, each day gives you a chance to showcase a different side of yourself.

So, go ahead, plan your looks, and make this Durga Puja a fashionable, memorable celebration that truly honors Maa Durga!