1. BANGLADESH

In Bangladesh, the vibrant festival of Durga Puja, known as Bijoya Dashami, transforms the landscape with color and devotion. This grand celebration, a national holiday, features beautifully adorned pandals—temporary temples—throughout the country.

The festivities begin with Mahalaya when homes and pandals are cleaned and decorated. On Shashthi, the sixth day, the stunning idols of Durga and her four children—Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartik—are installed.

Saptami, the seventh day, marks the beginning of heartfelt prayers and floral tributes from devoted worshippers. The following days are filled with special rituals and joyous celebrations.

On the final day, Dashami, a bittersweet farewell unfolds as the crafted idols are immersed in rivers and lakes, symbolizing the goddess's return to her heavenly abode, leaving behind cherished memories and renewed spirits.

2. NEPAL

In Nepal, the vibrant celebration of Durga Puja takes on a unique form known as Dashain, a festival that unfolds over an enchanting 15 days. The first nine days are dedicated to the powerful worship of Goddess Durga, while the final six days honor her divine consort, Lord Shiva.

The festivities commence with Ghatasthapana, the first day, when devotees ceremoniously plant barley seeds in a pot of soil. This act symbolizes the goddess Durga herself, and the sprouting barley is revered throughout the festival as a living representation of her blessings.

As the day's progress, the seventh day, Fulpati, arrives with fragrant offerings of flowers presented to the goddess, infusing the air with a sense of devotion and celebration.

The climax of Dashain occurs on the tenth day, known as Tika. On this special day, family members gather to receive tika—an auspicious red mark—from their elders, a gesture imbued with love and blessings. This tika is believed to carry the divine blessings of both Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva, marking a time of renewal, unity, and gratitude as the festival draws to a close.

3. UNITED STATES

In the United States, the vibrant celebration of Durga Puja brings communities together in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Here, pandals rise in community centers and temples, transforming spaces into vibrant havens of devotion where devotees gather to honor the goddess Durga.

As the festival culminates on the tenth day, a poignant and joyous immersion ceremony takes place. Idols of Durga, beautifully adorned and filled with the love of worshippers, are taken to rivers and lakes for their final farewell. In New York, this heartfelt ritual unfolds along the picturesque Hudson River, where the idols are gently immersed, symbolizing the goddess's return to her divine home. The air is charged with emotion as the community comes together to celebrate, reflect, and share in the blessings of the season, weaving a rich tapestry of tradition in a land far from its origins.

4. UNITED KINGDOM

In the United Kingdom, the vibrant spirit of Durga Puja comes alive as pandals spring up in temples and community centers across the nation. This festival is embraced with enthusiasm and joy, uniting devotees in a shared celebration of the goddess Durga.

As the festival reaches its climax on the tenth day, a heartfelt immersion ceremony takes place. Idols of Durga, resplendent and filled with devotion, are lovingly carried to rivers and lakes for their final farewell. In London, this poignant ritual unfolds along the iconic River Thames, where the idols are gently immersed, symbolizing the goddess's return to her celestial realm. The atmosphere is electric, filled with reverence and community spirit, as participants reflect on the blessings of the season while honoring their cultural roots in a new land.