Maha-shashthi
On this day Goddess Durga arrives to the mortal world from her heavenly abode, accompanied by her four children – Ganesha, Kartik, Lakshmi and Saraswati. She is welcomed with much fanfare amidst the beats of dhak. A small banana tree dressed in yellow silk cloth with red border is carried to the tent (Mandap) in a grand procession. The tree is thereafter kept beside the idol of elephant headed God, Ganesha. This tree is worshipped as a goddess and is supposed to be lord Ganesha’s wife. Unveiling the face of the idol is the main ritual on this day. Kalaparambho, the ritual performed before the commencement of the puja precedes Bodhon, Amontron and Adibas.

Maha-saptami
Saptami is the first day of Durga puja. Kola Bow or Nabapatrika is given a pre-dawn bath. This is an ancient ritual of worshiping nine types of plants. They are together worshiped as a symbol of the goddess. The main Saptami Puja follows Kalparambho and Mahasnan.

Maha-astami

With the onset of the eighth-day begins with recital of Sanskrit hymns in community puja pandals and a series of semi-fasting process (not fasting for the whole day) known as Anjali. Apart from the traditional recitation of hymns and shlokas, Asthami Puja is associated with Kumari Puja, or worshipping the girl child. As the day wore on, it was time for the important Sandhi Puja, which marks the inter-linking of the Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. Nabami Puja begins right after Sandhi Puja. In all these days, bhog (auspicious food offerings to Maa Durga) is surrendered to the Devi, which is later served to the devotees.

Maha-navami
This is the concluding day of Durga Puja. The main Navami puja begins after the end of Sandhi Puja. The Navami Bhog is offered to the goddess. This is later partaken as prasad by the devotees.

Dashami

After the three days of Puja, finally dawns Dashami, also known as Vijay Dashami, the day when Devi finally defeats Mahishasur. On this day immersion of the clay idols take place (Visarjan) amidst music, beat of drums and chanting of mantras. It is also the day when married women play with vermilion (Sindur), known as Sindur Khela. Thereafter, the idol of goddess is immersed into a water body, signifying her return to her husband Shiv’s home in Mount Kailash.