Festival pujas Durga Puja
Durga Puja Vidhi in Melbourne · Maithili
The rituals of Durga Puja from Bodhon and Shashthi to Sandhi Puja on Ashtami-Navami and Sindoor Khela and Bisarjan on Dashami.
Why is Durga Puja Vidhi performed?
Durga Puja celebrates the goddess's victory over Mahishasura and her annual homecoming with her children.
Who performs it?
Bengali, Assamese and Odia communities and Bengali associations worldwide; usually led by a purohit at a community pandal.
When to perform it
In the Ashwin month (Sharad Navaratri), from Shashthi to Dashami, with Sandhi Puja at the meeting of Ashtami and Navami.
Preparing at home
Community pujas begin months ahead with idol orders and pandal building. Households doing a home puja need a purohit, the nabapatrika (nine plants), 108 lotuses and lamps for Sandhi Puja, and bhog ingredients.
After the puja
On Dashami married women play Sindoor Khela, the idol is immersed, and people greet each other with Bijoya wishes and sweets in the days that follow.
Regional traditions
Bengali pujas centre on pandals, pushpanjali and bhog; in Assam and Odisha local customs add their own rituals; Bengali associations abroad often hold the puja on the nearest weekend.
Things to avoid
Pandals get extremely crowded — keep children close, carry water, and follow the organisers’ instructions on immersion day.
Puja vidhi — step by step
- Shashthi — Bodhon — The goddess is invoked and her face unveiled.
- Saptami — Nabapatrika snan — The kola bou is bathed and installed beside Ganesha.
- Ashtami — Pushpanjali and Sandhi Puja — Flower offerings in the morning; Sandhi Puja with 108 lotuses and lamps at the junction of Ashtami and Navami.
- Navami — Bhog and havan — Grand bhog and havan.
- Dashami — Sindoor Khela and Bisarjan — Married women play with sindoor; the idol is immersed.
Families and pandits follow different traditions; your pandit may add or skip steps.
Samagri — what you need
- Roli / kumkum
- Haldi (turmeric)
- Akshat (unbroken rice)
- Flowers and garlands
- Incense sticks
- Diya, ghee and cotton wicks
- Camphor
- Betel leaves and supari
- Fruits
- Sweets for prasad
- Coconut
- Kalash with mango leaves
- Gangajal
- Red/yellow cloth for the altar
- 108 lotuses (for Sandhi Puja)
- 108 diyas
- Bel leaves
- Kola bou (banana plant) for Nabapatrika
- Sindoor
Most pandits bring the special items; confirm the list when they contact you. Full Durga Puja samagri list
Aarti & mantra for this puja
Pandits in Melbourne
No pandits in Melbourne are listed on MyPujaWorld yet — send a request below and our coordinator will find one who speaks Maithili. Are you a pandit in Melbourne? List your services free.
Upcoming pujas and festivals in Melbourne
- Melbourne Diwali 2026 October 31, 2026 (Sat)
Request a pandit in Melbourne
Need a pandit for Durga Puja Vidhi? Tell us your city, language and date — a coordinator will contact you on WhatsApp. No payment on MyPujaWorld.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a pandit for Durga Puja Vidhi in Melbourne?
Fill in the Request a Pandit form on this page with your date and preferred language (Maithili). A coordinator will contact you on WhatsApp with a pandit available in Melbourne.
What time is Sandhi Puja?
It is held in the 48 minutes spanning the end of Ashtami and start of Navami — check the pandal's schedule.
How much does it cost?
Dakshina varies by city, the pandit's experience and how elaborate the puja is. Ask for a clear quote — including samagri — when the pandit contacts you.
Find a pandit in your city
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