West Bengal Devotees Flock to Temples and Pandals to Celebrate Maha Ashtami

Kolkata | September 30, 2025 : Maha Ashtami, one of the most revered and spiritually significant days of Durga Puja, was celebrated across West Bengal on Tuesday with great devotion, rituals, and enthusiasm. From the early hours of the morning, devotees thronged temples and puja pandals in various districts, offering prayers to Goddess Durga and participating in traditional rituals that mark this auspicious day.

The festival, regarded as the spiritual high point of the Durga Puja celebrations, attracted large gatherings in Murshidabad, Kolaghat, East Midnapore, and Kolkata. With chants of mantras, the beats of dhak drums, and vibrant decorations adorning pandals, the atmosphere across the state was charged with faith and festivity.

Women-led Puja in Murshidabad

In Murshidabad, the Arunachal Durga Puja Committee, led entirely by women, took the lead in organizing Maha Ashtami rituals. The unique initiative drew the attention of devotees and locals alike, as women priests and volunteers coordinated the Pushpanjali offerings, prayers, and other spiritual activities. The committee’s efforts to highlight women’s participation in religious spaces created a celebratory yet inclusive environment, welcoming hundreds of worshippers throughout the day.

Rural Creativity in Kolaghat

In Kolaghat, East Midnapore, villagers showcased their creative spirit at the fifth edition of the Pulashita village Durga Puja. The pandal drew admiration for its rural-themed decorations, crafted entirely by local artisans using natural and traditional materials. Visitors were treated to a blend of spirituality and craftsmanship, as the pavilion became a cultural hub alongside the religious rituals. The morning saw hundreds of devotees gather for the Ashtami Pushpanjali, while cultural performances in the evening kept the festive energy alive.

Participation Across East Midnapore

Elsewhere in East Midnapore, the Kanthi Nandanik Durgotsav Committee witnessed a steady influx of devotees. Long lines formed as families came together to offer prayers and seek blessings. The pandal is also scheduled to host State Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, who is expected to visit and pay his respects, further drawing attention to the celebrations.

Spiritual Vibrance in Kolkata

In Kolkata, the heart of Durga Puja festivities, major pandals came alive with waves of worshippers carrying Belpatra leaves and flowers for the Ashtami Pushpanjali. Organizers managed the massive turnout by arranging prayers in multiple phases to avoid overcrowding. The city echoed with the rhythmic sounds of dhaks, devotional songs, and the chanting of mantras, creating a deeply spiritual environment. Streets were decorated with colorful lights, while food stalls and cultural events added to the festive charm.

Celebrations Beyond Bengal

The spirit of Maha Ashtami was not limited to West Bengal alone. In Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, devotees gathered at local temples to worship Goddess Durga. Temple priest Venkateshwara Shastri explained the spiritual essence of Ashtami, noting that offering prayers on this day is believed to remove poverty, fear, and sorrow while granting divine blessings, prosperity, and courage.

Significance of Maha Ashtami

Maha Ashtami holds deep mythological importance, commemorating Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demons Chanda, Munda, and Raktabija. This victory is celebrated as the eternal symbol of good prevailing over evil. On this day, devotees also worship Maa Mahagauri, an incarnation of Adi Shakti, who represents purity, serenity, and calmness. Worshippers believe that prayers to Mahagauri bring peace, spiritual strength, and inner balance.

As the celebrations concluded for the day, devotees across West Bengal and beyond carried home not only blessings but also a renewed sense of spiritual connection, reflecting the enduring cultural and religious significance of Maha Ashtami.