Durga Puja Sashti is the sixth day of the Durga Puja festival. In the Day of Sashti all devotee believe that Goddess Durga Ma descends on earth with his four children Ganesh, Karthik, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The colourful idols of the Goddess Durga the handcrafted and installed for the festival are unveiled. Durga Puja typically spans over four to five days and culminates with the immersion of the idol of Goddess Durga in water on the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dashami.
Time of Durga Puja 2023: Sashti
Sashti is the sixth day of the festival and marks the formal beginning of the Durga Puja celebrations. It usually falls on the sixth day of the lunar calendar month of Ashwin, which is in September or October of the Gregorian calendar. Shasti Tithi Starts – October 20,2023-12:31 am and Ends – October 20,2023-11:24 pm “Kalparambho” Shasthi Puja Within 8:31am Durga Devi “BODHON”,”Amantran” and “Adhibas” In the evening.
The main rituals on Sashti include:
- Kalparambho: The ritual perform before the comencement of the puja precedes Bondhon, Amontron and Adibas.
- Bodhon: This is the ritual of awakening the goddess. The priest or designated person performs the Bodhon by chanting mantras and offering various items to the goddess.
- Amantran: The formal invitation of the goddess to the earthly abode is done on Sashti. The idol of the goddess is symbolically invited to descend and bless the devotees.
- Adhibas: This is the welcoming of the goddess to the pandal and it involves aarti (ceremonial lamp) and various offerings.
- Naibedya: Special offerings, including sweets, fruits, and other vegetarian delicacies, made to the goddess as part of the puja.
- Arati: The devotees offer arati (waving of lamps) to the goddess, accompanied by the chanting of mantras.
- Cultural Programs: Many Durga Puja committees organize cultural programs and performances on Sashti and the subsequent days of the festival.
The pandals are beautifully decorated and people visit them to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga and enjoy the cultural festivities, which often include music, dance, and art exhibitions. The celebrations continue until Vijaya Dashami when the goddess immersed in water, marking the end of the festival.
Some common wishes and greetings for Durga Puja Sashti:
- “Shubho Durga Puja Sashti! May the blessings of Goddess Durga bring happiness, peace, and prosperity into your life.”
- “On this auspicious day of Sashti, may Maa Durga shower her divine grace upon you and your family. Shubho Sashti!”
- “Wishing you a joyful and blessed Durga Puja Sashti. May the goddess fill your life with love and good fortune.”
- “May the divine mother Durga bless you with strength, wisdom, and success on this Sashti. Shubho Durga Puja!”
- “As we welcome Maa Durga into our homes and hearts on Sashti, may she remove all obstacles and bring joy to your life. Shubho Sashti!”
- “Let’s celebrate the arrival of the goddess with devotion and enthusiasm. Shubho Durga PujaSashti to you and your loved ones!”
- “May the divine energy of Goddess Durga guide you to the path of righteousness and protect you from all evil. Shubho Sashti!”
- “On this Sashti, may the goddess fill your life with peace, prosperity, and good health. Shubho Durga Puja!”
- “Wishing you a colorful and vibrant Durga Puja Sashti filled with cultural festivities and spiritual blessings.”
- “May the sound of Dhak and the fragrance of Dhunuchi dance fill your home with joy on this Durga Puja Sashti. Shubho Sashti!”
