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Grand commencement of Durga Puja with Mahashashti at Belur Math.
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News18•17-10-2026, 16:46
Grand commencement of Durga Puja with Mahashashti at Belur Math.
- •Durga Puja rituals officially commenced on Friday morning with Mahashashti at Belur Math, located in the Howrah district of West Bengal.
- •The celebrations began with traditional devotion, starting with the Kalparambha ritual to invoke Goddess Durga, followed by Bodhan in the evening.
- •Marking 125 years of tradition initiated by Swami Vivekananda in 1901, this sacred puja avoids animal sacrifice, offering fruits and vegetables instead as requested by Sarada Devi.
- •Thousands of devotees gathered on the banks of the Ganges to witness the festivities and partake in khichdi prasad, transcending barriers of caste and religion.
Key Questions Answered
Swami Vivekananda initiated the Durga Puja tradition at Belur Math in 1901, meaning the 2026 celebrations mark the 125th anniversary of its inception.
Because Sarada Devi was strongly against the practice of animal sacrifice, Swami Vivekananda established a tradition of offering fruits and vegetables as a symbolic sacrifice instead.
According to the official schedule released by Belur Math, the Durga Puja rituals for 2026 are set to be held across three days on October 18, 19, and 20.
