Durga Puja Shashti is observed on the sixth after Amavasya (no moon) in the Bengali month Ashwin (September – October). Durga Puja Shashti 2023 date is October 20. Goddess Durga is welcomed on Shashti day to Puja pandals. Kalparamba is the beginning of Durga Puja and on the Shashti day, the face of the Goddess Durga Murti (Idol) is unveiled.
Importance of Durga Puja Shashti
The main function of Durga Puja begins on the Maha Sasthi or Sasthi day. It is considered as the unofficial first day of Durga Puja. On this day, the idols of Goddess Durga along with her four children, Ganesha, Kartik (Muruga), Lakshmi and Saraswati are installed in the Durga Puja Pandals. Bodhan and special pujas are done on the day
The most important puja on the day is known as Bodhan, in which the idol is unveiled.
Women keep fast on the day and it is broken in the evening with fruits and luchis or puris. Luchis are a must on the day in many Bengali houses.