Durga Puja 2026 rituals officially commenced on Friday morning with the observance of Mahashashti at Belur Math, located in the Howrah district of West Bengal. The sacred celebrations are being conducted at the international headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, an institution originally established by Swami Vivekananda. The commencement of these festivities brought together traditional devotion, classical scriptures, and the historical conventions laid down by Swami Vivekananda. In his writings, Swami Vivekananda described this establishment as a vibrant center whose immaculate rays could illuminate the entire world and bring meaningful transformation to human life.
Kalparambh and Ritualistic Kalash Installation
The religious proceedings began early Friday morning with the active participation of the monks of Belur Math. The opening ritual performed was Kalparambh, which serves as the traditional symbol for the formal inauguration of the Durga Puja festivities. During this sacred ritual, a Kalash is installed, acting as a profound symbol of the divine presence of Goddess Durga. This preliminary rite is conducted specifically to invoke the Goddess and welcome her divine presence ahead of the main worship ceremonies.
Awakening and Evening Invocation Rites
In accordance with the long-standing traditions upheld at Belur Math for decades, prominent evening rituals including Bodhan are scheduled to take place on Friday. Bodhan is revered as the ritual dedicated to the awakening and formal invocation of Goddess Durga, holding immense significance within the framework of Durga Puja. Flowers were respectfully offered at the statues of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, his wife and spiritual companion Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. Thousands of devotees and followers gathered in large numbers at the sprawling Belur Math premises situated along the banks of the Ganges to witness the inauguration of these grand festivities.
Spiritual Significance and Universal Welfare
A Belur Math official shared that the Durga Puja celebration at the math, which was initiated by Swamiji keeping the philosophy of Sri Thakur Ramakrishna in mind, continues to be observed with the exact same purity today. The celebration imparts the core message of enshrining Goddess Durga within one's own heart. We earnestly pray to Goddess Durga to bestow welfare upon the entire universe and annihilate all demonic tendencies lurking within human hearts.
A 125-Year Legacy Free of Animal Sacrifice
Swami Vivekananda initiated Durga Puja at Belur Math back in 1901, making the 2026 celebrations the momentous 125th anniversary of this historic tradition. This celebration holds a unique distinction because it completely eschews animal sacrifice. Since Sarada Devi was strictly opposed to the practice of animal sacrifice, Swamiji instituted a tradition where fruits and vegetables are offered as a symbolic sacrifice during the festival. In this inclusive worship format established by Swamiji, people from all walks of life, regardless of their caste, religion, or creed, sit together side by side and are served khichdi as prasad.
