Maha Shashthi 2025: Date, Significance And Rituals For Kalprarambha, Akal Bodhon, Amantran And Adhivas

Maha Shashthi 2025 marks the commencement of Durga Puja festivities in West Bengal. According to traditional beliefs, Goddess Durga arrives at her father's house with her four children, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati during Devi Paksha. During the Durga Puja festivities, Maa Durga idol is ceremoniously unveiled in pandals and temples. In search of Maa Durga's blessings and happiness, devotees greet her with great anticipation. Families gather to honour the goddess in this joyous setting that is brimming with devotion, music and celebration.

Maha Shashthi 2025: Date

This year, Maha Shashthi will be observed on 28th September 2025, Sunday.

Maha Shashthi 2025: Significance And Rituals For Kalprarambha, Akal Bodhon, Amantran And Adhivas

In West Bengal, Kalparambha, which usually falls on the Shashthi Tithi of the lunar month, signifies the start of Durga Puja ceremonies. In other states, this ceremony has similarities to Bilva Nimantran, in which the goddess Durga is invited to reside in a Kalash or Bilva tree. The act of inviting her is known as Amantran, and dwelling her spirit is Adhivas. This sacred ritual sets the tone for the festivities.

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The sacred day of Maha Shashthi marks the commencement of Durga Puja celebrations. (Image Source: Canva) 

The best time to perform the invocation is Sanyakal, a 2-hour and 24-minute window before sunset. Kalparambha is also known as Akal Bodhon, meaning untimely invocation of Goddess Durga. According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Rama performed Akal Bodhon before waging war against Ravana, seeking her blessings to rescue his wife Sita. This mythological event is believed to have started the tradition of Sharad Navratri and Durga Puja.

The three-day Durga Puja festival in West Bengal is a scaled-down version of the nine-day Navratri festival celebrated in other states. Navratri can be celebrated for seven, five, three, two or even one day, according to the religious texts. The purpose of the festival is still to ask Goddess Durga for protection and blessings, despite these changes.

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Kalparambha is symbolically similar to Ghatasthapana or Kalashsthapana, performed on the Pratipada Tithi of Navratri. This ritual marks the beginning of the festivities, filling the air with devotion and anticipation. As the celebrations unfold, devotees come together to honour Goddess Durga, seeking her blessings and joy.

(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)