“Durga Puja Navratri has always been the biggest festival for us Bengalis, no matter where we are. Even here in Hyderabad, it brings us together in a traditional and lively way, blending our Bengali rituals with the local Bathukamma festivities.

Shardiya Navratri is auspicious, as devotees bring Goddess Durga idols home and keep them for nine days, ending with the Durga Visarjan on Vijayadashami. This year, Shardiya Navratri begins on September 22, 2025, and concludes on October 2, 2025.

Back in the mid 1900s, a small group of Bengalis settled in Hyderabad, and my family was part of that community, carrying forward our traditions and staying closely connected with each other.

Each day of Navratri has its own charm, but the main days, Panchami, Sashti, Saptami, Maha Ashtami, and Maha Navami, are when families and friends gather, visiting different pandals across Hyderabad. In these moments, the Durga Puja rituals, the food, the music, the Dhunuchi dance, and the cultural programs make the festival truly come alive. Seeing people from different communities celebrate together reminds us why we continue these traditions and gives the city a festive energy every year.”