During Sharadiya Navaratri, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, various special rituals are performed, among which is Sandhi Puja. This rite is performed at the moment of the merging of Mahalaya and Mahanavami. According to religious beliefs, this time is considered extremely important for worshipping the form of Goddess Durga, Chamunda Swarana. During this ritual, the tradition of special worship of the goddess, offering flowers, and lighting lamps is observed.
The most significant moment in Sandhi Puja is the 48-minute period of Sandikala. The following details when Sandhi Puja will be held, its religious significance, and the rules that should be followed during its performance.
The date of Sandhi Puja is determined based on the time of the merging of the dates of Mahalaya and Mahanavami. In 2026, during Sharadiya Navaratri, this puja is scheduled for October 19. According to the Panchang, the time for Sandhi Puja is set from 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM, totaling a period of 48 minutes. This segment includes the last 24 minutes of Mahalaya and the first 24 minutes of Mahanavami, and this interval is called Sandikala. Since the timing of the dates can vary depending on the city, it is strongly recommended to check the exact time in the local Panchang before performing the ritual.
In Hindu religious views, Sandhi Puja is regarded as a special time for worshipping divine power. There is a belief that during the merging of Mahalaya and Mahanavami, Goddess Durga took the form of Chamunda to destroy the demons Chanda and Munda. This is why a special worship of this aspect of the goddess is performed at this time. During Sandhi Puja, devotees pray to Goddess Durga for courage, happiness, prosperity, and family well-being. This ritual also symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the end of injustice. Special attention is given to Sandhi Puja in Bengal and Eastern India during the celebration of Durga Puja.
The main feature of Sandhi Puja is its limited time window. This puja is performed in the interval between the end of Mahalaya and the beginning of Mahanavami, symbolizing the merging of the two dates. According to tradition, during Sandikala, worship of Goddess Durga, chanting of mantras, lighting of lamps, and offering of flowers are performed. Therefore, it is advised to prepare all necessary materials in advance so that the ritual can be completed within the stipulated time.
In some places, there is a tradition of lighting 108 lamps during Sandhi Puja. In religious beliefs, the lamp symbolizes light, faith, and positivity. Devotees express their devotion to Goddess Durga by lighting the lamps. Furthermore, in some traditions, there is a custom of offering 108 lotus flowers to the goddess. However, the methods and materials for performing the worship may differ according to regional traditions. Pilgrims can perform the ritual following their family customs and the advice of their priest.
To begin Sandhi Puja, the place of worship must be purified, and an image or statue of Goddess Durga must be installed. Then, a lamp should be lit before the goddess, and offerings should be made according to your tradition, including flowers, akshata, and fruits. It is necessary to focus on Goddess Durga, recalling her Chamunda Swarna form, before starting the ritual. After this, flowers, fruits, and other objects of worship should be placed before the goddess. The next step is to chant mantras and perform Aarti according to your faith and traditions. It is also important to perform Deepdan—lighting the lamp according to the Sandhi Puja tradition. The ritual should conclude with the offering of flowers, praying to Goddess Durga for happiness, peace, and prosperity. It is crucial to monitor the time during the worship. If you wish to participate in Sandhi Puja at any temple or Durga Puja pandal, inquire about the exact time in advance from the organizers.
Since the auspicious moment of Sandhi Puja lasts only 48 minutes, preparation for all rituals must be done in advance. Lamps, flowers, offerings, and other materials should be prepared in a timely manner. During the worship, reverence and concentration must be maintained, and the time specified in your local Panchang must be strictly followed.
