Of all the moments of Durga Puja, none is as charged as Sandhi Puja. It lasts only 48 minutes: the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami. Its timing is calculated to the minute from the panjika.
The story behind it
According to the Puranas, during Ma Durga's battle with Mahishasura, the demons Chanda and Munda attacked her. From her forehead emerged the fierce Chamunda, who slew them at the exact junction (sandhi) of Ashtami and Navami. Sandhi Puja honours that moment.
108 lotuses, 108 lamps
At our Thakur Dalan, the family prepares for days:
- 108 lotuses are gathered, cleaned and counted, often more than once.
- 108 earthen lamps are arranged in rows before the pratima.
- As the moment begins, the lamps are lit one by one while the purohit chants.
The dhak, which has played without pause for days, falls silent at the start. When the ritual ends, it roars back to life.
Tips if you are visiting
- Check the exact time on our Puja 2027 page. It changes every year.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early; the courtyard fills up fast.
- Photography is not allowed during Sandhi Puja itself.
For many in our family, those 48 minutes, with the lamp light, the silence and then the dhak, are the reason they travel home every year.
