Durga Pooja · माँ दुर्गा पूजा

The 14 steps

1. 🪔 Diya Lighting (दीप प्रज्वलन) — Every pooja begins with light. Light the diya and set it before the deity.
2. 🙏 Devi Vandana (देवी वंदना) — Invoke Maa Durga with the Devi stuti, one line at a time.
3. 🏺 Kalash Sthapana (कलश स्थापना) — The kalash holds the waters of every sacred river. Build it layer by layer, then set it on the altar.
4. 🤲 Sankalp (संकल्प) — The sankalp is your resolve: who you are, and why you perform this pooja. Hold water in your hands and say it.
5. 🌼 Pushpa Arpan (पुष्प अर्पण) — Offer flowers at the deity's feet, one by one.
6. 🌫️ Dhoop (धूप) — Light the dhoop and wave its fragrance before the deity three times.
7. 🪔 Deepak (दीप दर्शन) — Offer the lamp: circle the diya before the deity, clockwise, three times.
8. 📿 Mantra Jap (मंत्र जाप) — Tap the mala once for each recitation: ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः
9. 🍌 Pooja Offerings (नैवेद्य) — Offer food and fruit to the deity. Tap each offering to place it on the platter.
10. 🔥 Havan (हवन · आहुति) — Lay the samidha, light the sacred fire, and offer ahuti with each mantra.
11. 🔔 Ghanta Naad (घंटा नाद) — Ring the bell to invite the divine and dispel all that is not.
12. 🪔 Aarti (आरती) — Light the aarti thali and wave it before the deity as you sing.
13. 🍬 Prasad (प्रसाद) — Offer the prasad to be blessed, then receive it back with both hands.
14. 🙏 Final Prayer (क्षमा प्रार्थना) — Close by asking forgiveness for anything done imperfectly, and wishing well to all.