As the golden sun of the Chaitra month warms the plains of Bengal and the rest of India, a divine fragrance of incense and blooming Palash flowers fills the air. While the world is familiar with the grand autumnal Durga Puja, the spring season brings with it a more ancient, soulful, and aesthetically profound celebration: Basanti Puja and Annapurna Puja.
In 2026, Basanti Durga Puja will be celebrated from Thursday, March 26th to Sunday, March 29th, coinciding with the vibrant Chaitra Navratri. Nestled within this festive week is Annapurna Puja, the worship of the Goddess of Nourishment, observed on Friday, March 27, 2026.
Whether you are a devotee seeking the blessings of the “Giver of Food” or a traveler wanting to experience the “Original Durga Puja,” this guide explores the history, rituals, and spiritual significance of these spring festivals.
1. Basanti Puja: The “Original” Durga Puja
Many are surprised to learn that the Durga Puja we celebrate in October (Akal Bodhan) was an “untimely” invocation started by Lord Rama. The Basanti Puja is the original, seasonal worship of the Goddess established by King Suratha in ancient times.
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The Legend of King Suratha: According to the Devi Mahatmya, King Suratha lost his kingdom and sought peace in the forest. Under the guidance of Medhas Muni, he carved an idol of Durga from clay and worshipped her during the spring (Basant). The Goddess appeared and restored his kingdom, marking the birth of Basanti Puja.
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The Rituals: The ceremonies follow the same pattern as the autumn puja—Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami. However, the atmosphere is more serene, intimate, and traditional, focusing on the Vedic roots of the Mother Goddess.
2. Annapurna Puja: The Goddess of Infinite Nourishment
Falling on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami of the Chaitra month, Annapurna Puja is a spectacle of devotion, particularly in Varanasi and Bengal.
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The Divine Iconography: Goddess Annapurna is depicted holding a golden pot of kheer in one hand and a jeweled ladle in the other. Standing before her is Lord Shiva, the beggar-god, seeking alms.
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The Philosophy: This imagery serves as a profound reminder that even the Great Destroyer, Shiva, acknowledges the feminine energy (Shakti) as the source of all sustenance. As long as Annapurna resides in the world, no soul shall go hungry.
3. Key Rituals of Annapurna and Basanti Puja 2026
The “Annakoot” (Mountain of Food)
The most significant ritual of Annapurna Puja is the Annakoot. Devotees offer a massive variety of vegetarian dishes—rice, dals, vegetables, and sweets—arranged like a mountain before the Goddess. This food is later distributed as Mahaprasad, symbolizing that the Goddess feeds all her children.
Sandhi Puja
Just like in the autumn festival, the transition between Ashtami and Navami (the Sandhi moment) is the most powerful time. In 2026, thousands will gather in traditional households (Bonedi Bari) to witness the lighting of 108 lamps and the rhythmic beat of the Dhak.
Kumari Pujan
Worshipping young girls as the physical embodiment of the Goddess is a staple of Basanti Puja. It reinforces the sanctity of the girl child and the omnipresence of the Divine Feminine.
