Aparajita Puja

10/07/2026

🌿 Saptami: The Day Maa Comes Alive 🌿

Maha Saptami is when the main worship of Durga Puja begins. At dawn, the Nabapatrika, nine sacred plants bound together with twigs of the Aparajita plant, is bathed, draped in a red-bordered white sari and placed beside Lord Ganesh. Lovingly called Kola Bou, it embodies nine forms of the Goddess, from Brahmani in the banana plant to Lakshmi in the rice plant. Maa is then invoked into her idol, and the worship that follows carries through Ashtami and Navami.

Celebrate Saptami with us on Saturday, Oct 17:
• 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Puja, Aarti, Pushpanjali
• 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Cultural Program
• 5:00 – 7:00 PM: Puja, Aarti, Pushpanjali

📍 Amador Recreation Center, 4443 Black Avenue, Pleasanton
✨ Aparajita Durga Puja 2026 · Oct 16–20 ✨

10/06/2026

10/05/2026

🪔 Shashthi: The Day Ma Durga Comes Home 🪔

Durga Puja truly begins on Shashthi, the sixth day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin. Mahalaya opens Devi Paksha and sets Ma on her journey, but Shashthi is when she is ritually welcomed into her idol and the formal worship begins.

In Bengali tradition, Durga is a beloved daughter returning from Kailash to her parents' home, bringing her four children: Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartik. Shashthi is the day she arrives. The days that follow are her visit, and Dashami is the bittersweet farewell. That is why Durga Puja feels less like a ritual and more like a homecoming.

Join us as we welcome Ma home.
✨ Shakti Foundation Durga Puja 2026 · October 16–20 ✨

10/04/2026

🙏 Why Maa Durga Comes Home, and Why She Leaves 🙏

Every autumn, Maa Durga comes home as Uma, a beloved daughter visiting her parents with her children. Her Bodhan ("awakening") recalls Lord Rama's Akal Bodhan, when he invoked her before his battle with Ravana. On Vijayadashami she returns to Kailash, and we bid her farewell with Sindoor Daan, Dhunuchi Naach and the promise "Asche bochor abar hobe": she will come again next year.

At Aparajita Durga Puja, Oct 16–20 at the Amador Recreation Center, we follow the sacred Panjika (lunar calendar), not just a convenient weekend. From Bodhan on Shashthi to Sandhi Puja at the exact 9:57 PM moment to farewell on Vijayadashami (Tue, Oct 20), we celebrate in step with devotees in Bengal and around the world. Come be part of Maa's homecoming!

📍 4443 Black Avenue, Pleasanton | 🗓️ Oct 16–20
Jai Maa Durga! 🙏

10/03/2026

🔥 Dhunuchi Naach at Aparajita Durga Puja 2026! 🔥

The beat of the dhak, the fragrant smoke of dhuno, and dancers swaying with dhunuchis in hand. Here's a glimpse of last year's Dhunuchi Naach at Aparajita Puja, and this year we're bringing it back to the same venue!

On Vijayadashami, we bid farewell to Maa Durga the true Bengali way: with Sindoor Daan, followed by Dhunuchi Naach, a devotional dance offered to the Goddess with energy, joy and devotion. Whether you've danced it for years or want to try it for the first time, come join the circle!

🗓️ Tuesday, October 20
• 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Puja, Aarti, Pushpanjali
• 5:00 PM: Sindoor Daan & Dhunuchi Naach 💃🔥

📍 Amador Recreation Center, 4443 Black Avenue, Pleasanton

Aparajita Durga Puja runs Oct 16–20, with puja, aarti, a cultural program, Sandhi Puja, Kumari Puja and more. See our earlier post for the full schedule.

Asche bochor abar hobe! 🙏
Jai Maa Durga!

10/02/2026

🌺 Aparajita Durga Puja 2026 🌺
Friday, Oct 16 – Tuesday, Oct 20 | Amador Recreation Center, Pleasanton

Shakti Foundation invites you and your family to celebrate the divine spirit of Maa Durga with five days of devotion, culture and community. All are welcome!

📍 Venue: Amador Recreation Center, 4443 Black Avenue, Pleasanton, CA

🗓️ DAILY SCHEDULE

Maha Shashthi | Fri, Oct 16
• 3:00 – 6:00 PM: Kalash Asthapana, Bodhan Puja, Adibas
• 6:30 – 7:30 PM: Aarti & Pushpanjali
Venue closes 8:30 PM

Maha Saptami | Sat, Oct 17
• 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Puja, Aarti, Pushpanjali
• 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Cultural Program
• 5:00 – 7:00 PM: Puja, Aarti, Pushpanjali
Venue closes 8:30 PM

Maha Ashtami & Sandhi Puja | Sun, Oct 18
• 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Puja, Aarti, Pushpanjali, Bhog Prasad
• 6:00 – 7:30 PM: Puja, Aarti, Pushpanjali, Bhog Prasad
• 9:57 – 10:45 PM: Sandhi Puja
Venue closes 11:00 PM

Maha Navami | Mon, Oct 19
• 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Puja, Aarti, Pushpanjali
• 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Kumari Puja
• 3:30 – 5:00 PM: Navami Havan
• 6:00 – 7:30 PM: Puja, Aarti, Pushpanjali
Venue closes 8:30 PM

Vijayadashami (Darshan & Darpan Visarjan) | Tue, Oct 20
• 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Puja, Aarti, Pushpanjali
• 5:00 PM: Sindoor Daan & Dhunuchi Naach
Venue closes 8:30 PM

🙏 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
• One-Day Puja Sponsorship: $51 – $101
• Sandhi Puja Sponsorship: $201
• Maha Ashtami Puja & Bhog Sponsorship: $251 (Puja offered in your name, plus Bhog Prasad offered to all devotees)
• All 5 Days Puja Sponsorship: $501

📲 For details, donations or sponsorship, scan the QR code on the flyer or send us a message.

Jai Maa Durga! 🙏

08/21/2026

🌺 Shakti Foundation Presents Aparajita Durga Puja 2026 🌺

After the huge success and overwhelming love for Aparajita Durga Puja, we are back with renewed energy, devotion, and enthusiasm to welcome Maa Durga once again!

As we prepare to welcome her divine presence, we are delighted to invite you, your family, and friends to join us for a celebration of faith, strength, joy, culture, and togetherness.

🌺Festival Highlights

🌺Shasti Puja- The beginning of Maa divine journey.
🌺Saptami Puja- Invoking the goddess with rituals and reverence
🌺MahaAshtami Puja- The grand celebration with Traditional Bhog
🌺Sandhi Puja- A powerful moment with Chandipaath
🌺Darpan Visarjan- A heartfelt farewell to Maa Durga, offered with gratitude and devotion

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10/08/2025

Glimpse of our beautiful Maa going for Abhishekam
🌺Bolo Durga Maayi ki Jai🌺