Greater Noida West: Residents of Sector 3, Greater Noida West, celebrated Dandiya with enthusiasm and devotional fervour on October 17 as part of the Pancham Shri Durga Puja Mahotsav 2026. The celebration brought families and community members together for an evening of traditional dance, cultural festivities and devotion to Maa Durga at Park No. 1, B Block.
The four-day religious and cultural festival, scheduled from October 17 to October 20, has been organised by the residents of Sector 3, B Block, with a series of programmes dedicated to Maa Bhagwati. The celebrations aimed to promote cultural traditions, strengthen community bonds and encourage residents to participate in religious activities with devotion.
Sacred jyot of Maa Durga welcomed at the pandal
The festivities began with the grand welcome of Maa Durga’s sacred jyot from Kalka Mata Temple. The jyot was installed at the beautifully decorated pandal in Park No. 1, B Block, creating a devotional atmosphere among residents and devotees.
With faith in their hearts and a commitment to preserving India’s cultural heritage, devotees gathered to seek the blessings of Maa Durga. The celebration reflected the spirit of Sanatan culture, bringing together devotion, tradition and collective participation.
Dandiya evening brings festive cheer to Sector 3
The Dandiya programme on October 17 was one of the key attractions of the celebrations. Residents were invited to participate in the cultural programme scheduled from 7:30 pm, followed by dinner arrangements for attendees.
Families and community members came together to enjoy the festive atmosphere, traditional dance and cultural activities. The event offered residents an opportunity to celebrate Navratri while passing on the richness of Indian traditions to younger generations.
The organisers also emphasised celebrating cultural traditions responsibly, encouraging devotees to enjoy the festivities without causing harm to nature.
Four-day Durga Puja Mahotsav features religious and cultural programmes
The celebrations are scheduled to continue with a series of religious events throughout the four-day festival.
- October 17, Saturday: Dandiya programme followed by dinner, starting at 7:30 pm.
- October 18, Sunday: Maha Ashtami celebrations and a grand Mata Jagran beginning at 9 pm.
- October 19, Monday: Maha Navami, featuring a grand bhandara and prasad distribution from 12 noon.
- October 20, Tuesday: Vijayadashami, with Maa Durga’s farewell and immersion scheduled from 8 am to 12 noon.
Daily aarti was scheduled for 7:30 am in the morning and 6 pm in the evening throughout the festival.
Community participation at the heart of the celebrations
The organisers invited residents to participate in the programmes with their families and contribute to making the festival memorable. Food arrangements were also announced for devotees, including dinner following the Dandiya programme and prasad during the religious celebrations.
Through the Dandiya evening and the wider Durga Puja Mahotsav, Sector 3 residents celebrated their cultural heritage while creating opportunities for community interaction and collective worship.
The festival reflected the community’s enthusiasm for preserving religious traditions and celebrating the spirit of Navratri together.