Durga Puja 2026 runs from about Friday, 16 October to Wednesday, 21 October 2026, following Mahalaya on Saturday, 10 October. It is the biggest festival of West Bengal and is celebrated widely in Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Bihar and Jharkhand, and by Bengali communities around the world. This guide explains the dates, what happens on each day, the traditions, and how to enjoy the festival as a visitor.
Dates follow Bengal panchang calculations. Some days differ by one day depending on the panchang and the city, so please confirm with your local puja committee or panchang. The meanings below describe traditional beliefs.
Durga Puja 2026 Dates
| Day | Date | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Mahalaya | Saturday, 10 October 2026 | Start of Devi Paksha, invoking the goddess |
| Maha Shashthi | Friday, 16 October (some panchangs: 17 October) | Bodhon, the goddess is welcomed |
| Maha Saptami | Saturday, 17 October (some: 18 October) | Kola Bou (Nabapatrika) bath and puja |
| Maha Ashtami | Monday, 19 October | Pushpanjali, Kumari Puja, Sandhi Puja |
| Maha Navami | Tuesday, 20 October | Navami puja, aarti and bhog |
| Bijoya Dashami | Wednesday, 21 October | Sindoor Khela and idol immersion |
The same period overlaps with Sharad Navratri (starting Sunday, 11 October) and Dussehra, which most of India observes on 20 October. See our Dussehra 2026 guide.
What Is Durga Puja?
Durga Puja celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, a story told in the Devi Mahatmya. It is the triumph of good over evil. In Bengal, it is also a homecoming: many families see the goddess as a daughter who returns to her parents’ home for a few days with her children Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartikeya. Durga Puja in Kolkata was added to UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021.
The Days Explained
Mahalaya
Mahalaya marks the beginning of the festival season. Many families wake up before dawn to listen to the traditional radio recitation of the Chandi Path, a custom that has been part of Bengali life for generations. Idol makers traditionally paint the goddess’s eyes (Chokkhu Daan) on this day.
Shashthi and Saptami
On Shashthi the goddess is welcomed and the pandals open. On Saptami, a banana plant dressed as a bride (Kola Bou) is bathed and installed beside Ganesha, representing the goddess’s presence in nature.
Ashtami
Ashtami is the most important day for many. Thousands gather for Pushpanjali (flower offering) in the morning, young girls are worshipped as the goddess in Kumari Puja, and the short, powerful Sandhi Puja is held at the junction of Ashtami and Navami.
Navami
Navami is a day of aarti, feasting and cultural programmes, with the Dhunuchi dance performed during evening aarti.
Dashami
On Dashami married women apply vermilion (sindoor) on the goddess and then on each other in Sindoor Khela. In the evening, the idols are carried in processions for immersion in water, accompanied by the farewell cry “Asche bochor abar hobe,” meaning she will return next year.
Traditions and Experiences
- Pandal hopping: visiting themed pandals and their artwork is the heart of the festival, especially in Kolkata.
- Dhak and Dhunuchi: the sound of the dhak drum and the incense-burner dance in the evenings.
- Food: bhog (khichuri, labra, chutney, payesh) at pandals, along with street food such as phuchka, rolls, kosha mangsho and sweets like sandesh and rasgulla.
- New clothes: families buy new clothes for each day, with traditional red-and-white saris and festive wear.
- Anjali: offering flowers to the goddess with a prayer.
Durga Puja Outside India
Bengali associations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore and many other places hold Durga Puja, usually over a weekend near the main dates. Look for local community announcements for locations, tickets and cultural programmes.
Tips for Visitors
- Plan pandal visits early in the evening or on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes and carry water. Pandal queues can be long.
- Follow local police and puja committee instructions, and keep valuables safe in crowds.
- Ask before photographing people during rituals.
Durga Puja Wishes
- May Maa Durga bless you and your family with strength, peace and joy. Shubho Pujo!
- Wishing you a festival full of light, music and togetherness. Happy Durga Puja!
- Shubho Bijoya to you and your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Durga Puja in 2026?
Durga Puja is celebrated from about 16 to 21 October 2026, with Mahalaya on 10 October, according to Bengal panchang calculations.
What is Sindoor Khela?
It is a Dashami tradition in which married women apply vermilion on the goddess and on one another as a blessing for happiness and long life.
What is the difference between Durga Puja and Navratri?
Both honour Goddess Durga in the same season. Navratri is observed across India over nine nights, while Durga Puja is the Bengal-centred festival focused on the last five or six days, with elaborate idols and pandals.
Is Durga Puja a public holiday?
It is a major holiday in West Bengal and some other states. Holiday lists vary, so check the official list for your state or workplace.
More Festival Guides
Dussehra 2026 (English) | Diwali 2026 (English) | Dhanteras 2026 (English) | Durga Puja (Hindi) | Navratri (Hindi)
