Durga Puja 2026 is one of India’s biggest autumn festivals, with the principal celebrations taking place in the final days of Shardiya Navratri. The major Puja period runs from Shashthi on 17 October through Vijayadashami on 20 October 2026. The festival is especially grand in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Bihar and Jharkhand, while Durga worship is celebrated in many forms throughout India.
Durga Puja 2026: Complete Date Calendar
| Observance | Date in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Mahalaya / Pitru Paksha conclusion | 10 October |
| Navratri begins | 11 October |
| Durga Shashthi / Bodhan | 17 October |
| Maha Saptami | 18 October |
| Durga Ashtami / Maha Navami observances | 19 October |
| Vijayadashami / Dussehra | 20 October |
Tithi boundaries can cause individual rituals to begin or end at different clock times. Always use a local Panchang for time-sensitive ceremonies such as Sandhi Puja.
Durga Shashthi 2026 – 17 October
Shashthi marks the ceremonial opening of the principal Durga Puja festivities. Bodhan, Amantran and Adhivas traditions welcome Goddess Durga and formally begin worship in many Bengali Puja traditions. Pandals become the centre of community celebrations, cultural programmes and devotional activities.
Maha Saptami 2026 – 18 October
Maha Saptami includes important rituals such as Navapatrika worship in Bengali tradition. Nine plants are ceremonially brought together and worshipped as representations associated with the Goddess. The day is filled with puja, anjali, bhog and community gatherings.
Durga Ashtami 2026 – 19 October
Durga Ashtami is among the most important days of the festival. Devotees offer Pushpanjali and participate in special worship. In 2026, Panchang tithi boundaries make Ashtami and Navami observances closely connected on 19 October. The exact timing of individual rites should therefore be checked locally.
Sandhi Puja 2026
Sandhi Puja is traditionally performed during the transition between Ashtami and Navami. It is a precisely timed ritual and one of the most significant moments of Bengali Durga Puja. Because the 48-minute Sandhi period is determined from local tithi calculations, devotees should not use a clock time published for another city.
Maha Navami 2026 – 19 October
Maha Navami worship follows the Ashtami phase and represents the concluding major day of worship before Vijayadashami. Homa, bhog and community worship are common features. In many locations, pandal visits and cultural celebrations reach their peak during Ashtami and Navami.
Vijayadashami 2026 – 20 October
Vijayadashami falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. It marks the conclusion of Durga Puja. In Bengal, married women traditionally participate in Sindoor Khela in many communities before the Goddess is given a ceremonial farewell. Durga idols are then taken for Visarjan, accompanied by processions and the greeting “Asche bochor abar hobe” — expressing hope that the Goddess will return the following year.
Why Durga Puja is Celebrated
Durga Puja celebrates Goddess Durga and, in Hindu tradition, her victory over Mahishasura. The festival represents the triumph of good over evil and the power of the divine feminine. Beyond religious worship, Durga Puja is also a major cultural and social festival involving art, music, food, community gatherings and elaborate temporary architecture.
Durga Puja in West Bengal
Kolkata and towns across West Bengal are internationally known for elaborate Durga Puja pandals, artistic themes, idol craftsmanship and large-scale community participation. Kolkata’s Durga Puja was inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021, recognising its distinctive cultural importance.
Durga Puja Across India
Major celebrations are also held in Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand, along with Durga Puja associations in cities throughout India. Practices differ by region. At the same time, Gujarat celebrates Garba and Dandiya during Navratri, while southern India has Golu, Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja traditions during the same festive season.
Durga Puja Food and Bhog
Community bhog is an important part of many celebrations. Khichuri, vegetable preparations, chutney and sweets are commonly associated with Bengali Puja bhog, although menus and customs vary. Festival streets also become major food destinations during pandal hopping.
Durga Puja 2026 Wishes
“May Maa Durga bless you and your family with courage, happiness, health and prosperity. Shubho Durga Puja 2026!”
“May the divine strength of Maa Durga guide you through every challenge and fill your home with joy.”
“Wishing you a joyful Durga Puja filled with devotion, beautiful celebrations and precious moments with family.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Durga Puja in 2026?
The principal Durga Puja celebrations run from Shashthi on 17 October through Vijayadashami on 20 October 2026.
When is Durga Ashtami in 2026?
Major Durga Ashtami observances fall on 19 October 2026, with exact ritual timing governed by the Ashtami tithi.
When is Maha Navami in 2026?
Maha Navami observances also occur on 19 October 2026 due to the year’s tithi configuration.
When is Vijayadashami 2026?
Vijayadashami or Dussehra is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
What is Sandhi Puja?
Sandhi Puja is a special worship performed during the transition between Ashtami and Navami. Its exact 48-minute period depends on local Panchang calculations.
Is Kolkata Durga Puja recognised by UNESCO?
Yes. “Durga Puja in Kolkata” was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021.
Note: Tithi and puja timings vary by location. Check a city-specific Panchang for Sandhi Puja and other time-sensitive rituals.
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