Durga Puja is one of the most important festivals in India, especially in West Bengal, Odisha and other states. It celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
In 2026, Durga Puja will be celebrated from 17th October to 21st October.
What is Durga Puja?
Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The festival lasts for ten days, but the last five days are the most important.
People celebrate with great enthusiasm. They build beautiful pandals (temporary temples) and worship the goddess. Families come together, wear new clothes, and enjoy festive food.
Durga Puja Dates 2026
Here is a simple calendar view of the key dates for Durga Puja in 2026:
| Date | Day | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| 10th October | Saturday | Mahalaya |
| 17th October | Saturday | Maha Shashthi |
| 18th October | Sunday | Maha Saptami |
| 19th October | Monday | Maha Ashtami |
| 20th October | Tuesday | Maha Navami |
| 21st October | Wednesday | Vijaya Dashami |
Detailed Schedule and Rituals
Mahalaya – 10th October (Saturday)
Mahalaya marks the beginning of the Durga Puja festival. On this day, people pay homage to their ancestors and listen to the “Chandi Path” early in the morning. It is believed that Goddess Durga begins her journey to Earth on this day.
Maha Shashthi – 17th October (Saturday)
The main festivities start on Shashthi. On this day, the idols of Goddess Durga are unveiled, and rituals like “Bodhon” are performed to welcome the goddess.
Maha Saptami – 18th October (Sunday)
On Saptami, the “Nabapatrika” ritual is performed, where nine plants are tied together and bathed, symbolizing the nine forms of Goddess Durga. These are then placed beside the idol of the goddess.
Maha Ashtami – 19th October (Monday)
Ashtami is considered the most significant day of Durga Puja. Devotees perform “Kumari Puja,” where a young girl is worshipped as the goddess. The “Sandhi Puja” is also performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami, marking the moment when Goddess Durga transformed into Chamunda to kill the demons Chanda and Munda.
Maha Navami – 20th October (Tuesday)
Navami begins with the conclusion of Sandhi Puja. Devotees perform the “Maha Aarti,” and many participate in “Dhunuchi” dance competitions, where they dance with incense burners in front of the goddess.
Vijaya Dashami – 21st October (Wednesday)
Dashami marks the end of Durga Puja. On this day, the idols are immersed in rivers or other bodies of water, symbolizing the goddess’s return to her heavenly abode. Women participate in “Sindoor Khela,” where they smear each other with red vermilion powder, bidding farewell to the goddess.
Durga Puja Rituals
Each day of Durga Puja is filled with special rituals that hold deep spiritual meaning. People, especially in Bengali communities, worship Mahishasur Mardini, a fierce form of Goddess Durga, during this holy time.
Every day, priests offer prayers, flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess. One of the most important parts of the celebration is called Pushpanjali. During this ritual, devotees offer flowers to the goddess while chanting sacred mantras.
Another meaningful act of devotion is aarti, where people move lit lamps in circles in front of the goddess, asking for blessings and protection.
- Mahalaya: Start of the festival, paying homage to ancestors.
- Shashthi: Unveiling of the goddess’s idol.
- Saptami: Nabapatrika ritual with nine plants.
- Ashtami: Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja.
- Navami: Maha Aarti and Dhunuchi dance.
- Dashami: Idol immersion and Sindoor Khela.
A very special moment in the festival is the Sandhi Puja, which happens at the exact time between Ashtami (eighth day) and Navami (ninth day). It is believed that Maa Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura during this moment. The atmosphere during Sandhi Puja is powerful, as it feels like the whole city is praying together.
Celebrations Across India
While Durga Puja is most prominent in West Bengal, it is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in other states like Assam, Odisha, Tripura, and Bihar. Each region has its unique customs and traditions, but the essence of the festival remains the same: celebrating the power and victory of Goddess Durga.
In India:
- West Bengal (Kolkata is famous for grand celebrations)
- Assam (Known for traditional pujas)
- Odisha (Celebrated with local customs)
- Bihar (People worship with devotion)
- Delhi (Big pandals in CR Park)
- Maharashtra (Celebrated by Bengali communities)
Outside India:
- Bangladesh (Huge celebrations in Dhaka)
- Nepal (Known as Dashain)
- USA (Indian communities organize events)
- UK (Grand pujas in London)
Tips for Celebrating Durga Puja
- Visit Pandal Hoppings: Explore beautifully decorated pandals showcasing artistic themes.
- Participate in Rituals: Join the daily rituals and aartis to feel spiritually connected.
- Enjoy Cultural Programs: Attend dance, music, and drama performances organized during the festival.
- Savor Traditional Foods: Relish dishes like Bhog Khichuri, Shorshe Ilish, and Mishti Doi.
- Dress Traditionally: Wear traditional attire to immerse yourself in the festive spirit.