Durga Puja 2026 Dates & Complete Calendar: The Ultimate Pujo Planner
Can you hear it? That faint, rhythmic beat of the Dhak in the distance? Can you smell the Shiuli flowers mixed with the crisp autumn air? If you are a Kolkatan—or a Bengali at heart—you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s that time of the year again when the city of joy transforms into a mesmerising art gallery.
Ma Asche! (Mother is coming!)
Here at Kolkata Tales, we know that for us, Durga Puja isn’t just a festival; it’s an emotion. It’s 5 days of pure madness, food, adda, and sleepless nights. But to make the most of it, you need to plan ahead. Whether you are applying for leave at work or planning your pandal hopping route, having the right dates is crucial.
So, grab your diary (or just bookmark this page), because here is the Durga Puja 2026 Dates & Complete Calendar.
Durga Puja 2026 Dates: At a Glance
Planning your leave? We have great news! The 2026 schedule is an Explorer’s Dream because the main days fall perfectly over the weekend.
| Festival Phase | Date | Day | Event Highlights |
| Mahalaya | October 10 | Saturday | Tarpan & The Beginning of Devi Paksha |
| Maha Panchami | October 16 | Friday | Final touches & Last-minute shopping |
| Maha Sasthi | October 17 | Saturday | Bodhon (The Awakening) |
| Maha Saptami | October 18 | Sunday | Kola Bou Snan (Main Puja Begins) |
| Maha Ashtami | October 19 | Monday | Anjali & Sandhi Puja |
| Maha Navami | October 20 | Tuesday | Maha Arati & Bhog |
| Vijaya Dashami | October 21 | Wednesday | Immersion (Bisharjan) |
The Weekend Advantage: Did you notice? Sasthi is a Saturday and Saptami is a Sunday! This means you can pull an all-nighter on Saturday (Sasthi night) without worrying about office the next day. It’s the perfect year to cover the distant pandals in North and South Kolkata!
Download 2026 Puja Calendar Guide
Detailed Breakdown: The 5 Days of Magic
Let’s dive deep into what each day means for us explorers in Kolkata.
Mahalaya 2026 Date: The Beginning (October 10)
Saturday, October 10, 2026
This is where it all begins. For me, Pujo doesn’t start on Sasthi; it starts at 4:00 AM on Mahalaya. Waking up to the hauntingly beautiful voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra reciting the Mahishasura Mardini on the radio is a ritual we cannot break.
What to do: Head to Babu Ghat or Bagbazar Ghat early morning to witness the Tarpan rituals. It’s a photographer’s paradise, but be respectful of the people performing rituals.
Maha Panchami: The Warm-Up (October 16)
Friday, October 16, 2026
While not officially a "Puja" day, in Kolkata, the madness starts here. Since it’s a Friday, the office crowd will hit the streets directly after work.
Explorer Tip: Use this evening to visit the super-popular pandals (like Sreebhumi or Santosh Mitra Square) before the massive weekend crowds arrive.
Maha Sasthi: The Bodhon (October 17)
Saturday, October 17, 2026
The wait is over! On this day, the Bodhon (awakening) of the Goddess takes place. The face of the idol is unveiled, and the Dhakis (drummers) start their beats officially.
Where to go: Since it is a Saturday, North Kolkata lanes will be buzzing. Walk from Shyambazar to Hatibagan to soak in the vintage vibes.
Maha Saptami: Kola Bou Snan (October 18)
Sunday, October 18, 2026
The day starts with the Nabapatrika or Kola Bou (banana bride) being bathed in the Hooghly river. It’s a beautiful ritual symbolizing the invocation of nature.
Traffic Alert: Being a Sunday, expect families to be out in full force by 10 AM. If you want to see the idols peacefully, go out at 3:00 AM (Saturday late night).
Maha Ashtami Date 2026: The Big Day (October 19)
Monday, October 19, 2026
This is the heart of the festival. Everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—wears their finest traditional clothes.
Pushpanjali: The morning ritual of offering flowers to the Goddess. Make sure you haven't eaten anything (nirjala) before offering your Anjali!
Sandhi Puja: The moment Ashtami ends and Navami begins. The atmosphere is electric with the lighting of 108 lamps.
Maha Navami: The Last Night (October 20)
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
The mood is a mix of joy and a little sadness because we know it’s almost over. Navami is for the Bhog (community feast) and the wildest street food binges.
Foodie Guide: Don't miss the mutton rolls at Park Street or the Phuchka outside Dakshinapan.
Vijaya Dashami: The Farewell (October 21)
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
"Asche Bochor Abar Hobe" (It will happen again next year).
The idols are immersed in the Ganga. Before that, married women participate in Sindoor Khela (smearing of vermilion), a vibrant sight to behold.
Best Spot: The Red Road Carnival (usually held a few days after Dashami) is where the best idols parade one last time.
Why is Durga Puja So Important?
You might ask, why do we go so crazy over these 5 days?
Historically, it marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the shape-shifting buffalo demon, Mahishasura. It’s the classic tale of Good triumphing over Evil. But for us in Kolkata, it’s more than mythology. It’s a homecoming.
It’s the only time when the city never sleeps. It’s the only time when dietary plans are thrown out the window. It is the world's largest public art installation festival, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
How to Plan Your Trip: An Explorer’s Advice
If you are visiting Kolkata for the first time during Pujo 2026, here are a few tips from my personal experience:
Wear Comfortable Shoes: I cannot stress this enough. You will be walking. A lot.
North vs. South:
North Kolkata: Traditional, artistic, narrow lanes, vintage vibes (e.g., Bagbazar, Kumartuli).
South Kolkata: Grand, flashy, huge themes, carnival-like (e.g., Ekdalia, Suruchi Sangha).
Use the Metro: Taxis and Ubers will be stuck in traffic or charging 3x the fare. The Kolkata Metro is your lifeline.
Stay Hydrated: October can still be humid. Keep a water bottle handy.
Durga Puja 2026 might seem far away, but for us, the countdown begins the moment the idol is immersed the previous year. Mark these Durga Puja 2026 dates in your calendar, apply for that leave, and get ready for the greatest show on earth.
Stay tuned to Kolkata Tales as we will be bringing you exclusive guides on shopping, food, and secret photo spots in the coming months!
Subho Sarodiya in advance!
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