Durga Puja 2026: Key Dates and Rituals to Celebrate

Durga Puja 2026 is set to commence on October 16, marking a vibrant celebration filled with rich traditions and rituals. The festival begins with the *Shasthi* tithi and includes significant days like *Mahasaptami*, *Maha Ashtami*, and *Maha Navami*, culminating in the *Durga Visarjan* on October 21. Each day features unique rituals, including the *Sindoor Khela*, where married women bid farewell to the Goddess. Join in the festivities and learn more about the significance of each day.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 16, 2026, 13:28 IST

Overview of Durga Puja

Durga Puja 2026 Date: The Durga Puja festival in West Bengal is celebrated globally, known for its rich traditions, deep devotion, and vibrant spirit of unity. This festival is distinct from the Sharadiya Navratri observed in Northern India. While Durga Puja begins on the *Shasthi* (sixth day) of the bright fortnight (*Shukla Paksha*) in the month of Ashwin, Sharadiya Navratri starts earlier on the *Pratipada* (first day) of the same fortnight.

Rituals and Celebrations

During the Durga Puja festivities, the worship of Goddess Durga occurs from *Shasthi* to *Mahanavami*, culminating in the *Durga Visarjan* (immersion) on *Dashami* (tenth day) after the *Sindoor Khela* ritual. In contrast, Sharadiya Navratri involves the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga from *Pratipada* to *Mahanavami*, concluding on *Dashami* with *Havan* and *Paran* (breaking the fast). Let's explore the dates for Durga Puja and the *Durga Visarjan* ceremony.

Durga Puja 2026 Schedule

Durga Puja 2026 Date
According to the Vedic calendar (*Panchang*), the *Shasthi* tithi of Ashwin *Shukla Paksha* begins at 03:25 AM on October 16 and lasts until 05:54 AM on October 17. Based on the *Udaya Tithi* (sunrise tithi), Ashwin *Shukla Shasthi* falls on October 16, marking the start of Durga Puja on Friday, October 16.

Day-by-Day Breakdown of Durga Puja

First Day: Shasthi
October 16 marks the initiation of Durga Puja with the *Kalparambha* ritual, which occurs on *Shasthi*, the day preceding the *Kolabou* Puja. This ritual, also known as *Bilva Nimantran*, invites Goddess Durga to reside within a *Kalash* (sacred pot) or a *Bilva* (wood apple) tree. Idols of Goddess Durga, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, and Goddess Saraswati are unveiled on this day.

Second Day: Mahasaptami
The second day, *Mahasaptami*, is observed on October 17 with the *Navapatrika* Puja or *Kolabou* Puja. The Maha Saptami puja commences after the ceremonial grand bath (*Mahasnan*) of Goddess Durga, followed by the *Pran Pratishtha* ritual (idol consecration) and the *Shodashopachara* puja (worship with sixteen offerings).

Third Day: Maha Saptami
This year, the Saptami *Tithi* (lunar day) spans two days, so Maha Saptami will also be celebrated on October 18, marking the third day of Durga Puja.

Fourth Day: Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami is observed on October 19, featuring special worship of Goddess Durga. The *Sandhi Puja* occurs at the transition between Ashtami and Navami, taking place on October 19.

Fifth Day: Maha Navami
In Bengal, Maha Navami is celebrated on October 20, with the Navami *Havan* (sacred fire ritual) conducted on this day.

Final Day of Durga Puja

Sixth Day: Durga Visarjan and Sindoor Khela
Durga Puja concludes on October 21 with the *Sindoor Khela* ritual, where married women apply vermilion (*sindoor*) to each other and bid farewell to Goddess Durga. Accompanied by traditional music and drums, the Goddess is then immersed in water during the *Visarjan* ceremony.

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