Durga Puja: When is Durga Puja this year? Make a note of the important dates, ranging from Maha Saptami to Visarjan and Sindoor Khela..

Durga Puja 2026 Date: West Bengal's Durga Puja is renowned worldwide for its unique traditions, devotion, exuberance, and spirit of harmony. Durga Puja differs slightly from the Sharadiya Navratri celebrated in North India. While Durga Puja commences on the *Shasthi* (sixth day) of the bright fortnight (*Shukla Paksha*) of the Ashwin month, Sharadiya Navratri begins earlier, on the *Pratipada* (first day) of the same fortnight.

During Durga Puja, the worship of Goddess Durga takes place from *Shasthi* to *Mahanavami*, culminating in the *Durga Visarjan* (immersion) on *Dashami* (tenth day) following the *Sindoor Khela* ritual. In contrast, Sharadiya Navratri involves worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga from *Pratipada* to *Mahanavami*, concluding on *Dashami* with *Havan* and *Paran* (breaking the fast). Let us find out when Durga Puja falls and the date for *Durga Visarjan*.

Durga Puja 2026 Date

According to the Vedic almanac (*Panchang*), the *Shasthi* tithi of the Ashwin *Shukla Paksha* begins at 03:25 AM on October 16 and continues until 05:54 AM on the following day, October 17. Based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the sunrise tithi), Ashwin *Shukla Shasthi* falls on October 16. Consequently, Durga Puja will commence on Friday, October 16.

First Day of Durga Puja: Shasthi

Kalparambha: October 16 marks the first day of Durga Puja. The *Kalparambha* ritual takes place on *Shasthi*, the day before the *Kolabou* Puja. *Kalparambha* is also known as *Bilva Nimantran*; during this ritual, Goddess Durga is invited to reside within a *Kalash* (sacred pot) or a *Bilva* (wood apple) tree. On this day, the idols of Goddess Durga, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Saraswati, and others are unveiled.

Second Day of Durga Puja: Mahasaptami

*Mahasaptami* marks the second day of Durga Puja. The *Navapatrika* Puja or *Kolabou* Puja will be performed on October 17. The Maha Saptami puja begins after the ceremonial grand bath (*Mahasnan*) of Goddess Durga. Following the *Pran Pratishtha* ritual (consecration of the idol), the *Shodashopachara* puja (worship involving sixteen specific offerings) is performed.

Third Day of Durga Puja: Maha Saptami

This year, the Saptami *Tithi* (lunar day) spans two days; therefore, Maha Saptami will also be observed on October 18. That day marks the third day of Durga Puja.

Fourth Day of Durga Puja: Maha Ashtami
This year, Maha Ashtami falls on October 19. Special worship of Goddess Durga is conducted on this day. *Sandhi Puja* takes place at the juncture where Ashtami ends and Navami begins; this ritual will be performed on October 19.

Fifth Day of Durga Puja: Maha Navami

In Bengal, Maha Navami falls on October 20. The Navami *Havan* (sacred fire ritual) will be performed on this day.
 

Sixth Day of Durga Puja: Durga Visarjan and Sindoor Khela

Durga Puja concludes on October 21. The ritual of *Sindoor Khela* takes place on this day, during which married women apply vermilion (*sindoor*) to one another and bid farewell to Goddess Durga. Accompanied by the beats of drums and traditional instruments, the Goddess is then bid adieu, and the immersion (*Visarjan*) ceremony is performed.

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