Durga Puja is more than just a religious festival; it is a grand cultural celebration filled with art, music, dance, food, and togetherness. People from all over the world are drawn to Kolkata to experience its distinct beauty and joyous atmosphere since UNESCO designated it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. After the 2025 festivities are over, craftspeople will start working feverishly to create idols and decorations in anticipation of 2026.
In 2026, Matri Paksha will start on Mahalaya, which falls on Saturday, October 10th. On this day, people wake up early to listen to the Chandi Path on the radio and perform Tarpan to pay respects to their ancestors. The next day marks the beginning of Devi Paksha, when Goddess Durga is believed to arrive on Earth, ushering in Durga Puja, a time of excitement, devotion, and endless celebrations for the Bengali community.
Durga Puja 2026 rituals
Mahalaya is the first day of MatriPaksha, commemorating ancestors at the beginning of the festival. Shashthi is the first day of celebrations, when the idol of the goddess Durga is unveiled. Saptami is for 'Nabapatrika Snan'; nine plants are used in the Nabapatrika ritual. Ashtami is the peak day of celebration, and Sandhi Puja and Kumari Puja are the main highlights of this day. Navami is about the dance of Dhunuchi and Maha Aarti. Dashami ends with Sindoor Khela together and idol immersion.
Durga Puja 2026 Date and Time
October 10, 2026 (Saturday): Mahalaya
October 16, 2026 (Friday): Maha Panchami
October 17, 2026 (Saturday): Maha Shashthi
October 18, 2026 (Sunday): Maha Saptami
October 19, 2026 (Monday): Maha Ashtami
October 20, 2026 (Tuesday): Maha Navami
October 21, 2026 (Wednesday): Vijaya Dashami/Dussehra
West Bengal is the state where Durga Puja is most popular, but other states like Assam, Odisha, Tripura, and Bihar also celebrate it with great fervor. While each region has its own traditions and customs, the festival's core is always the same: honoring Goddess Durga's strength and triumph.
