Durga Puja is one of the most celebrated festivals, and Durga Puja 2026 offers a beautiful opportunity to experience its divine energy through exact timings, rituals, and traditions, where every moment from Mahalaya to Dashami has its own significance.
In 2026, Pitru Paksha begins on September 26 and ends on Mahalaya on October 10, when people wake up early to listen to Chandi Path and perform Tarpan to honour their ancestors. The next day marks the beginning of Devi Paksha, when Goddess Durga is believed to arrive on Earth, bringing joy, devotion, and grand celebrations.
Arrival of the Goddess on Horse (ঘোটক)
This brings Chaos (ছত্রভঙ্গ or disruption)
Departure of the Goddess on Boat (নৌকা)
This brings Good Harvest and Water (শস্যবৃদ্ধি ও জলবৃদ্ধি )
DURGA PUJA METRO GUIDE🪔 Durga Puja 2026 Full Timings:
Maha Shashthi: October 16 (28th Ashwin), Friday
Sunrise: 5:38 AM
Sunset: 5:09 PM
Morning (পূর্ব্বাহ্ন): lasts until 9:28 AM
Tithi(তিথি): Shashthi till 3:47 AM (next day)
Puja Time: Complete Sasthibihita(ষষ্ঠীবিহিত) Puja before 8:30 AM
Evening: Bodhan (বোধন), Amontron (আমন্ত্রণ), Adhibas (অধিবাস)
Maha Saptami Day 1: October 17 (29th Ashwin), Saturday
Sunrise: 5:38 AM
Sunset: 5:08 PM
Tithi(তিথি): Saptami tithi remains for the entire day and night.
Rituals: Entry and establishment of Nabapatrika (নবপত্রিকা) or Kalabou, and the Saptami Worship (সপ্তমীবিহিত পূজা) happen in the morning.
Maha Saptami Day 2: October 18 (30th Ashwin), Sunday
Sunrise: 5:39 AM
Sunset: 5:07 PM
Tithi(তিথি): Saptami Tithi remains until 5:53 AM
Rituals: Complete Saptami rituals before 5:53 AM
Ardharatribihita Puja(অর্দ্ধরাত্রবিহিত পূজা): scheduled between 10:59 PM and 11:47 PM
Maha Ashtami: October 19 (1st Kartik), Monday
Sunrise: 5:39 AM
Sunset: 5:06 PM
Tithi(তিথি): Maha Ashtami Tithi remains until 7:50 AM
Rituals: Maha Ashtamibihita(মহাষ্টমীবিহিত) Puja should ideally be completed by 7:50 AM
Main ritual: Pushpanjali (পুষ্পাঞ্জলি)
Sandhi Puja (সন্ধিপূজা): Start: 7:26 AM, End: 8:14 AM
Maha Navami: October 20 (2nd Kartik), Tuesday
Sunrise: 5:40 AM
Sunset: 5:05 PM
Tithi(তিথি): Maha Navami Tithi remains until 9:31 AM
Rituals: Maha Navamibihita(মহানবমীবিহিত) Puja should be done in the morning. Due to Barabela(বারবেলা), perform these within 7:05 AM, or later after 8:31 AM (but within morning limits)
Special: Bhog (ভোগ)
Vijaya Dashami: October 21 (3rd Kartik), Wednesday
Sunrise: 5:40 AM
Sunset: 5:04 PM
Tithi(তিথি): Dashami Tithi ends at 10:47 AM
Rituals: The Dashami worship and idol immersion (বিসর্জন) should be completed in the morning. Due to Kalabela(কালবেলা), aim to finish by 8:31 AM.
Main ritual: Sindoor Khela (সিঁদুর খেলা), Visarjan (বিসর্জন)
🪔 Other Important Festivals:
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja: October 25 (7th Kartik), Sunday
Puja Time (Evening): 5:01 PM – 6:37 PM
Kali Puja / Shyama Puja: November 8 (21st Kartik), Sunday
Puja Time: Midnight (মধ্যরাত্রি)
Celebrated alongside Diwali
Bhai Phonta (ভ্রাতৃদ্বিতীয়া): November 11 (24th Kartik), Wednesday
Time Limit: Complete before 2:11 PM
Durga Puja 2026 FAQs:
Q1. When is Durga Puja in 2026?
Durga Puja 2026 will be celebrated from 16 October to 21 October in West Bengal. The main rituals take place from Maha Shashthi to Vijaya Dashami.
Q2. What are the exact dates of Durga Puja 2026?
Maha Shashthi: 16 October 2026
Maha Saptami: 17–18 October 2026
Maha Ashtami: 19 October 2026
Maha Navami: 20 October 2026
Vijaya Dashami: 21 October 2026
Q3. What is the exact timing of Sandhi Puja 2026?
Sandhi Puja (সন্ধিপূজা) will be performed on 19 October 2026.
Start: 7:26 AM
End: 8:14 AM
Q4. When is Mahalaya 2026?
Mahalaya will be observed on 10 October 2026.
Q5. When does Pitru Paksha start and end in 2026?
Pitru Paksha starts on 26 September 2026 and ends on 10 October 2026 (Mahalaya).
Q6. What does the arrival and departure of Goddess Durga mean in 2026?
Arrival on Horse (ঘোটক) indicates chaos or disturbance (ছত্রভঙ্গ)
Departure on Boat (নৌকা) indicates good harvest and water growth (শস্যবৃদ্ধি ও জলবৃদ্ধি)
Q7. When is Lakshmi Puja 2026 and its timing?
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja will be celebrated on 25 October 2026.
Puja time is 5:01 PM to 6:37 PM.
Q8. What is the time for Bhai Phonta 2026?
Bhai Phonta (ভাইফোঁটা) should be completed before 2:11 PM on 11 November 2026
Q9. When is Saraswati Puja in 2027?
Saraswati Puja will be celebrated on February 11, 2027 (27th Magh), Thursday