Durga Puja, the grand festival celebrating the goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, is one of the most significant events in the Hindu calendar. Durga Puja is a time of devotion, cultural expression, and community bonding, observed with immense fervor, primarily in West Bengal but across India and among the global Bengali diaspora.
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Why is Durga Puja celebrated?
Durga Puja is celebrated to honor the goddess Durga, who symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, the demon Mahishasura, who had gained immense power and threatened the gods, was defeated by Durga after a fierce battle that lasted nine days and nights. This victory is commemorated with rituals, prayers, and celebrations that highlight the power of the divine feminine.
Durga also represents Shakti, the divine feminine energy that sustains the cosmos. Her worship during this period emphasizes the importance of feminine power and the need to respect and honor women in society.
Durga Puja 2026 dates
Durga Puja spans over 10 days, with the main festivities occurring during the final 5 days, starting with Maha Shashti.
Mahalaya: 10 October
Mahalaya precedes the main days of Durga Puja and marks the Agomoni, or welcoming, of Goddess Durga and her children (Lakshmi, Ganesh, Saraswati, and Kartik) from Mount Kailash to her natal home. This day signifies the beginning of her journey to her mortal devotees.
In honor of this occasion, artisans commence the painting of the goddess’s eyes, an event known as chokkhudan.
Maha Shashti: 16 october
The main festivities start on Shashti, the sixth day of Navratri, which falls on Friday, 16 October 2026. On this day, the idols are unveiled, and rituals to invoke the goddess begin. The ritual of awakening the goddess, called Bodhon, is performed.
Prayers and rituals are conducted, featuring the dhakis playing dhaks (a type of drum). A key highlight of the day is Mahisasur Mardini, a dramatic enactment with songs and plays showcasing Goddess Durga’s triumph over evil.
Maha Saptami: 17 October
On the seventh day, known as Maha Saptami, the banana tree, referred to as Kola Bou for the occasion, undergoes a ceremonial bath, is dressed in a red-bordered sari, and is placed beside lord Ganesha’s idol.
The ritual, called Nabapatrika Snan, involves bathing the banana tree along with eight other plants, collectively known as Nabapatrika. These plants represent different goddesses and are tied together before being positioned next to Ganesha.
This is followed by various rituals and prayers.
Maha Ashtami: 18 October
The eighth day or Maha Ashtami, is the most significant day of the festival. It includes the Kumari Puja, where a young girl is worshiped as the goddess, and the Sandhi Puja, which commemorates the moment Durga transformed into Chamunda to kill the demons, Chanda and Munda.
Devotees start off the day with Pushpanjali (flower offerings) in the morning while chanting mantras. Sandhi Puja, conducted at the juncture of Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, is a special ritual performed with 108 lamps, marking the slaying of Chanda and Munda by Durga.
Maha Navami: 19 October
The conclusion of Sandhi Puja marks the beginning of Maha Navami. Crowds gather to watch the Maha Aarti (ritual of worship with lamps), and many puja committees host Dhunuchi (incense burner) dance competitions on the evening of Navami.
Vijaya Dashami: 20 October
The festival concludes with Dashami, or Vijayadashami, on Tuesday 20 October 2026. On this day, the idols are taken in grand processions to rivers or other bodies of water for immersion or visarjan, symbolizing Durga’s return to her heavenly abode.
Women participate in sindur khela, smearing each other with red color or sindur (vermilion powder) as part of the farewell to the goddess. The idols are then carried in a procession with music, dhaks beating, and people dancing.
The idols are immersed in the holy Ganges amid fireworks and crackers. The immersion of the idol in water symbolizes Durga’s return to Kailash, her celestial home. People exchange greetings, wish each other prosperity, and share sweets with friends and family. Children seek blessings from their elders.
Celebrations vary across different regions of the country. In northern and western India, the festival is observed as Navratri over nine days, culminating in Dussehra on the tenth day. In Gujarat, Navratri is famous for Garba dances. Dussehra also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, with the effigies of Ravana being burned.
How is Durga Puja celebrated?
The official dates for restricted/gazetted holidays for 2026 have not been announced yet. We will update you as soon as official announcements are made.
Preparations for Durga Puja begin weeks in advance. Artisans craft intricate idols of Durga, her children (Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartikeya, and Ganesha), and Mahishasura.
These idols are installed in beautifully decorated pandals (temporary structures) across cities, towns, and villages.
Cultural programs and feasts
Durga Puja is not just a religious event but also a cultural extravaganza. Cultural programs, including dance, music, and drama, are held at various pandals.
People dress in their finest traditional attire, and communities come together to enjoy elaborate feasts featuring Bengali delicacies like luchi, alur dom, and an array of sweets such as rasgulla and sandesh.
Pandals
Durga Puja pandals are the vibrant heart of the celebrations. These temporary structures, meticulously crafted from bamboo, cloth, and other materials, are transformed into artistic marvels that attract millions of visitors.
The themes of these pandals span from traditional to contemporary, often reflecting current social issues, historical events, or iconic landmarks. Artists and craftsmen work tirelessly to create these intricate displays, incorporating stunning lights, vibrant colors, and detailed designs. Some pandals are celebrated for their eco-friendly themes, using sustainable materials to emphasize environmental concerns.
The details about the Durga Puja pandals for 2026 have yet to be announced. Please note that we will update this section with the latest information as it becomes available.
Bolo Durga maye ki joy!
