Pujo ParikramaOpen appDurga Puja 2026 dates in Kolkata: Mahalaya to Dashami
Durga Puja 2026 in Kolkata runs from Panchami, 16 October 2026 (Friday), to Bijoya Dashami, 21 October 2026 (Wednesday). Mahalaya, which opens Debi Paksha, falls on 10 October 2026 (Saturday). The main days are Saptami (18 October (Sunday)), Ashtami (19 October (Monday)) and Navami (20 October (Tuesday)); Ashtami is usually the most crowded.
| Day | Date | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Mahalaya (মহালয়া) | 10 October 2026 (Saturday) | |
| Panchami (পঞ্চমী) | 16 October 2026 (Friday) | moderate |
| Shashthi (ষষ্ঠী) | 17 October 2026 (Saturday) | busy |
| Saptami (সপ্তমী) | 18 October 2026 (Sunday) | very crowded |
| Ashtami (অষ্টমী) | 19 October 2026 (Monday) | very crowded |
| Navami (নবমী) | 20 October 2026 (Tuesday) | very crowded |
| Dashami (দশমী) | 21 October 2026 (Wednesday) | moderate |
Ashtami anjali and Sandhi Puja times, 19 October (Monday)
Sandhi Puja is the 48 minutes where Ashtami ends and Navami begins, lit with 108 lamps and offered 108 lotuses. This year the two almanacs Kolkata's pujas follow give different times, so your pandal's time depends on which one its priest follows. Ashtami anjali is always given before Sandhi Puja begins.
| Panjika | Sandhi Puja | Ashtami anjali | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gupta Press গুপ্তপ্রেস | 7:25 am to 8:13 am | Finish Ashtami pushpanjali by 7:15 am, before Sandhi Puja begins. | Sangbad Pratidin |
| Bisuddha Siddhanta বিশুদ্ধ সিদ্ধান্ত | 10:28 am to 11:16 am | Ashtami pushpanjali usually between 9:30 and 10:15 am. | Belur Math |
Belur Math (Bisuddha Siddhanta): Ashtami puja from 5:40 am, Kumari Puja at 9 am, Sandhi Puja 10:28 am to 11:16 am. Pushpanjali: After the midday bhog arati on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami (18 to 20 October); bring flowers and bel leaves. Belur Math programme
Times as published (checked 10 October). Each puja's priest sets the final time, so ask at your pandal the evening before.
Frequently asked questions
When is Durga Puja 2026?
Durga Puja 2026 in Kolkata runs from Panchami, 16 October 2026 (Friday), to Bijoya Dashami, 21 October 2026 (Wednesday). Mahalaya, which opens Debi Paksha, falls on 10 October 2026 (Saturday). The main days are Saptami (18 October (Sunday)), Ashtami (19 October (Monday)) and Navami (20 October (Tuesday)); Ashtami is usually the most crowded.
Which day of Durga Puja 2026 is the most crowded?
Ashtami, 19 October 2026 (Monday), followed by Saptami and Navami.
What time is Sandhi Puja on Ashtami 2026?
On 19 October 2026 (Monday): 7:25 am to 8:13 am (Gupta Press) or 10:28 am to 11:16 am (Bisuddha Siddhanta). Which one your pandal follows depends on its priest's panjika.
When should I give Ashtami anjali in 2026?
Gupta Press: Finish Ashtami pushpanjali by 7:15 am, before Sandhi Puja begins. Bisuddha Siddhanta: Ashtami pushpanjali usually between 9:30 and 10:15 am.
What time is Kumari Puja at Belur Math in 2026?
9 am on 19 October 2026 (Monday), per Belur Math's programme.
What is the best time of day for pandal hopping?
Early morning, from about 5 am to 9 am, is the quietest. Crowds build from late afternoon and peak between 7 pm and midnight.
When is Mahalaya 2026?
10 October 2026 (Saturday).