Durga Puja 2026: The sound of dhak, the charm of pandals, illuminating streets and the fervor of welcoming Maa Durga. It is exactly this which makes this festive celebration of Durga Puja such an unparalleled one. Year after year millions of devout worshipers celebrate this festive celebration with great reverence and devotion. This year, Durga Puja will be celebrated from 16th October 2026.

Are you curious about the most important dates related to this festival and significance of all rituals carried out? Read all about this most divine and beautiful festival of Maa Durga down below.

Quick Glance: Durga Puja 2026 Dates 

  • Start Date: October 16, 2026 (Maha Shashthi)
  • End Date: October 21, 2026 (Vijaya Dashami)
  • Mahalaya: October 10, 2026
  • Maha Ashtami: October 19, 2026
  • Main Significance: Celebrating Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura and the triumph of good over evil.


Durga Puja 2026 will commence from October 16 (Maha Shashthi) and will continue till October 21 (Vijaya Dashami).

As per Drik panchang, Saptami is till 8:27AM on 18th October 2026, Sunday. Ashtami begins on 18th October 2026 at 8.27AM and ends on 19th October 2026, Monday at 10.51 AM. Navami begins on 19th October 2026 at 10:51 AM and ends on 20th October 2026 at 12:50 PM. Then Vijayadhasami begins on Tuesday and ends on Wednesday noon.

This holy day marks the commencement of Devi Paksha, when devotees will start welcoming Maa Durga. Durga Puja is celebrated to worship Goddess Durga. It is believed that the goddess descended on the earth on this day to destroy the evil forces and protect the good and innocent people from them.

Durga Puja 2026 Calendar and Complete Schedule

Here are the important dates and their associated celebrations:

DateDayFestival
October 10SaturdayMahalaya
October 16FridayMaha Shashthi
October 17–18Saturday–SundayMaha Saptami observances
October 19MondayMaha Ashtami
October 20TuesdayMaha Navami
October 21WednesdayVijaya Dashami

Why Is Durga Puja Celebrated? 

According to the legends mentioned in the Hindu holy scriptures, Mahishasura was gifted with such a great boon that he became almost invincible. He was proud and over the years he began annoying the gods and making the world a mess.

To kill Mahishasura, all the gods united and used their powers to create Maa Durga. In a hard fight, she was able to defeat Mahishasura, restoring righteousness again. This is not simply killing a demon but inspiring the devotees to be courageous and wise enough to overpower evil and ego. In Bengali culture, Durga Puja is a celebration of Maa Durga’s homecoming with her children every year.

ALSO READ: What Is the Connection Between Maa Durga and the Sacred Number 9?

Important Durga Puja 2026 Rituals and Traditions

Every day of Durga Puja has its own beautiful spiritual importance.

Maha Shashthi: The Bodhan, Amantran and Adhibas rituals are performed by devotees to welcome Maa Durga.

Maha Saptami: Devotees worship divine nature and take Nabapatrika Snan as a purification process.

Maha Ashtami : It is one of the most important days Pushpanjali, Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja performed by devotees.

  • Maha Navami: Devotees offer special prayers, homa, and aarti to seek blessings from the goddess.
  • Vijaya Dashami: Devotees say farewell to Maa Durga emotionally with Sindoor Khela and immerse the idols of goddess with a prayer for her arrival next year.
  • In conclusion, Durga Puja makes us realise that divine power is not something we should worship but awaken in ourselves.

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FAQs About Durga Puja 2026

1. When is Durga Puja in 2026?

Durga Puja begins on October 16, 2026 and ends on October 21, 2026.

2. When is Maha Ashtami 2026?

Maha Ashtami 19 October, 2026, Monday. 

3. Why do we celebrate Durga Puja for so many days?

Each day has unique rituals to welcome, worship and bid farewell to Maa Durga.

4. Why is Vijaya Dashami celebrated?

The devotees perform the farewell rites and the immersion of the idol marks the departure of Maa Durga back to her divine abode.