DURGA PUJA 2026 DATES & SCHEDULE OF KOLKATA
According to the traditional Bengali Panjika (almanac calculations by Beni Madhab Shil and recent astrological records,this year the goddess Durga arrives on a HORSE (Ghotak) and departs on a BOAT (Nouka).
Since Maha Saptami falls on a Saturday (17th October 2026), the scriptural calculation mandates her arrival on a horse. This traditionally symbolizes Chhatrabhanga (political instability, social unrest, or turbulence).
Because Vijaya Dashami is observed on a Wednesday (21st October 2026), her departure happens by boat. This is considered highly auspicious, representing an abundance of water, good rainfall, and a prosperous harvest (Shashya Briddhi).
| DATE | DAY | TIME |
| 10th October (Saturday) 22nd Ashwin | MAHALAYA- Torpon | That day till |
| 14th October (Wednesday) 26th Ashwin | MAHA PANCHMI | Starts on – 11:51 PM |
| 15th October (Thursday) 27th Ashwin | MAHA PANCHAMI | Starts on 15th October – 01:53 AM Ends on 16th October – 01:42 PM |
| 16th October (Friday) 28th Ashwin | MAHA SHASHTI- Bodhan, Amantran and Adhibas :- within 08:30 PM | Starts on 16th October – 01:42 PM Ends on 17th October – 03:46 AM |
| 17th October & 18th October (Saturday & Sunday) 1st Kartick | MAHA SAPTAMI- Nabapatrika Pravesh :- After 07:04 AM Maha Saptami Puja :- After 07:04 AM | Starts on 17th October – 03:46 AM Ends on 18th October – 05:53 AM |
| 19th October (Monday) 2nd Kartick | MAHA ASHTAMI- Maha Ashtami Puja :- Before 07:05 AM Sandhi Puja : within 07:26 AM to 08:14 AM | Starts on 18th October – 05:53 AM Ends on 19th October – 07:50 PM |
| 20th October (Tuesday) 3rd Kartick | NABAMI- Maha Nabami Puja :- 08:31 AM – 09:31 AM | Starts on 19th October – 07:50 PM Ends on 20th October – 09:31 AM |
| 21st October (Wednesday) 4th Kartick | VIJAYA DASHAMI- Vijaya Dashami Puja :- within 08:31 AM | Start on 20th October – 09:31 AM Ends on 21st October – 10:47 AM |
In Kolkata, Maha Ashtami falls on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Because the Ashtami Tithi concludes in the morning/forenoon on Monday, the rituals must be completed early. The specific timing schedules for the morning according to the traditional panjika calculations are detailed below:
Ashtami Anjali Timings:
- Auspicious Anjali Window: 06:00 AM to 08:30 AM (Highly recommended)
- Why this time? The Maha Ashtami Puja must traditionally conclude before the transition period. To cater to the rush, most neighborhood community block samitis and residential apartments across Kolkata plan to organize their Pushpanjali batches earliest within this slot.
Complete Ashtami Schedule (Kolkata):
- Maha Ashtami Puja Commences: 05:30 AM (Must wrap up by 07:05 AM in accordance with the pure tithi guidelines)
- Belur Math Ashtami Timing: At Belur Math, the Ashtami Puja begins at 05:30 AM, followed closely by the famous Kumari Puja at 09:00 AM.
- Sandhi Puja Muhurat: 07:26 AM to 08:14 AM (Note: Some regional panjikas extend the absolute tithi transition slightly up to 10:28 AM–11:16 AM, but local Kolkata Durgotsav pandals prioritize the early morning transition).
