Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals in India. The main celebrations are expected from Friday, 16 October to Tuesday, 20 October in 2026 and from Tuesday, 5 October to Saturday, 9 October in 2027. Cities across India will be illuminated with lights, decorations and devotion. If you want to experience culture, spirituality and celebration together, these are the best places to visit during Durga Puja in 2026 and 2027. Festival dates and ritual timings can vary slightly by regional calendar, so confirm local schedules before travelling.
Durga Puja 2026 and 2027 Calendar – Dates and Significance
Durga Puja in 2026 and 2027 will bring several days of celebration, worship and joy. The general festival calendar is laid out below, with the important dates and an explanation of each day. Local ritual times may differ according to the almanac followed by each community.
| Mahalaya (Amavasya) | Saturday, 10 October 2026 Wednesday, 29 September 2027 | Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha. People wake up early to listen to Mahishasura Mardini, while sculptors give the final touches to Durga idols. |
| Bilva Nimantran | Friday, 16 October 2026 Tuesday, 5 October 2027 | Devotees ceremonially invite Goddess Durga using sacred Bilva leaves. This ritual forms part of the formal welcome to the festival. |
| Shashthi | Friday, 16 October 2026 Tuesday, 5 October 2027 | The main Puja begins. Priests unveil the idol’s face, and devotees start offering prayers. |
| Maha Saptami (Kolabou Puja) | Saturday, 17 October 2026 Wednesday, 6 October 2027 | Devotees worship the symbolic banana plant (Kolabou) representing Goddess Durga’s energy. Cultural programs also begin. |
| Maha Ashtami (Sandhi Puja) | Sunday, 18 October 2026 Thursday, 7 October 2027 | This day holds great significance during the Durga Puja festival. Sandhi Puja is performed at the transition between Ashtami and Navami, commemorating the triumph of Goddess Durga over evil. |
| Maha Navami (Navami Homa) | Monday, 19 October 2026 Friday, 8 October 2027 | Devotees conduct Navami Homa, a sacred fire ritual. This is the final major day of worship before the farewell and immersion ceremonies. |
| Vijayadashami (Durga Visarjan) | Tuesday, 20 October 2026 Saturday, 9 October 2027 | Devotees celebrate Dashami by offering farewell prayers to Goddess Durga. Traditions include Sindoor Khela, processions and idol immersion in designated water bodies. The occasion symbolizes the victory of good over evil. |
7 Best Places to Visit During Durga Puja in 2026 and 2027
1. Kolkata – The Heart of Durga Puja
Durga Puja is central to Kolkata’s cultural identity. Durga Puja in Kolkata has also been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The city transforms into an open-air gallery filled with creative art, elaborate idols and themed pandals dedicated to Goddess Durga.
- Famous Pandals: Bagbazar, College Square, Kumartuli, Santosh Mitra Square.
- What to Expect: Pandal hopping, cultural programs, dhak beats, bhog.
- Travel Tip: Visit after sunset to see illuminated pandals. Use the metro, local transport or walking routes to avoid traffic.
If you want the classic Durga Puja experience, Kolkata should be number one.
2. Delhi – Traditional Meets Modern
Durga Puja is celebrated enthusiastically in Delhi, especially in Chittaranjan Park (CR Park), often called mini Bengal. Pandals in Delhi bring together traditional worship, modern design, religious customs and creative performances. Families, visitors and local communities gather to enjoy the spirit of the season.
- Famous Spots: Kali Bari Mandir, CR Park, Kashmere Gate Durga Puja.
- What to Expect: Cultural evenings, dance, drama, Bengali street food.
- Travel Tip: Stay in South Delhi for convenient access to several popular pandals.
Delhi’s Durga Puja shows how Bengali traditions continue to thrive outside West Bengal.
3. Mumbai – A Blend of Glamour and Devotion
Mumbai celebrates Durga Puja with flair, combining community devotion with the city’s entertainment culture. Prominent public figures and film personalities sometimes visit local pandals during the celebrations.
- Famous Pandals: Lokhandwala, Powai Sarvajanin, Tejpal Hall.
- What to Expect: Cultural shows, community gatherings and idol immersion processions.
- Travel Tip: Evenings can be crowded, so visit earlier or allow extra travel time.
If you want to enjoy Durga Puja with glamour and community spirit, Mumbai is an excellent choice.
4. Bengaluru – South India’s Grand Puja
Bengaluru hosts some of the most popular Durga Puja celebrations in South India. Bengali associations organize large pandals where residents and visitors gather for worship, food and cultural programs.
- Famous Spots: Ulsoor, Indiranagar, Koramangala, and Whitefield.
- What to Expect: Authentic Bengali food stalls, dhunuchi dance, and cultural evenings.
- Travel Tip: Use the metro or cabs where practical, and allow extra time for peak-hour traffic.
Durga Puja in Bengaluru offers a combination of traditional celebrations and modern city life.
5. Guwahati – Spiritual and Cultural Hub
Durga Puja in Guwahati carries substantial religious and cultural importance. The presence of Kamakhya Temple makes the city especially meaningful for devotees during the festive season. Local residents and visitors come together to celebrate across the city.
- Famous Spots: Fancy Bazaar and Pandu.
- What to Expect: Brightly lit pandals, riverfront activity and cultural performances.
- Travel Tip: Reserve accommodation early because demand increases during Puja.
If you want devotion combined with cultural beauty, Guwahati offers both.
6. Jaipur and Rajasthan – Tradition with a Twist
Durga Puja has become increasingly popular in Rajasthan, especially in Jaipur and Udaipur. Local communities and Bengali associations organize pandals that bring together elements of Rajasthani and Bengali culture.
- Famous Spots: Jaipur’s Mansarovar and Vaishali Nagar pandals.
- What to Expect: A mix of Rajasthani hospitality and Bengali traditions.
- Travel Tip: Try regional food stalls along with bhog prasad.
Rajasthan provides a distinctive experience of different traditions coming together during Durga Puja.
7. Overseas Celebrations – Global Durga Puja
Durga Puja is not exclusive to India. Indian and Bengali communities living abroad organize celebrations with worship, cultural performances and festive meals, although events may be scheduled on nearby weekends for convenience.
- United States: New Jersey and New York host some of the largest Durga Puja gatherings in the country.
- United Kingdom: Community organizations across London, including areas such as Camden and Ealing, arrange traditional celebrations.
- Singapore: Bengali community groups organize vibrant celebrations and cultural events.
If you live outside India, you can still enjoy the festive spirit in these destinations. Check organizers’ schedules because overseas celebrations may not follow the exact weekday calendar.
Travel Tips for Durga Puja 2026 and 2027
- Book early: Flights, trains and hotels are in high demand during Puja week.
- Stay central: Choose accommodation near major pandal areas or convenient public transport.
- Use public transport: Metros, local transport or walking can help you avoid festival traffic.
- Try the food: Don’t miss bhog, luchi, kosha mangsho and regional street food.
- Dress comfortably: Wear light, comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for long walks and crowded areas.
Conclusion
Durga Puja in 2026 and 2027 will be more than a festival—it will be an experience of culture, devotion and celebration. Whether you choose Kolkata for tradition, Delhi for variety, Mumbai for glamour or Bengaluru for southern charm, each destination offers a memorable festive atmosphere. Plan transport and accommodation early, check local pandal schedules and prepare to experience one of India’s biggest cultural festivals.
FAQs About Durga Puja 2026 and 2027
Major Puja days are generally observed as public holidays in West Bengal, while holiday schedules vary elsewhere. Check the applicable government and local holiday calendars before travelling.
Mahalaya is expected on Saturday, 10 October 2026 and Wednesday, 29 September 2027. It marks the beginning of Devi Paksha.
Kolkata is the most famous city for Durga Puja pandals and offers the widest range of traditional and contemporary displays.
Yes, tourists are generally welcome at public pandals. Follow entry arrangements, security instructions and local customs.
Evenings and nights offer illuminated displays and cultural events, while mornings are usually better for visitors seeking lighter crowds and a quieter experience.
