Countdown to Mahalaya

Durga Puja 2026 Kolkata — Complete Guide

Dates, Muhurat Timings, Best Pandals Zone-wise, Pushpanjali Schedule & Pandal Hopping Routes

View Full Calendar Best Pandals 2026

Durga Puja 2026 Calendar

All dates for Kolkata. Timings based on Bengali Panchang.

10OCT

Mahalaya

Start of Devi Paksha. Tarpan at dawn. Birendra Krishna Bhadra's Chandipath on radio.

16OCT

Maha Panchami

Kalparambha. Final pandal preparations. Shopping peaks.

17OCT

Maha Shashthi

Bodhon, Amantran, Adhivas. Pandals officially open.

Pandals Open

18OCT

Maha Saptami

Nabapatrika Snan. Kalparambha. First full day of puja.

19OCT

Maha Ashtami

Pushpanjali, Kumari Puja. Sandhi Puja 7:26-8:14 AM. Balidan 7:50 AM.

Main Day

20OCT

Maha Navami

Maha Havan. Navaratri vrat samapan. Grand evening aarti.

21OCT

Vijaya Dashami

Sindoor Khela. Devi Baran. Pratima Bisarjan processions.

Last Day

Muhurat & Pushpanjali Timings

Key ritual timings for Durga Puja 2026

Ritual	Timing
Pushpanjali (Ashtami)	7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM (Oct 19)
Sandhi Puja	7:26 AM – 8:14 AM (Oct 19, Mon)
Balidan	7:50 AM (Oct 19)
Kumari Puja	After Sandhi Puja (Oct 19)
Maha Havan (Navami)	Morning, Oct 20
Sindoor Khela (Dashami)	10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Oct 21)
Bisarjan Procession	After 2:00 PM (Oct 21)

Best Durga Puja Pandals 2026 — Zone-wise

Handpicked pandals across North, South & Salt Lake

North Kolkata

Bagbazar Sarbojanin
Sovabazar Rajbari
Kumartuli Park
College Square
Shyambazar AJ
Ahiritola Sarbojanin
Hatibagan Nabin Pally

South Kolkata

Ekdalia Evergreen
Deshapriya Park
Mudiali Club
Singhi Park
Ballygunge Cultural
Tridhara Sammilani
Chetla Agrani

Salt Lake / New Town

Sreebhumi Sporting Club
FD Block
BJ Block
Lake Town
Jodhpur Park Sarbojanin

Pandal Hopping Tips

Visit 2–6 PM for golden hour photos & less crowd
Use Metro East-West Line for North Kolkata pandals
Plan one zone per day — don't try to cover everything
Wear comfortable shoes — expect 10,000+ steps per night
Carry a power bank — phone battery drains fast with photos

Prepare for Puja Season

Book before the rush — slots fill up fast

Book a Pandit for Home Puja

Verified pandits for Durga, Lakshmi & Kali Puja. Fees: ₹2,000–8,000.

Book Now →

Pre-Puja Salon Appointment

Hair, facial, makeup — book 2-3 weeks before Shashthi. Slots filling.

Find a Salon →

Bridal Makeup — Puja Season

Wedding season overlaps with puja. Book verified makeup artists early.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Durga Puja 2026?

Durga Puja 2026 starts on Maha Shashthi (October 16) and ends on Vijaya Dashami (October 21). Mahalaya is on October 10, 2026.

What is the Sandhi Puja timing in 2026?

Sandhi Puja 2026 timing is 7:26 AM to 8:14 AM on October 19 (Maha Ashtami). This 48-minute window marks the transition between Ashtami and Navami.

Which are the best Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata?

Top pandals include Bagbazar, Ekdalia Evergreen, Deshapriya Park, Sreebhumi Sporting Club, College Square, and Kumartuli Park. Each zone has its highlights.

What is the best time to visit pandals?

Visit between 2 PM and 6 PM for the best experience—less crowded than evening, good lighting for photos. Use Metro to avoid traffic.

How to book a pandit for home puja during Durga Puja?

You can book a verified pandit through KhojKaro. WhatsApp us with your preferred date, puja type, and locality. Typical fees: ₹2000-8000 depending on puja duration.

Is there parking near pandals?

Most major pandals have restricted vehicle access. Use Metro (East-West line for North Kolkata, Blue Line for South). Park-and-ride options at Esplanade and Kalighat.