West Bengal Durga Puja 2026: Complete Schedule From Sasthi to Vijaya Dashami and Idol Immersion Durga Puja 2026 celebrations in West Bengal will commence on October 16 with Sasthi and conclude on October 21 with Vijaya Dashami and idol immersion. Here is the complete breakdown of Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, and Maha Navami dates. The arrival of Shardiya Navratri marks the beginning of grand celebrations and devotional worship of Goddess Durga across India. While the nine-day Navratri festival is observed nationwide, West Bengal and surrounding eastern regions celebrate this period with the monumental carnival of Durga Puja. According to Bengali customs, the festival officially begins on the day of Sasthi and continues with high devotion until Vijaya Dashami. Following the core rituals of Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, and Maha Navami, devotees bid an emotional farewell to the goddess on Dashami. Calendar calculations for 2026 have outlined the precise timings and dates for Sasthi, immersion, and every major ritual in between. Sasthi Timings, Kalparambha, and Akal Bodhon The Sasthi tithi holds immense significance in the overall structure of Durga Puja, as it marks the formal awakening and welcome of Goddess Durga into puja pandals and homes. In 2026, Sasthi tithi will be observed on October 16. Astrological calculations indicate that Sasthi tithi begins at 3:25 AM on the morning of October 16 and concludes at 5:54 AM on October 17. The grand festivities will commence on this day with the traditional rituals of Kalparambha and Akal Bodhon. According to Drik Panchang, Sasthi tithi will also remain valid on October 17. Influence of Local Sunrise and Panchang Variations The exact timing of festival observances across Hindu traditions relies heavily on regional panchang systems and local sunrise calculations. Because sunrise times vary across different latitudes and longitudes, devotees often notice slight differences in festival dates across various Indian states and cities. For festivities centered in West Bengal, all religious rites, rituals, and ceremonies will follow the local sunrise in Kolkata and the traditional Bengali almanac guidelines. Maha Saptami and the Nabapatrika Puja Following the Sasthi rituals, devotees welcome Maha Saptami. The Saptami tithi is scheduled to begin at 5:54 AM on October 17 and will continue until 8:27 AM on the morning of October 18. Consequently, Maha Saptami will be celebrated on October 18. A central tradition of this day is the Nabapatrika Puja, where nine sacred plants tied together to represent the goddess and nature are ceremoniously bathed and consecrated. Key Dates for Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami The spiritual climax of the festival takes place during Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, which draw millions of worshippers to pandals for prayers and offerings. As per Drik Panchang, Maha Ashtami in 2026 will be celebrated on October 19. The following day, October 20, will mark Maha Navami. On both of these sacred days, specialized worship rites, pushpanjali, and grand bhog offerings are conducted to honor the goddess. Vijaya Dashami, Sindoor Khela, and Idol Immersion The closing rituals of the festival present a regional variation in dates. Across many parts of North India, Dussehra will be observed on October 20, whereas in West Bengal, Vijaya Dashami will take place on October 21. This day marks the formal culmination of Durga Puja, highlighted by the immersion of Goddess Durga idols into local water bodies. The occasion is celebrated with the vibrant tradition of Sindoor Khela, during which married women smear vermilion on the goddess and on each other as a blessing for prosperity and marital bliss. The grand idols are then carried for immersion amidst the rhythmic beats of dhak drums and devotional chants, concluding the annual festival. What this means for you Clear scheduling of Durga Puja 2026 allows devotees and community organizers to plan travel, vacation days, and religious preparations well in advance. • Across India: Devotees traveling home or planning festival holidays can schedule train and flight bookings around the October 16 to October 21 window. This advance clarity prevents last-minute rush during the peak festive travel period. • In West Bengal: Puja committees across Kolkata and the state can structure pandal construction timelines and idol orders accurately according to the tithi timings. Local communities can also finalize logistic arrangements for the Sindoor Khela and immersion events on October 21. • Market and Retail: Festive shopping, pandal-hopping logistics, and hospitality businesses can prepare their inventory and staffing for the concentrated mid-October rush. Local businesses benefit from a predictable calendar for scheduling public events. • Family Rituals: Families observing traditional rites like Akal Bodhon, Nabapatrika Puja, and Pushpanjali can organize priest schedules without confusion. Worshippers can clearly observe Maha Ashtami on October 19 and Maha Navami on October 20. Why this happened Festival dates in the Hindu calendar are calculated using precise lunar phases, tithi entry moments, and regional sunrise timings, leading to distinct jurisdictional schedules. • Tithi Entry and Duration: Sasthi tithi begins early at 3:25 AM on October 16 and extends until 5:54 AM on October 17, fulfilling the canonical requirements for Kalparambha and Akal Bodhon. The duration overlapping across two mornings creates a valid observance period spanning both dates under Drik Panchang rules. • Significance of Local Sunrise: Vedic rituals rely heavily on the Udaya Tithi principle, which prioritizes the lunar phase present at the exact time of local sunrise. Because dawn occurs at different moments in Kolkata compared to northern or western cities, regional almanacs align festival days accordingly. • Difference Between Dussehra and Dashami: North Indian traditions mark Dussehra during the afternoon window of Dashami tithi, leading to its celebration on October 20. In contrast, Bengali customs celebrate Vijaya Dashami, Sindoor Khela, and bisarjan according to distinct morning ritual requirements on October 21. Questions & Answers 1. When will Durga Puja begin in 2026? Durga Puja will begin on October 16, 2026, with the Sasthi tithi rituals of Kalparambha and Akal Bodhon. 2. What are the exact timings for Sasthi tithi in 2026? Sasthi tithi starts at 3:25 AM on October 16 and ends at 5:54 AM on October 17. 3. On which date will Maha Saptami be observed in 2026? Maha Saptami will be celebrated on October 18, 2026, featuring the sacred Nabapatrika Puja. 4. What are the dates for Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami? According to Drik Panchang, Maha Ashtami falls on October 19, 2026, and Maha Navami takes place on October 20, 2026. 5. When will Vijaya Dashami and idol immersion take place in Bengal? In West Bengal, Vijaya Dashami and the immersion of Goddess Durga idols will be held on October 21, 2026. 6. Why is there a date difference between Dussehra and Vijaya Dashami? Dussehra will be marked on October 20 across parts of North India, whereas Bengal will observe Vijaya Dashami on October 21 based on local panchang calculations. https://trendkia.com/en/festivals/west-bengal-durga-puja-2026-sasthi-se-vijaya-dashami-taka-ki-tithiyan-muhurta-aura-visarjana-ki-puri-janakari-42085 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.