Durga Puja 2026 is just a few days away, and devotees are eagerly waiting to celebrate these happening days. However, like every year, there seems to be some confusion regarding dates and overlap. Here is the complete Durga Puja 2026 calendar with dates, days, and significance.

Durga Puja 2026 Important Days:

Know when Saptami, Ashtami, and Dussehra are, and what the shubh muhurat is on these days.
 

Festival Day

Dates

Significance & Key Rituals

Mahalaya

Saturday, October 10

Marks the arrival of Goddess Durga and the start of Devi Paksha

Maha Shashthi

Friday, October 16

Main Durga Puja festivities begin; includes Kalparambha, Akal Bodhon, and Adhivas

Maha Saptami

Saturday, October 17 – Sunday, October 18

Nabapatrika Puja (Kolabou Puja) and formal morning worship

Maha Ashtami

Monday, October 19

Spiritual peak of the festival; featuring Pushpanjali, Kumari Puja, and Sandhi Puja

Maha Navami

Tuesday, October 20

Final full day of worship; includes Navami Homa, Maha Aarti, and Dhunuchi Naach

Vijaya Dashami

Wednesday, October 21

Concluding day featuring Sindoor Khela and idol immersion (Visarjan)

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According to Sidhharrth S Kumaar, Chief Astrologer, NumroVani, Navratri 2026 begins on October 11 with Pratipada, followed by Dwitiya on October 12, Tritiya on October 13, Chaturthi on October 14, Panchami on October 15 and Shashthi on October 16. Saptami falls on both October 17 and 18, followed by Ashtami on October 19, Navami on October 20 and Dashami or Vijayadashami on October 21, marking the conclusion of Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations.

Why is there difference in date in some calendars?

According to The Divine Hindu, Mahalaya is also Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the last day of Pitru Paksha. Moreover, Shasthi tithi will end at around 5:55 AM on 17th October, just after sunrise. Saptami starts then and runs till 8:29 AM on 18th October. Therefore, many calendars show Saptami on both 17th and 18th.

What is the significance of Shasthi, Ashtami and Navami?

These days represent the 6th, 8th, and 9th lunar days. Shasthi marks the official beginning of the main Durga Puja festivities in eastern India, where Maa Durga is welcomed. It is also the day where the face of Maa Durga is unveiled.
Ashtami is considered the most powerful day and it's believed that Goddess Kali or Chamunda appeared from Devi Durga's forehead to defeat the demons Chanda, Munda, and Raktabija. Young girls are also worshipped on this day.
Navami is the day which marks the culmination of the fierce cosmic battle and the final defeat of the demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga.

What Makes Navratri 2026 Different?

The combination of Maa Durga's elephant arrival, two calendar dates marked Saptami, exalted Jupiter with debilitated Mars, and multiple retrograde planets gives this year's celebrations a distinctive astrological character.

Conclusion:

Durga Puja is not just a festival, it is an emotion for the devotees. From Shasthi's Bodhan to Dashami's Sindoor Khela, each day has its own magic. 

(Image Credits: Magnific)
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