Mahalaya 2026 date: When does Durga Puja begin this year? Check all puja dates, timings and significance

Mahalaya 2026: Mahalaya will be observed on Saturday, October 10, marking the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of the festive period leading up to Durga Puja. For Bengalis, the day holds special significance as it signals the anticipated arrival of Goddess Durga. The occasion is also associated with prayers for departed ancestors, traditional rituals and the recitation of devotional hymns. While Mahalaya marks an important spiritual milestone, the main Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal will begin with Maha Shashthi on October 16. Shardiya Navratri, meanwhile, starts on October 11 and continues until Vijayadashami on October 20. The dates of individual Durga Puja rituals can differ slightly across regional calendars.

Mahalaya 2026 date and puja timings

Mahalaya falls on October 10, 2026. It coincides with Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the final day of Pitru Paksha, when Hindu families traditionally pay homage to their ancestors.

The Amavasya tithi begins at 9:35 pm on October 9 and ends at 9:19 pm on October 10, according to published Panchang timings.


Here are the key details:

• Mahalaya date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
• Occasion: Mahalaya Amavasya or Sarva Pitru Amavasya
• Amavasya tithi begins: 9:35 pm on October 9
• Amavasya tithi ends: 9:19 pm on October 10

The timings for Shraddha, Tarpan and other ancestral rites depend on the city and local Panchang. Families performing these rituals should check the timings applicable to their location.

When does Durga Puja start in 2026?

Durga Puja will begin with Maha Shashthi on Friday, October 16, in the traditional Bengali calendar. The festivities will continue through Vijayadashami on Wednesday, October 21. Shardiya Navratri begins earlier, on Sunday, October 11. Although both festivals centre on the worship of the divine feminine, their observances and calendars are not identical.

The main Durga Puja dates for 2026 are:

Festival	Date	Significance
Mahalaya	October 10, Saturday	Marks the end of Pitru Paksha and signals the approach of Durga Puja
Shardiya Navratri begins	October 11, Sunday	Begins the nine-day period of worship dedicated to Goddess Durga
Maha Shashthi	October 16, Friday	Ritual awakening and invocation of the Goddess
Maha Saptami	October 17 and 18, Saturday and Sunday	Nabapatrika rituals and worship of the Goddess
Maha Ashtami	October 19, Monday	Pushpanjali, Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja
Maha Navami	October 20, Tuesday	Special worship and Navami Homa
Vijayadashami	October 21, Wednesday	Sindoor Khela and Durga idol immersion

The Saptami tithi extends across two days in the Bengali calendar this year. As a result, the main rituals do not follow the usual pattern of one distinct festival day after another. Exact observance times should be checked against the local panjika.

What is the significance of Mahalaya?

Mahalaya has both religious and cultural importance, particularly in West Bengal and among Bengali communities across India and abroad. The day marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, a period traditionally dedicated to remembering deceased family members. Many Hindus perform Shraddha and Tarpan to honour their ancestors and pray for their peace. Some families also make food offerings and donate to people in need.

For Bengalis, Mahalaya also signals the beginning of Devi Paksha, the period associated with Goddess Durga's arrival on Earth. The days that follow build anticipation for the celebrations, when decorated pandals, elaborate idols and community gatherings become part of the festive landscape. The occasion represents a transition from remembrance of ancestors to the celebration of the Goddess.

Why do people listen to Mahishasura Mardini on Mahalaya?

One of the best-known Mahalaya traditions is listening to Mahishasura Mardini, a devotional radio programme featuring Sanskrit hymns, Bengali songs and narration about Goddess Durga's battle against the demon Mahishasura.

For generations, families have woken up early on Mahalaya morning to listen to the broadcast. The programme, associated with the iconic voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra, has become an enduring part of Bengali cultural life.

The tradition continues today through radio, television and online streaming. For many households, listening to the programme is an annual ritual that signals the arrival of Durga Puja.

What is the significance of Durga Puja?

Durga Puja celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The festival is observed with prayers, rituals, cultural programmes and community celebrations. In West Bengal, preparations begin well before Shashthi. Artisans create idols, organisers decorate pandals and communities prepare for several days of worship and festivities. Maha Ashtami is especially important for Pushpanjali and Sandhi Puja, while Vijayadashami marks the farewell of the Goddess.

Durga Puja is also a major cultural occasion, bringing families and communities together. In Kolkata, pandal-hopping, traditional food and cultural performances form an important part of the celebrations.

FAQs

1. When is Mahalaya in 2026?

Mahalaya will be observed on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

2. When does Durga Puja start in 2026?

The main Bengali Durga Puja celebrations begin with Maha Shashthi on October 16 and conclude with Vijayadashami on October 21.

3. When does Navratri start in 2026?

Shardiya Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and Vijayadashami falls on October 20.

4. What is the significance of Mahalaya?

Mahalaya marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the transition towards Devi Paksha. It is associated with prayers for ancestors and the anticipation of Goddess Durga's arrival.