Pujo Gyan
Durga Puja FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Quick, clear answers to the questions people ask most about Durga Puja.
When is Durga Puja in 2026?
Mahalaya is on Saturday 10 October 2026. The main days run from Shashthi on 16–17 October to Bijoya Dashami on Wednesday 21 October, with Maha Ashtami on Monday 19 October.
Why do the dates change every year?
Puja follows the lunar calendar. It falls in the bright fortnight of the month of Ashwin (sometimes Kartik), so the dates move each year, usually between late September and late October.
What is Mahalaya?
The new moon that ends Pitri Paksha (the fortnight for ancestors) and begins Devi Paksha. People offer tarpan to their ancestors at dawn, and many listen to 'Mahishasuramardini' on the radio. It is about a week before the Puja.
What is Sandhi Puja and when is it?
A 48-minute worship at the junction of Ashtami and Navami, when the goddess is said to have become Chamunda to kill Chanda and Munda. 108 lotuses and 108 lamps are offered. In 2026 it is about 10:28–11:16 am on 19 October by Bisuddha Siddhanta, and about 7:25–8:13 am by Gupta Press. Check with your own puja.
Why does Ma Durga have ten arms?
Because every god gave her a weapon to fight Mahishasura, and she holds all their power together. The ten arms are also read as protection in all ten directions.
Who are the four children beside Durga?
Lakshmi (wealth, with an owl) and Ganesh (beginnings, with a mouse) on her right; Saraswati (learning, with a swan) and Kartik (the warrior, with a peacock) on her left.
Is Durga Puja the same as Navratri and Dussehra?
They fall in the same autumn nine nights and end on the same Vijaya Dashami, but they are celebrated differently. Navratri, popular in western and northern India, worships nine forms of the goddess with fasting, garba and dandiya; Dussehra celebrates Rama's victory over Ravana. Bengal's Durga Puja centres on the idol of Durga slaying Mahishasura, worshipped from Shashthi to Dashami.
How do I give anjali?
Traditionally you fast until after anjali, bathe and wear fresh clothes. Take flowers and bel leaves from the priest, repeat the mantra after him with folded hands, and offer the flowers towards the goddess at the end of each mantra. There are usually three rounds. Our Anjali page has the mantra in Bengali, Devanagari and English letters.
Can anyone visit a pandal or give anjali?
Yes. Sarbojanin means 'for everyone': community pandals welcome all visitors, whatever their background. Dress modestly, take off your shoes where asked, and follow the volunteers.
What is Sindoor Khela?
On Dashami, after bidding the goddess farewell (boron), married women smear sindoor (vermilion) on her and then on each other, wishing each other a long and happy married life. Today many women join in regardless of marital status.
What does 'Asche bochor abar hobe' mean?
'It will happen again next year!' Crowds chant it at the immersion, half farewell, half promise.
What food is eaten during Durga Puja?
At the pandal: bhoger khichuri, labra, beguni, chutney and payesh. On the streets: phuchka, egg rolls, mughlai paratha and biryani. At home: luchi, alur dom and, on many days, fish and mutton. For Bijoya: narkel naru, nimki and sweets.
Why is the idol immersed in water?
The goddess is believed to return to Kailash, and the clay returns to the earth and water it came from: a reminder that every form is temporary. Many pujas now use natural colours and immerse at designated ghats or artificial ponds to protect the rivers.
Is Durga Puja a UNESCO heritage?
Yes. 'Durga Puja in Kolkata' was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 15 December 2021.