Durga Puja 2026 Date & Navratri 2026 Date: Complete Festival Calendar & Travel Guide

Durga Puja and Navratri are among the most eagerly awaited festivals in India, bringing together devotion, celebrations, family gatherings and, for many people, a much-needed festive break.

If you are searching for the Durga Puja 2026 date or Navratri 2026 date, Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026, while the main Durga Puja celebrations fall in the second half of October. Maha Saptami is on October 18, Maha Ashtami on October 19, and Mahanavami and Vijayadashami fall around October 20, 2026, according to published 2026 calendars and the Belur Math programme.

For travellers, the festive period also creates an excellent opportunity to plan a short break to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Kalimpong, Dooars and other destinations accessible from Siliguri, NJP and Bagdogra.

This guide brings together the important Durga Puja and Navratri dates for 2026, festival information, travel ideas and practical tips for planning your Puja holiday.

Durga Puja 2026 and Navratri 2026: Quick Dates

Here are the most important dates to remember.

Drik Panchang's Siliguri calendar places the beginning of Sharad Navratri on October 11 and Saptami, Ashtami and Navami across October 18–20. Belur Math's published 2026 programme also schedules Saptami on October 18, Mahashtami on October 19 and Mahanavami on October 20.

Quick answer: Durga Puja's principal celebrations in 2026 take place around October 17–20, while Navratri 2026 starts on October 11 and concludes with Vijayadashami/Dussehra around October 20.

When Is Durga Puja 2026?

The main Durga Puja 2026 dates fall between October 17 and October 20, 2026, with Saptami on October 18, Maha Ashtami on October 19 and Maha Navami on October 20.

Durga Puja is particularly significant in West Bengal and other parts of eastern India. The most prominent celebrations revolve around Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Vijayadashami.

Timeanddate lists the first day of Durga Puja festivities in India as Saturday, October 17, 2026, followed by Maha Saptami on October 18 and Maha Ashtami on October 19.

The exact rituals and timings can vary according to location, tradition and the almanac followed by a particular temple or community.

Durga Puja 2026 Date Calendar

Maha Shashthi 2026

Shashthi marks the beginning of the major phase of Durga Puja celebrations. This is when the festive atmosphere becomes especially visible across West Bengal, with decorated pandals, illuminated streets and increasing numbers of visitors.

In 2026, the main Durga Puja festivities begin around October 17. Different calendars may describe the Shashthi tithi and associated rituals according to local Panchang calculations, so travellers should distinguish between the civil calendar date and ritual timings.

Maha Saptami 2026 – October 18

Maha Saptami falls on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Saptami is one of the principal days of Durga Puja and marks the beginning of the three most important days of worship.

Belur Math has published its Saptami Puja for October 18, 2026, beginning at 5:30 AM.

For travellers, the Sunday date may also make this part of the festival period particularly attractive for a short holiday.

Maha Ashtami 2026 – October 19

Maha Ashtami falls on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Ashtami is one of the most significant days of Durga Puja. Devotees participate in puja, pushpanjali and other traditional rituals.

Belur Math's 2026 schedule lists Mahashtami Puja on October 19 and Sandhi Puja between 10:28 AM and 11:16 AM at Belur Math. Ritual timings elsewhere may differ by location.

Maha Navami 2026 – October 20

Maha Navami falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, according to Belur Math's published Vishuddha Siddhanta programme.

Mahanavami represents the concluding phase of the principal Durga Puja worship before the farewell rituals associated with Vijayadashami. Belur Math schedules Mahanavami Puja from 5:30 AM on October 20.

Vijayadashami and Dussehra 2026 – October 20

Vijayadashami or Dussehra falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

The day marks the conclusion of the festive period and is observed in different ways across India. In Bengal, Vijayadashami is closely associated with the farewell to Goddess Durga and Durga Visarjan.

Dussehra is listed as a gazetted holiday in India on October 20, 2026.

What Is the Navratri 2026 Date?

Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

Navratri is dedicated to different manifestations of Goddess Durga and is celebrated through prayer, fasting, Garba, Dandiya and various regional traditions across India.

For Siliguri, Drik Panchang places Pratipada and Ghatasthapana on October 11, 2026. The Pratipada tithi begins on the previous evening and continues into October 11, illustrating why festival calculations should be based on Panchang timings rather than assuming that every tithi matches one complete civil day.

Navratri 2026 Calendar

For Siliguri and nearby North Bengal, the 2026 calendar can be understood as follows:

Because Hindu festival dates are based on lunar tithis, the calendar does not always translate into a simple “one tithi per calendar date” sequence. For Siliguri in 2026, for example, Shashthi extends across the calendar alignment before Saptami on October 18.

Travellers who need exact puja muhurat timings should check a location-specific Panchang closer to the festival.

Durga Puja and Navratri: What Is the Difference?

Durga Puja and Navratri are closely connected to the worship of Goddess Durga, but the style of celebration varies considerably across regions.

The underlying traditions differ by region, which is why visitors can experience the festive season very differently in Kolkata, North Bengal, Gujarat or other parts of India.

Is Durga Puja 2026 a Good Time to Travel?

Yes, the Durga Puja holiday period can be a good opportunity for a family holiday, couples' trip or short mountain break.

October generally falls in the popular autumn travel period for destinations such as Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kalimpong and other parts of Sikkim and North Bengal.

The important consideration is demand.

With Durga Puja and Dussehra creating holiday opportunities, more travellers may be moving through major gateways such as:

• Bagdogra Airport
• NJP Railway Station
• Siliguri
• Darjeeling
• Gangtok

Hotels and popular vehicle categories can therefore have tighter availability than during quieter periods.

If you already know your travel dates, arranging accommodation and transport before the festival period can give you more options.

Best Places to Visit During Durga Puja Holidays 2026

For travellers starting their journey from Siliguri, NJP or Bagdogra, several popular destinations are suitable for a Puja holiday.

1. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is one of the easiest hill destinations to combine with a short festive holiday.

Known for its tea gardens, Himalayan views, heritage attractions and hill-town atmosphere, it works particularly well for families and couples who have three or four days available.

Popular experiences include:

• Tiger Hill
• Batasia Loop
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway experiences
• Tea gardens
• Mall Road
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
• Local monasteries and viewpoints

Travellers arriving at Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station can continue by road toward Darjeeling.

Planning a Puja getaway? Explore EasyTripMate's Darjeeling tour options and customized trips from Siliguri, NJP or Bagdogra.

2. Gangtok and Sikkim

If you have a little more time, Gangtok and Sikkim can make a rewarding festive-season getaway.

Gangtok can serve as a base for local sightseeing and, depending on permits, weather and road conditions, excursions toward places such as Tsomgo Lake and other accessible areas.

A longer itinerary can include additional destinations in Sikkim according to available days and current travel conditions.

Because some Sikkim routes involve permits and regulated vehicle access, confirm the latest requirements before finalising the itinerary.

EasyTripMate can help you plan Sikkim tour packages along with transfers from Bagdogra Airport, NJP or Siliguri.

3. Kalimpong

For travellers looking for a quieter hill break, Kalimpong can be a practical option.

It is suitable for:

• Short family holidays
• Couples
• Relaxed hill stays
• Combining with Darjeeling
• Combining with other North Bengal routes

Kalimpong can also work well for travellers who do not want an overly packed Puja itinerary.

4. Dooars

Dooars offers a different holiday experience from Darjeeling and Sikkim.

Instead of busy hill towns, travellers can explore landscapes associated with forests, tea gardens and wildlife destinations.

It can work particularly well for:

• Families
• Nature lovers
• Groups
• Short North Bengal holidays

Wildlife-area access and safari schedules should always be checked before travel because operating rules can vary.

5. Bhutan

Travellers with a longer break may also consider Bhutan.

The itinerary, immigration formalities, permits and vehicle arrangements should be planned carefully in advance.

For travellers starting from North Bengal, the journey can be organized according to the chosen route and the number of days available.

EasyTripMate can help travellers explore suitable Bhutan tour packages based on trip duration and travel requirements.

Travelling From Siliguri During Durga Puja 2026

Siliguri is an important starting point for road journeys toward Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, Dooars and neighbouring destinations.

If you live in Siliguri or are staying in the city before continuing your journey, a pre-arranged car can simplify the start of your holiday.

EasyTripMate's car rental in Siliguri can be used for routes such as:

• Siliguri to Darjeeling
• Siliguri to Gangtok
• Siliguri to Kalimpong
• Siliguri to Dooars
• Siliguri local travel
• Outstation transfers

Vehicle requirements can vary considerably between a couple, a family and a larger group, so choose the vehicle according to passenger count and luggage rather than price alone.

Need a vehicle for your Puja trip? Check EasyTripMate's Siliguri car rental options.

Car Rental From NJP Railway Station During Durga Puja

New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, commonly known as NJP, is one of the main railway gateways for travellers heading toward North Bengal and Sikkim.

If you are arriving by train during the Puja holidays, you can arrange a direct pickup for destinations such as:

• NJP to Darjeeling
• NJP to Gangtok
• NJP to Kalimpong
• NJP to Dooars
• NJP to Siliguri

Pre-booking can be particularly useful when travelling with family, children, elderly passengers or substantial luggage.

It also lets you confirm the vehicle type and pickup details before reaching the station.

Arriving at NJP during Durga Puja? Contact EasyTripMate for a pre-arranged NJP pickup and outstation transfer.

Bagdogra Airport Car Rental During Durga Puja 2026

Bagdogra Airport is one of the principal air gateways for travellers visiting Darjeeling, Sikkim and surrounding parts of North Bengal.

Instead of arranging onward transport after landing, travellers can pre-book an airport transfer according to their arrival time.

Popular routes include:

• Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling
• Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok
• Bagdogra Airport to Kalimpong
• Bagdogra Airport to Siliguri
• Bagdogra Airport to other North Bengal destinations

During a major holiday period, planning the airport transfer in advance can make the arrival process easier.

EasyTripMate provides Bagdogra Airport taxi services with pre-arranged pickups for travellers heading toward nearby hill and regional destinations.

Darjeeling Car Rental During the Puja Holidays

A vehicle can be useful in Darjeeling not only for reaching the hill town but also for transfers and sightseeing depending on your itinerary.

Travellers may require vehicles for:

• Local sightseeing
• Darjeeling to Bagdogra transfer
• Darjeeling to NJP transfer
• Darjeeling to Siliguri
• Darjeeling to Kalimpong
• Inter-destination transfers

Road conditions, local transport rules and vehicle-access restrictions can vary by route, so the itinerary should be planned according to current local conditions.

Ask EasyTripMate about Darjeeling car rental and transfer options for your 2026 Puja holiday.

Sikkim Car Rental During Durga Puja

For a Sikkim trip, travellers often require more than a simple airport pickup.

Depending on the itinerary, transportation may include:

• Bagdogra/NJP to Gangtok transfer
• Gangtok local sightseeing
• Inter-destination transfers
• Return transfer
• Multi-day vehicle arrangements

Certain protected or restricted routes in Sikkim are subject to permits and specific transport requirements.

For that reason, avoid assuming that one vehicle can automatically operate on every sightseeing route.

EasyTripMate can help structure the transport requirement according to your planned destinations and current applicable rules.

Suggested Durga Puja Holiday Trips From Siliguri

Not everyone has a full week available during Puja.

Here are a few practical itinerary ideas according to the length of your holiday.

2 Nights / 3 Days Darjeeling Short Break

A suitable option for travellers with a short holiday.

Possible route:

Siliguri / NJP / Bagdogra → Darjeeling → sightseeing → return.

This works well for couples and families looking for a quick change from city life without covering too many destinations.

Explore Darjeeling Tour Packages

3 Nights / 4 Days Gangtok Holiday

Travellers with three nights can use Gangtok as their main base.

Possible route:

Bagdogra / NJP / Siliguri → Gangtok → local sightseeing → suitable excursion → return.

Keep the itinerary flexible enough to account for permits, traffic and weather.

Explore Sikkim Tour Packages

4 Nights / 5 Days Darjeeling and Gangtok

This is a practical combination for travellers who want to experience both West Bengal's hill country and Sikkim.

A possible structure is:

1. Day 1: Arrival and Darjeeling transfer
2. Day 2: Darjeeling sightseeing
3. Day 3: Darjeeling to Gangtok
4. Day 4: Gangtok sightseeing
5. Day 5: Return to NJP or Bagdogra

The sequence can be reversed depending on arrival timings and travel requirements.

3 Nights / 4 Days Dooars Holiday

For travellers looking for forests and a more nature-oriented break, a Dooars itinerary can be considered.

The itinerary can combine selected forest areas, tea landscapes and local attractions according to operating schedules.

Explore Dooars Tour Packages

5 Nights / 6 Days Sikkim Holiday

If you have almost a week available, you can build a more relaxed Sikkim itinerary instead of rushing through multiple places.

A customized plan can include Gangtok and additional destinations depending on road access, permits, weather and traveller preferences.

Explore Customized Sikkim Packages

How Early Should You Book a Car for Durga Puja 2026?

There is no single booking deadline that applies to every traveller.

However, Durga Puja and Dussehra create one of the important festive travel periods in eastern India, so waiting until the last moment may reduce your choice of:

• Vehicle category
• Hotel
• Pickup time
• Multi-day vehicle availability
• Preferred itinerary

This becomes more relevant if you need a larger vehicle for a family or group.

Once your train or flight tickets are confirmed, it is sensible to start arranging your accommodation and local transport rather than waiting until arrival.

Travel Tips for Durga Puja and Navratri 2026

A little advance planning can make a major difference during festival travel.

• Book accommodation early: Popular destinations such as Darjeeling and Gangtok may see increased holiday demand.
• Pre-book Bagdogra or NJP transfers: Confirm your pickup point, travel date and vehicle before arrival.
• Keep realistic travel times: Mountain driving takes longer than equivalent distances on plains.
• Do not overpack your itinerary: Trying to cover too many destinations within three or four days can make the trip exhausting.
• Check Sikkim permits: Requirements depend on the places included in your itinerary.
• Carry suitable clothing: Weather conditions can differ considerably between Siliguri and higher-altitude destinations.
• Confirm hotel check-in timings: This is particularly useful when arriving by an early train or late flight.
• Keep buffer time for your return journey: Road traffic and weather can affect travel time to NJP or Bagdogra.
• Confirm sightseeing availability: Holiday schedules, local regulations or weather can affect access to some attractions.
• Keep driver and pickup details handy: This makes arrivals at busy railway stations and airports smoother.

Plan Your Durga Puja 2026 Holiday With EasyTripMate

Knowing the Durga Puja 2026 date and Navratri 2026 date early gives you more time to organize your festive break.

Whether you are starting from Siliguri, arriving at NJP Railway Station, or landing at Bagdogra Airport, EasyTripMate can help you plan your onward journey toward destinations including Darjeeling, Gangtok, Sikkim, Kalimpong, Dooars and Bhutan.

Depending on your requirements, you can enquire about:

• Siliguri car rental
• NJP pickup and drop
• Bagdogra Airport taxi
• Darjeeling car rental
• Sikkim transportation
• Customized Darjeeling packages
• Sikkim tour packages
• Dooars holidays
• Bhutan tour packages
• Family and group trips

Instead of fitting your holiday into a fixed plan, you can choose a route according to your available days, arrival point, budget and preferred destinations.

Planning your Durga Puja holiday? Contact EasyTripMate to customize your car rental or tour package from Siliguri, NJP or Bagdogra.

FAQ

What is the Durga Puja 2026 date?

The principal Durga Puja celebrations in 2026 fall around October 17–20. Maha Saptami is on October 18, Maha Ashtami on October 19 and Mahanavami on October 20 according to the published Belur Math programme.

When will Durga Puja start in 2026?

Timeanddate lists the first day of Durga Puja festivities as Saturday, October 17, 2026. Individual rituals and tithi timings can vary according to the almanac followed.

What is the Vijayadashami 2026 date?

Vijayadashami/Dussehra falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

What is the Navratri 2026 date?

Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

Is October a good time to visit Darjeeling?

October is a popular period for visiting Darjeeling. Travellers considering a Durga Puja trip should nevertheless plan accommodation and transport early because the festive holiday period can increase demand.

Can I book a taxi from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling during Durga Puja?

Yes. Travellers can arrange a pre-booked transfer from Bagdogra Airport to Darjeeling. During a major festival period, booking in advance can provide better certainty regarding vehicle availability and pickup arrangements.

Can I book an NJP to Gangtok taxi during Durga Puja?

Yes. NJP is a common arrival point for travellers continuing toward Gangtok. EasyTripMate can arrange point-to-point transport according to availability and your itinerary.

Can EasyTripMate arrange both a car and tour package?

Yes. Instead of booking only a transfer, travellers can enquire about a customized package combining transport, destinations and other required travel arrangements according to the selected itinerary.