What is Durga Puja?
Durga Puja, also called Sharodotsav, is the biggest festival of West Bengal, Tripura, Assam and Bangladesh, and of Bengali communities around the world. It celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura and her yearly homecoming to her parents' house with her children Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh and Kartik.
From Mahalaya to Bijoya
The countdown begins on Mahalaya, when many Bengalis wake before dawn to listen to Mahishasura Mardini on the radio. The main celebrations run from Shashthi to Bijoya Dashami. Saptami, Ashtami and Navami bring anjali in the morning, the Sandhi Puja at the meeting of Ashtami and Navami, and bhog shared by everyone at the pandal.
Pandals, dhaak and sindoor khela
Cities fill with pandals built around creative themes, and families spend the nights pandal hopping in new clothes. Dhaakis play the dhaak while devotees perform the dhunuchi naach. On Dashami, married women smear sindoor on the goddess and on each other in sindoor khela. After the immersion, people visit elders and exchange sweets to say "Shubho Bijoya".
Frequently asked questions
When is Durga Puja 2026?
According to the Bengali calendar, Durga Puja 2026 runs from Maha Shashthi on Saturday, 17 October to Bijoya Dashami on Wednesday, 21 October. Maha Saptami is on 18 October, Maha Ashtami on 19 October and Maha Navami on 20 October.
When is Mahalaya 2026?
Mahalaya, which marks the start of Devi Paksha and the countdown to Durga Puja, is on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
How do you say Happy Durga Puja in Bengali?
People say "Shubho Durga Puja" (āĻļā§āĻ āĻĻā§āĻ°ā§āĻāĻžāĻĒā§āĻāĻž) or "Shubho Sharodiya" (āĻļā§āĻ āĻļāĻžāĻ°āĻĻā§āĻ¯āĻŧāĻž). After the immersion on Dashami, the greeting changes to "Shubho Bijoya" (āĻļā§āĻ āĻŦāĻŋāĻāĻ¯āĻŧāĻž).
How can I send Durga Puja wishes with my name?
Type your name in the box at the top of this page and tap "Create my wish". You get an animated Durga Puja greeting with your name that you can send on WhatsApp, post on Facebook or Instagram, or download as a photo for your Status.
Is ShubhWish free?
Yes. Creating and sharing greetings is completely free, with no sign-up and no app to install.
