Quick answer: Dussehra 2026 (Vijayadashami) in West Bengal is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 (Navratri 11–19 October; Durga Ashtami 18, Maha Navami 19). In West Bengal, Dussehra season is Durga Puja — the state’s biggest festival, whose Kolkata celebrations are inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Perform the Vijayadashami puja in the Aparahna (early-afternoon) window — confirm the exact Vijay Muhurat for Kolkata with a local panchang.

In West Bengal, Dussehra season is Durga Puja — the state’s biggest festival, whose Kolkata celebrations are inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

How West Bengal celebrates Dussehra & Navratri 2026

From Mahalaya, when Bengalis wake before dawn to hear the Mahishasuramardini broadcast, the state moves through Bodhon, Sasthi, Saptami, Ashtami (with the dramatic Sandhi Puja), Navami and Bijaya Dashami. Kolkata’s themed pandals and Kumartuli’s clay idols draw millions of pandal-hoppers each night.

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On Bijaya Dashami, married women play Sindoor Khela, smearing each other with vermilion, before the idols are taken in procession for immersion (bisarjan) in the Hooghly, and everyone exchanges Bijaya greetings and sweets. Kumari Puja at Belur Math and the old bonedi-bari (aristocratic household) pujas are among the most revered observances.

Where to celebrate in West Bengal

  • Kolkata pandals — Bagbazar, College Square, Ekdalia Evergreen, Mohammad Ali Park, Sreebhumi
  • Kumartuli idol-makers’ quarter
  • Belur Math (Kumari Puja)
  • Bonedi-bari pujas of north Kolkata
  • Cooch Behar, Durgapur and district-town pujas

Dussehra 2026 dates in West Bengal

Date

Observance

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Sunday, 11 October

Navratri begins (Ghatasthapana)

Sunday, 18 October

Durga Ashtami

Monday, 19 October

Maha Navami / Ayudha Puja

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Tuesday, 20 October

Dussehra / Vijayadashami

Sunday, 8 November

Diwali

The Vijay Muhurat falls in the early afternoon and varies by city; use a panchang set to your town or check today's panchangam for Kolkata and other cities in West Bengal. Neighbouring Karnataka observes Vijayadashami on 21 October under the Mysuru panchanga.

Frequently asked questions

When is Durga Puja / Dussehra 2026 in West Bengal?

The main days fall over 18–20 October 2026, with Bijaya Dashami and immersion on 20 October (some Bengali panjikas mark the visarjan on 21 October). Navratri runs 11–19 October.

What is Sindoor Khela?

On Bijaya Dashami, married women bid the goddess farewell by applying sindoor (vermilion) to the idol and to one another, before the immersion procession.

Dussehra & Navratri 2026 — India state guides

Explore Dussehra, Navratri and Dasara 2026 across India and the wider guides: