Durga Puja and Dussehra 2026 in Tripura: Dates, Agartala Pujas, Tripura Sundari and Vijay Muhurat

Quick answer: Tripura celebrates Durga Puja by the Bengal calendar: Maha Shashthi on Saturday 17 October to Bijoya Dashami on Wednesday 21 October 2026, with Mahalaya on Saturday 10 October (Drik Panchang Durga Puja calendar for Kolkata). The all-India Dussehra is Tuesday 20 October, Maha Navami in the Bengal calendar. Vijay Muhurat in Agartala on 20 October: 1:04 to 1:50 PM (local time, calculated by the Drik Panchang method).

For Tripura, the autumn festival is above all Durga Puja. Agartala and the state's towns fill with pandals, the sound of the dhak and crowds of families in new clothes, much as in neighbouring Bengal, with whose traditions Tripura's Bengali community shares its calendar and rituals. The state also has its own deep heritage of Goddess worship: the royal Durga Puja of the former Manikya kings and the ancient Tripura Sundari temple at Udaipur, one of the Shakti Peethas, from which, by a widely held tradition, the state itself takes its name.

Durga Puja 2026 calendar (Bengal tradition)

This is Drik Panchang's Durga Puja calendar for Kolkata, which Tripura's Bengal-tradition pujas generally follow. Exact ritual times, such as the moment of Sandhi Puja, are given in the Bengali panjika and announced by puja committees and priests. Immersion schedules are set by committees and the local administration.

Dussehra 2026 dates (all-India) and Vijay Muhurat

The all-India Vijayadashami is Tuesday 20 October 2026, because the Dashami tithi begins at 12:50 PM IST that day and covers the afternoon. The Bengal calendar places Maha Navami on 20 October and Bijoya Dashami on Wednesday 21 October, when Dashami is current in the morning until 2:11 PM IST. For those who observe the all-India Vijayadashami rituals, such as Aparajita puja or beginning new work, the Vijay Muhurat for Tuesday 20 October 2026, in local time (IST), calculated by the Drik Panchang method, is:

Being far to the east, Agartala has one of the earliest Vijay Muhurat windows in India. For Udaipur, Dharmanagar, Kailashahar or other towns, check a panchang set for that town.

Durga Puja in Agartala

Agartala's Durga Puja combines a royal heritage with the community (sarbojanin) pujas of its neighbourhoods. The Durgabari temple, associated with the former Manikya royal family of Tripura, keeps one of the state's most traditional pujas, which continues to be observed each year. Around the city, clubs and committees build pandals of every size, some with elaborate themes and lighting, and families spend the evenings of Saptami, Ashtami and Navami visiting them, eating at food stalls and meeting friends.

Pandal locations, themes, cultural programmes and timings are decided by each committee and change every year, so check local announcements for 2026. On the busiest evenings, roads are crowded and traffic is often regulated; follow official advisories.

Tripura Sundari temple, Udaipur

South of Agartala, the town of Udaipur in Gomati district is home to the Tripura Sundari temple, also known locally as Matabari. It is revered as one of the Shakti Peethas, the sacred sites associated with the body of Goddess Sati. The temple stands on a small hillock, and its traditional Bengali-style architecture with a curved roof makes it easily recognisable. Next to it lies the Kalyan Sagar lake, known for its turtles and fish, which devotees feed.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari, a form of the Divine Mother, and is among the most important pilgrimage sites in Northeast India. Devotees visit throughout the year, and the festival seasons draw particularly large numbers. For darshan timings and festival arrangements, check official sources before visiting.

The rituals of the puja days

Mahalaya and the Goddess's arrival

Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha. Many households wake before dawn for the Mahishasuramardini radio programme with its Chandi recitation, and many offer tarpan to their ancestors at rivers and ponds.

Saptami to Navami

On Saptami, the Kolabou (Nabapatrika), a banana plant bound with other sacred plants, is bathed and installed beside the Goddess. Ashtami is the day of pushpanjali, often after a morning fast, of Kumari Puja at some pujas and of Sandhi Puja at the junction of Ashtami and Navami, with 108 lamps and 108 lotuses. Navami brings the homa, the bhog shared by devotees and dhunuchi naach to the beat of the dhak.

Bijoya Dashami

On Bijoya Dashami, married women perform the farewell rituals and Sindoor Khela, and the idol is carried in procession for immersion. Afterwards families exchange Bijoya greetings, touching the feet of elders and sharing sweets.

Beyond Agartala

Durga Puja is celebrated across Tripura, in towns such as Udaipur, Dharmanagar, Kailashahar and Belonia and in villages throughout the state. Tripura's indigenous communities have their own rich festival traditions, and the state's culture reflects both its Bengali and its tribal heritage.

For families from Tripura abroad

• Bengali and Northeast Indian associations abroad usually hold Durga Puja over the nearest weekend. Check their 2026 schedules.
• Use a panjika or panchang for your own city. Do not convert Agartala's timings into your local time zone.
• Offer pushpanjali at your local puja or at home on Ashtami, and call elders in Tripura on Bijoya Dashami for their blessings.
• Share the story of Tripura Sundari and the Shakti Peethas with children during the puja days.

For Kolkata's traditions and the full Bengal calendar, see our Durga Puja 2026 in West Bengal guide; for another great Shakti Peetha of the Northeast, see our Kamakhya temple guide.

Share the Vijayadashami 2026 blessing

Bijoya Dashami and Vijayadashami celebrate the victory of dharma, of light over darkness. As commonly told, Maa Durga triumphed over Mahishasura and Lord Rama defeated Ravana. For Hindus in Tripura, as the dhak falls quiet and the Goddess is bid farewell in Agartala and beyond, it is a tender moment of love, sweets and blessings from elders. Carry that warmth further today: send a heartfelt blessing to your family and let them feel the Mother's grace.

Shami shloka for Vijayadashami

शमी शमयते पापं शमी शत्रुविनाशिनी। अर्जुनस्य धनुर्धारी रामस्य प्रियदर्शिनी॥

Shami shamayate papam shami shatru-vinashini, arjunasya dhanurdhari ramasya priyadarshini.

Meaning: The Shami tree takes away sin and destroys enemies; it held Arjuna's bow and is dear to Lord Rama. Many families recite this while offering Shami (Jammi) leaves on Vijayadashami.

Rama mantra to chant on Dussehra

रामाय रामभद्राय रामचन्द्राय वेधसे। रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीतायाः पतये नमः॥

Ramaya ramabhadraya ramachandraya vedhase, raghunathaya nathaya sitayah pataye namah.

Meaning: Salutations to Rama, to Ramabhadra, to Ramachandra the creator, to the lord of the Raghu clan, to the husband of Sita.

Vijayadashami 2026 messages to share

Shubho Bijoya to our dear family! 🪔 May Maa Durga bless our home with love, peace and togetherness, and may Her grace stay with us until She returns next year. Share on WhatsApp

Dear Maa and Baba, on Bijoya Dashami I touch your feet with love. 🙏 May the Goddess keep you healthy, happy and at peace. Your blessings light up my whole life. Share on WhatsApp

Shubho Bijoya from Agartala, dear friend! 🎉 May the joy of the pandals, the beat of the dhak and the sweetness of this day stay in your heart all year long. Share on WhatsApp

Warm Vijayadashami wishes to you and your family. May this auspicious day bring success to new beginnings, clarity to our work and harmony to everyone on our team. Share on WhatsApp

Jai Maa Durga! 🌺 As Tripura bids the Goddess a loving farewell, may She give you the strength to overcome every obstacle and the courage to always stand in truth. Share on WhatsApp

Happy Dussehra! 🏹 May Lord Rama bless your family with righteousness, patience and inner strength, and may goodness always triumph in your heart and home. Share on WhatsApp

A short Vijayadashami prayer

O Maa Durga, beloved Mother, and Lord Rama, protector of dharma, I bow before you on this sacred day of victory. Grant me the strength to face every trial, the courage to walk in truth and the wisdom to act with kindness. Keep my family safe and free from negativity, and fill our home with love and peace. As you depart, Mother, stay in my heart and guide me with humility until you return.

Use the share buttons on this page to send these blessings to your family and friends.

Frequently asked questions

When is Durga Puja 2026 in Tripura?

Tripura follows the Bengal calendar: Maha Shashthi is Saturday 17 October and Bijoya Dashami is Wednesday 21 October 2026, with Mahalaya on Saturday 10 October. Maha Saptami is 18 October, Maha Ashtami 19 October and Maha Navami 20 October.

Is Dussehra on 20 or 21 October 2026 in Tripura?

The all-India Dussehra is Tuesday 20 October 2026, which is Maha Navami in the Bengal calendar. Bijoya Dashami, with Sindoor Khela and visarjan, is Wednesday 21 October, when Dashami is current in the morning.

What is the Vijay Muhurat in Agartala for Dussehra 2026?

The Vijay Muhurat in Agartala on Tuesday 20 October 2026 is 1:04 to 1:50 PM local time (IST). For Udaipur, Dharmanagar, Kailashahar or other towns, check a panchang set for that town.

What is special about Durga Puja in Agartala?

Agartala combines a royal heritage with neighbourhood sarbojanin pujas. The Durgabari temple, associated with the former Manikya royal family, keeps one of the state's most traditional pujas, while clubs build pandals across the city.

Why is the Tripura Sundari temple important?

The Tripura Sundari temple at Udaipur in Gomati district, also known as Matabari, is revered as one of the Shakti Peethas. By a widely held tradition, the state takes its name from the Goddess worshipped there.

How do Tripura families abroad celebrate Durga Puja?

Bengali and Northeast Indian associations abroad usually hold Durga Puja over the nearest weekend. Use a panjika or panchang for your own city, offer pushpanjali on Ashtami and call elders on Bijoya Dashami for their blessings.

Editor's note

Editor's note (5 October 2026): This page has been restored at its original address after the earlier version was lost. The Durga Puja calendar is Drik Panchang's calendar for Kolkata, the all-India dates are from Drik Panchang for India, and the Agartala Vijay Muhurat is calculated by the Drik Panchang method. We have not named individual pandals or listed timings, programmes or immersion schedules because these are announced by puja committees and the authorities each year. Temple timings change, so check official sources before visiting the Tripura Sundari temple or the Durgabari.

Related guides

• Durga Puja 2026 in West Bengal
• Dussehra 2026 in Assam
• Dussehra 2026 in Mizoram
• Dussehra 2026 in Meghalaya
• Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026: complete guide
• Kamakhya temple guide
• Goddess Kali: complete guide