Durga Puja was celebrated with great grandeur in Kolkata and Guwahati in late October 2026, as these two cities of eastern India came alive with colorful festivities in worship of Maa Durga. This grand festival is one of the most prominent celebrations in Hinduism, bringing to life the sacred story of Maa Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura.
Significance of Durga Puja
The worship of Maa Durga symbolizes the victory of good over evil. This nine-day festival honors the nine forms of the Mother Goddess. According to the scriptures, when the tyranny of the demon Mahishasura grew unbearable, all the gods together bestowed their power upon Maa Durga. The ten-armed goddess vanquished Mahishasura and freed the earth from sin.
Devotees meditate upon the different forms of the Mother during this festival – Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Each day offers an opportunity to receive the Mother’s grace through special worship and mantras.
Colorful Traditions of Durga Puja in Kolkata
In Kolkata, Durga Puja is not merely a religious celebration but the very soul of Bengali culture. The entire city adorns itself with pandals where magnificent idols of Maa Durga are installed. According to tradition, these idols are crafted from special clay, and artists labor for months to prepare them.
Hundreds of pandals are decorated across different areas of the city. Each pandal is renowned for its unique theme and decoration. Crowds of devotees throng these pandals day and night for darshan (sacred viewing) of the Mother. The beat of the dhak (traditional drum), the fragrance of incense, and the enthusiasm of devotees combine to create a divine atmosphere.
The tradition of celebrating Durga Puja in Kolkata and Guwahati is centuries old, and in Kolkata, the five days from Shashthi to Dashami hold special significance.
Special Features of Durga Puja in Guwahati
Durga Puja in Guwahati is colored with Assamese cultural hues. Here too, magnificent pandals are erected for Maa Durga, but Assam’s own traditions make it distinctive. In this city nestled by the Brahmaputra River, Durga Puja has its own unique charm.
Assamese devotees dress in traditional attire to receive darshan of the Mother. The proximity of Guwahati’s famous Kamakhya Temple makes this region a special center for Shakti worship. The cultural presentations here, Assamese songs and music, and traditional dances make the Puja celebrations even more beautiful.
Cultural Splendor of Durga Puja in Eastern India
Durga Puja in Kolkata, Guwahati, and throughout eastern India also becomes an occasion for social gathering. Families and friends come together, wear new clothes, and prepare special meals.
Special dishes are prepared in Bengal and Assam during this time. Delicacies like luchi, aloo dum, begun bhaja, and payesh are offered as bhog (sacred food offering) to the Mother. Maha Ashtami holds special importance for pushpanjali (flower offering), when thousands of devotees offer flowers to the Mother together.
The tradition of sindoor khela on Vijayadashami is very popular, where women apply sindoor (vermillion) to each other. Following this, the immersion of Maa Durga’s idols takes place, which is an emotional moment for devotees.
Durga Puja Celebrations in 2026
During the Durga Puja celebrated in late October 2026, both Kolkata and Guwahati kept their traditions alive. These colorful festivities and traditions were covered by the Asia News Network, bringing wider recognition to this wonderful Hindu devotional tradition of eastern India.
Devotees in both cities worshipped Maa Durga with complete devotion. Bhajans and kirtans echoed day and night in the pandals, and the sound of the Mother’s aarti (ritual of light) spread in every direction.
Aarti and Mantras of Durga Puja
Aarti holds a special place in Durga Puja. Devotees light lamps before the Mother, perform aarti, and chant mantras in her praise. According to tradition, aarti is performed at fixed times each day.
Through mantras, devotees seek strength, wisdom, and protection from the Mother. The sight of aarti accompanied by dhak-dhol is most captivating. Devotees offer flowers at the Mother’s feet and pray for her grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is Durga Puja celebrated in Kolkata and Guwahati?
Traditionally, Durga Puja is a nine-day festival, but in Kolkata and Guwahati, the five days from Shashthi to Dashami are celebrated as special occasions. During these five days, pandals are decorated and grand events are held.
Which colors are considered auspicious in Durga Puja?
Red, yellow, orange, and white colors are considered especially auspicious in Durga Puja. Red symbolizes power and is most beloved to Maa Durga. Devotees wear clothes in these colors to participate in the worship.
What is the difference between Durga Puja in Kolkata and Guwahati?
Maa Durga is worshipped in both cities, but traditions differ according to local culture. Kolkata features Bengali-style pandals and cultural programs, while Guwahati incorporates Assamese traditions. Devotion and enthusiasm are equally visible in both places.
What is sindoor khela in Durga Puja?
On Vijayadashami, married women apply sindoor to each other and also offer sindoor to Maa Durga. This tradition is performed for the longevity of married life and family happiness. It is one of the most colorful traditions of Durga Puja.
When was Durga Puja celebrated in 2026?
Durga Puja was celebrated in late October 2026. This festival is observed from Shashthi to Dashami of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashwin, according to the Hindu calendar.
Experience Divine Darshan with Durlabh Darshan
If you are unable to visit Kolkata or Guwahati, you can have darshan of Maa Durga from home through the Durlabh Darshan app. Our AR/VR technology-based app offers you the opportunity for divine darshan of famous temples and deities across the country. This is not a replacement for physical pilgrimage, but a helpful means for those devotees who cannot visit temples for some reason. Download the Durlabh Darshan app and receive the Mother’s grace.
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