The Durga Puja days in one minute
Mahalaya begins the emotional and devotional countdown. Shashthi welcomes Maa Durga; Saptami begins the principal worship; Ashtami carries some of the festival's most significant observances; Navami is the last full day of worship; and Bijoya Dashami is the farewell followed by greetings and reunion.
At BSS in Bengaluru, the confirmed 2026 celebration runs from Friday, 16 October through Wednesday, 21 October at The Occasion, Hoodi.
BSS Durga Puja 2026 dates at a glance
| Date | BSS programme label | Confirmed visitor highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 16 October | Maha Shasthi | Shasthi Puja, Pushpanjali, Bhog, Bodhon, Amantran and Adhibas, followed by Agomoni and children's performances. |
| 17 October | Maha Saptami | Nabo Patrika Sthapan, Saptami Puja, Pushpanjali, Bhog, Sandhya Arati and Ochin Pakhi live band. |
| 18 October | Ashtami programme day | Ashtami Puja, Pushpanjali, Bhog, Karusanskriti, Sandhya Arati and DJ & Dandiya. |
| 19 October | Ashtami programme day | Ashtami Puja, Sandhi Puja, Pushpanjali, Bhog, Sandhya Arati, Dhaker Tale and Dhunuchi Competition. |
| 20 October | Maha Navami | Navami Puja, Navami Yagya, Pushpanjali, Dhamail of Unity, Bhog and Dandiya. |
| 21 October | Bijoya Dashami | Dashami Puja, Sindhur Khela, Bhog and Shanti Jol. |
Mahalaya: the wait becomes real
Mahalaya is associated with the beginning of Devi Paksha and the invocation of the Goddess in popular Bengali tradition. For many families, the early-morning sound of Chandipath is the moment when Pujo stops feeling distant.
Mahalaya and Shashthi are not the same event. Mahalaya sets the devotional and emotional context; the main BSS community celebration begins with Maha Shasthi on 16 October.
Shashthi: welcoming Maa Durga
Shashthi marks the start of the main celebration. Bodhon, Amantran and Adhibas are welcoming rituals associated with formally beginning the worship of the Goddess.
At BSS, Shashthi Puja is at 6:06 AM and Pushpanjali is at 9:30 AM. Bhog is served from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Bodhon, Amantran and Adhibas are listed at 7:00 PM, followed by Agomoni and children's performances.
Saptami: Nabapatrika and the Puja gathers pace
Saptami is commonly associated with the Nabapatrika ritual, involving nine plants that are bound together, ritually bathed and placed within the worship. Practices and explanations can vary across traditions.
The BSS programme lists Nabo Patrika Sthapan at 7:30 AM, Saptami Puja at 8:30 AM and Pushpanjali at 11:00 AM. Bhog is served from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, followed later by Sandhya Arati and the Ochin Pakhi live band.
Ashtami: Pushpanjali, Sandhi Puja and the festival's devotional centre
Ashtami is one of the most significant stages of Durga Puja. Pushpanjali is central for many visitors, while Sandhi Puja marks the traditional 48-minute junction between Ashtami and Navami.
BSS lists Pushpanjali at 11:00 AM on both 18 and 19 October. On 19 October, Sandhi Puja is confirmed at 7:26 AM. The evening programmes differ: DJ & Dandiya on 18 October, and Dhaker Tale with the Dhunuchi Competition on 19 October.
Use the BSS Ashtami visitor guide for the two-day plan and the Sandhi Puja explainer for the meaning of the ritual.
Navami: the last full day
Navami continues the worship while carrying the feeling that the farewell is approaching. At BSS, it is also the day when Sylheti cultural identity is especially visible through Dhamail.
Navami Puja is at 6:00 AM and Navami Yagya at 7:30 AM. Pushpanjali is at 11:00 AM, followed by Dhamail of Unity at 12:00 PM, Bhog from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM and Dandiya at 7:30 PM.
See the BSS Navami visitor guide for the complete confirmed programme.
Bijoya Dashami: farewell, then reconnection
Dashami marks the farewell to Maa Durga. Sindhur Khela is one of the customs closely associated with the day in Bengali community celebrations. After the farewell comes Bijoya: pronam to elders, greetings, embraces, sweets and reconnecting with people.
The BSS programme lists Dashami Puja at 6:00 AM, Sindhur Khela at 10:30 AM, Bhog from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM and Shanti Jol at 7:00 PM. Participation rules for Sindhur Khela have not been published, so visitors should follow the organising team's guidance.
The Bijoya Dashami and Sindhur Khela guide contains the focused visitor information.
Choose a BSS day by the experience you want
For every ritual and programme time, use the complete BSS Durga Puja 2026 schedule. First-time visitors can also read the practical newcomer guide.
Venue in Hoodi, Bengaluru
The Occasion Bengaluru
Sri Devi Anugraha, Anup Layout,
Basi Reddy Garden, KR Puram Road,
Hoodi, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560048.
BSS welcomes everyone, not only Bengali or Sylheti visitors. The current official information does not confirm parking capacity, entry fees, metro distance or travel times. Use the live Google Maps route and contact BSS if any unknown detail affects your visit.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main days of Durga Puja?
The familiar sequence begins with Mahalaya and continues through Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Bijoya Dashami.
When is BSS Durga Puja in Bangalore in 2026?
BSS Durga Puja runs from Friday, 16 October through Wednesday, 21 October at The Occasion, Hoodi.
What is the difference between Mahalaya and Shashthi?
Mahalaya sets the devotional and emotional context through the invocation of the Goddess. Shashthi begins the main community celebration and welcoming rituals.
Why does the BSS schedule show two Ashtami programme days?
The programme shared by the BSS organising team labels both 18 and 19 October as Ashtami programme days. BSS pages retain that wording.
What does Bijoya mean after Dashami?
Bijoya is the period of greetings and reconnection after the farewell to Maa Durga, commonly associated with pronam, embraces and sweets.
Can first-time and non-Bengali visitors attend?
Yes. Everyone is welcome at BSS Durga Puja. Use the first-time visitor guide for the practical details currently confirmed by BSS.
Plan your BSS Durga Puja visit
Use the complete schedule, open the Hoodi venue, or contact BSS for the latest confirmed information.
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