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Almanacs Set Different Dates for Bengal’s 2026 Durga Puja
Different Bengali almanacs use different calculations to decide when Durga Puja rituals should happen.
Both systems say the 2026 festival will last six days.
However, they disagree about which day will be stretched over two calendar days.
Under some almanacs, the Nabapatrika ceremony will happen on October 17.
Under Bishuddhasiddhanta, it will happen the next morning.
The two systems also give different times for Ashtami and Sandhi Puja.
These differences matter because priests and volunteers need time to prepare food and rituals.
One puja organiser is changing almanacs to give worshippers more time to participate.
Another organiser will continue using its traditional almanac.
Two almanac systems agree that the 2026 Durga Puja will span six days, from Sashthi to Dashami.
Bishuddhasiddhanta says Sashthi will extend across two days, while Suryasiddhanta-based almanacs make Saptami the two-day tithi.
The Nabapatrika procession will take place on October 17 under Gupta Press, PM Bagchi and Benimadhab Seal, and the next morning under Bishuddhasiddhanta.
Ashtami and Sandhi Puja timings differ significantly, with Bishuddhasiddhanta allowing later ceremonies than Gupta Press.
Some organisers are changing almanacs for more manageable schedules, while others are retaining their traditional systems.
- Who
- Durga Puja organisers in Bengal, using either the Bishuddhasiddhanta or Suryasiddhanta-based almanac systems.
- What
- The two systems have produced different dates and times for 2026 Durga Puja rituals, especially Saptami, Ashtami and Sandhi Puja.
- Where
- Bengal, including puja venues such as Belur Math, Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha and Thakurpukur SB Park Sarbojanin.
- When
- During the 2026 Durga Puja; the Nabapatrika ceremony is scheduled for October 17 under some almanacs and the following morning under Bishuddhasiddhanta.
- Why
- The almanacs calculate lunisolar movements and tithis using different astronomical systems and planetary-position amendments.
Bishuddhasiddhanta System
Suryasiddhanta-Based Almanacs
Two-day tithi
Bishuddhasiddhanta System
Sashthi extends across two days, so the Nabapatrika ceremony takes place the morning after October 17.
Suryasiddhanta-Based Almanacs
Saptami extends across two days, placing the Nabapatrika ceremony on October 17.
Ashtami scheduling
Bishuddhasiddhanta System
The later schedule allows Ashtami Puja until 9:27am and starts Sandhi Puja at 10:28am.
Suryasiddhanta-Based Almanacs
The Gupta Press schedule requires Ashtami Puja to finish by 7:03am and Sandhi Puja to begin at 7:25am.
Organiser preference
Bishuddhasiddhanta System
Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha considers the schedule more favourable for public participation and plans to use it.
Suryasiddhanta-Based Almanacs
Thakurpukur SB Park Sarbojanin will retain Benimadhab Seal’s almanac despite the tighter preparation schedule.
Key facts
- Festival duration
- Both systems place the 2026 Durga Puja across six days, from Sashthi to Dashami.
- Two-day tithi
- Bishuddhasiddhanta makes Sashthi span two days; Suryasiddhanta-based almanacs make Saptami span two days.
- Nabapatrika date
- October 17 under Gupta Press, PM Bagchi and Benimadhab Seal; the next morning under Bishuddhasiddhanta.
- Gupta Press Ashtami timing
- Ashtami Puja must finish by 7:03am, with Sandhi Puja beginning at 7:25am.
- Bishuddhasiddhanta timing
- Ashtami Puja may continue until 9:27am, with Sandhi Puja beginning at 10:28am.
- Organiser change
- Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha plans to switch to Bishuddhasiddhanta this year.
- Traditional choice
- Thakurpukur SB Park Sarbojanin will continue using Benimadhab Seal’s almanac.
Quotes
Arijit Roy Chowdhury
The person who runs Gupta Press.
“This year, too, we shall switch to Bishuddhasiddhanta, which prescribes a more favourable timing that will allow more people to participate.”
telegraphindia.com
“These differences occur because the two schools follow different calendars of lunisolar movements on which the tithis are based.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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