World · South & Central Asia · 8 hrs ago
Two almanacs may put Durga Puja 2028 weeks apart
Bengal’s two main almanac systems may set Durga Puja on different dates in 2028.
The Bisuddha Siddhanta system, followed by Belur Math and the Ramakrishna Mission, is expected to place the festival from September 23 to 27.
Many community and household pujas follow Surya Siddhanta, which is expected to place them between October 8 and 12.
The likely gap is about 15 days, though exact dates have not been confirmed.
The systems use different methods to calculate the sun’s and moon’s positions and the boundaries of lunar months.
This difference means both calendars can mark the festival at different times, without either observance being considered wrong.
Government holidays have previously followed Surya Siddhanta, while employees seeking leave for the other dates were also allowed it.
Almanac calculations for 2027 are still underway, so the 2028 dates remain provisional.
Two almanac systems may schedule Durga Puja in 2028 about 15 days apart.
Belur Math and others following Bisuddha Siddhanta are expected to celebrate from September 23 to 27.
Most community and traditional household pujas following Surya Siddhanta are expected between October 8 and 12.
The exact dates have not yet been determined, and calculations for 2027 are still underway.
The difference stems from how the systems calculate solar transitions and lunar months.
- Who
- Belur Math and others following Bisuddha Siddhanta, and most community and household pujas following Surya Siddhanta.
- What
- The two almanac systems may place Durga Puja about 15 days apart in 2028.
- When
- The dates are expected to fall in late September and October 2028; exact dates are not yet determined.
- Where
- West Bengal, including Belur Math and community pujas.
- Why
- The almanacs use different methods to calculate solar transitions and lunar months.
Bisuddha Siddhanta followers
Surya Siddhanta followers
Expected puja dates
Bisuddha Siddhanta followers
The puja is expected from September 23 to 27, 2028.
Surya Siddhanta followers
The puja is expected sometime between October 8 and 12, 2028.
Calculation method
Bisuddha Siddhanta followers
This system relies on modern astronomical computations and observable positions of the sun and moon.
Surya Siddhanta followers
This system uses formulae dating back centuries.
Reports described the possibility of a 15-day gap between the two almanac systems' 2028 Durga Puja dates.
Almanac calculations for 2027 were still underway, with reports saying Ashtami or Navami could span two days depending on the almanac.
Bisuddha Siddhanta followers are expected to observe the puja from September 23 to 27, while Surya Siddhanta followers are expected to celebrate between October 8 and 12.
- Potential gap
- About 15 days
- Bisuddha Siddhanta dates
- September 23–27, 2028
- Surya Siddhanta dates
- October 8–12, 2028
- Bisuddha Siddhanta venue
- Belur Math
- Prior divergences cited by The Times of India
- 1963 and 1982
3 sources
What people are saying
the two schools — Bisuddha Siddhanta and Surya Siddhanta — may witness a gap of two to three weeks between the puja dates
As per available information, Durga Puja in 2028 is going to be truly unique with the two primary treatises — Surya Siddhanta and Bisuddha Siddhanta — scheduling the puja a fortnight apart.
We follow Surya Siddhanta. It is not yet time to talk about the 2028 puja schedule.