Kolkata Durga Puja 2026: dates and pandal-hopping guide
Durga Puja 2026 in Kolkata runs from Panchami on 16 October to Bijaya Dashami on 21 October, with Ashtami on 19 October. The Sidus Puja Planner helps you turn a long wishlist of pandals into a realistic route for the evenings you are actually free.
How to plan a Puja pandal route in Kolkata
Kolkata's pandals sit in clusters, so the easiest way to see more is to cover one cluster per outing. In north Kolkata, Bagbazar, Kumartuli, Ahiritola and Shobhabazar are close enough to walk between, and Hatibagan, Shyambazar and Tala make a second loop. Sreebhumi, Lake Town and Dum Dum Park form another cluster. In central Kolkata, College Square, Mohammad Ali Park and Santosh Mitra Square are close together.
In south Kolkata, Ekdalia Evergreen, Singhi Park and Ballygunge Cultural sit around Gariahat. Deshapriya Park, Tridhara, Samaj Sebi and Shib Mandir are a short walk apart near Lake Market. Chetla Agrani, Suruchi Sangha, 66 Pally and Badamtala Ashar Sangha pair well, and Behala, Dhakuria, Kasba and Naktala each have their own favourites. Salt Lake's FD Block leads the pujas there.
When to go
Panchami and Shashthi are usually calmer, and weekday afternoons beat evenings. Saptami, Ashtami and Navami nights are the busiest, especially at the biggest pandals, so plan fewer stops on those nights and add walking time for queues.
Getting around during Puja
Many roads near major pandals close to traffic in the evenings, so expect to walk the last stretch. Kolkata Metro usually runs extended hours on the main Puja nights; check the official announced schedule before you head out. Wear comfortable footwear and carry water.
Questions
Is the Puja Planner free?
Yes. No login, no phone number, no email.
How is the order of pandals decided?
The planner groups your chosen pandals by location, orders them to avoid backtracking and spreads them across your days. You can reorder anything.
Does it show live crowds or traffic?
No. Times are distance-based estimates. Tap Navigate to open Google Maps with live traffic.
Can I share my plan?
Yes. Send it on WhatsApp or copy the link. Anyone can open it.