Mahalaya 2026 Date & Time: Mahishasura Mardini, Tarpan Muhurat & Durga Puja Dates

Mahalaya 2026 will be observed on Saturday, October 10. For Bengalis, Mahalaya marks an emotional and cultural transition towards Durga Puja. Families remember their ancestors, many people listen to the iconic Mahishasura Mardini broadcast in the early morning, and preparations for the festival gather momentum across West Bengal.

If you are searching for the Mahalaya 2026 date and time, this guide covers its significance, the traditional Mahishasura Mardini broadcast, Tarpan, Chokkhudaan and the main Durga Puja dates in 2026.

Mahalaya 2026 Date and Time

The Tithi timings above are based on published Kolkata Panchang information and can differ slightly between calendar calculations. For religious observances, check a trusted local Panjika or priest's guidance.

When to Listen to Mahishasura Mardini on Mahalaya 2026

One of the most recognisable Mahalaya traditions is listening to Mahishasura Mardini, the devotional radio programme associated with the voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra.

The programme combines Chandi recitation, devotional music and narration. For generations, Bengali families have welcomed Mahalaya by listening before sunrise, often gathering around a radio or playing the recording on a phone.

The programme is traditionally associated with a broadcast around 4 AM IST on Mahalaya morning. Listeners should check the latest announcement from Akashvani or their preferred broadcaster for the confirmed 2026 schedule.

Why Is Mahalaya Important?

Mahalaya is observed on the Amavasya associated with the end of Pitru Paksha, a period during which many Hindu families remember and honour their ancestors.

In Bengal, Mahalaya also signals the emotional arrival of the Durga Puja season. The transition from ancestral remembrance to the anticipation of Goddess Durga's arrival gives the day a distinctive place in Bengali culture.

For many households, the day is associated with prayer, family traditions, devotional music and the first strong feeling that Durga Puja is approaching.

What Is Tarpan on Mahalaya?

Tarpan is a ritual offering performed by some Hindu families in remembrance of their ancestors. It may involve offering water and other prescribed materials according to family tradition and religious practice.

Some devotees perform Tarpan near a river or other designated water body. In Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal, the ghats can become important gathering places during the observance.

What time should Tarpan be performed? The appropriate time can depend on the local Panchang and the ritual tradition followed. Because published timings may differ, check a reliable local Panjika or consult a knowledgeable priest rather than relying on an unverified online time.

Anyone performing rituals near water should follow local safety instructions and avoid overcrowded or restricted areas.

What Is Chokkhudaan During Mahalaya?

Chokkhudaan, meaning the giving or painting of the eyes, is a traditional part of Durga idol-making associated with the approach of the festival. The eyes are an especially expressive feature of the idol, and the moment of painting them holds cultural and devotional significance for many artisans and devotees.

In Kolkata, Kumartuli is widely known for its community of idol-makers and its preparations for Durga Puja. The timing and manner of Chokkhudaan can vary by artisan, workshop and tradition.

Durga Puja 2026 Dates After Mahalaya

Mahalaya comes before the main Durga Puja celebrations. The following dates are listed for the main festival period in West Bengal in 2026.

Festival calendars may distinguish between Tithis, ritual observances and local celebration schedules. Check the official festival calendar and local announcements when planning travel or religious observances.

How Is Mahalaya Celebrated in Kolkata?

Kolkata observes Mahalaya through a mixture of family traditions, devotional listening, ancestral remembrance and preparations for Durga Puja.

• Early morning listening: Families play Mahishasura Mardini at home or listen through radio and digital platforms.
• Tarpan: Some devotees visit river ghats to perform ancestral rites.
• Idol preparation: Artisans continue work on Durga idols as the festival approaches.
• Family traditions: Households follow their own customs, prayers and food practices.
• Puja preparations: Organisers, artisans and visitors make plans for the coming festival days.

Mahalaya 2026: Is It the Same as Durga Puja?

No. Mahalaya and the main Durga Puja celebrations are related but are not the same event.

Mahalaya marks the transition associated with the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha. The main public Durga Puja celebrations in Bengal take place later, with Shashthi through Dashami forming the central festival period.

How to Prepare for Mahalaya Morning

• Check the broadcaster's latest schedule if you want to listen live.
• Keep a radio, phone or other listening device ready.
• If performing Tarpan, confirm the appropriate local timing and ritual requirements.
• Plan transport in advance if visiting a river ghat.
• Follow local crowd-management and water-safety instructions.
• Check the official Durga Puja calendar before planning the rest of the festival.

Final Takeaway

Mahalaya 2026 falls on Saturday, October 10. The day carries deep cultural significance for Bengalis, combining ancestral remembrance with the anticipation of Durga Puja. Many households will mark the occasion by listening to Mahishasura Mardini, while others will observe Tarpan and family traditions.

For the most accurate ritual timings, verify the local Panchang and broadcaster announcements. The main Durga Puja period in West Bengal follows later in October, from the Shashthi period through Vijaya Dashami.