Durga Puja Holiday: When Does It Begin and How Long Will It Last?

The government has announced a two-day public holiday for Durga Puja in 2026.

According to the public holiday calendar issued by the Ministry of Public Administration, October 20 (Tuesday) will be a holiday for Mahanavami, while October 21 (Wednesday) will be a public holiday for Bijaya Dashami.

The official Durga Puja holiday will therefore begin on October 20 and continue for two days.

Hindu government employees will also be entitled to two optional holidays for Durga Puja, subject to applicable rules and approval. With these optional holidays, they may enjoy up to four consecutive days off.

The religious festivities will begin with Mahalaya on October 10 (Saturday). Maha Shashthi will be observed on October 16, followed by Maha Saptami on October 18, Maha Ashtami on October 19, Mahanavami on October 20 and Bijaya Dashami on October 21.

Thus, while Durga Puja observances will begin with Mahalaya on October 10, the government’s two-day public holiday will start on October 20.