October in Kolkata feels like a huge art show outside. Bamboo stuff is all over, you see decorated idols behind thin walls lit up, and people walk their legs off.
Most people see Durga Puja by going to pandals. In 2026, the big five days are Saturday, October 17th, through to Wednesday, October 21st.
Seeing the pandals itself isn't the difficult part. Getting from one to another is where things really get complicated. So, this guide gives you the dates, how much time you have, some neighborhood routes, and the best way to get a taxi for the whole season with CabBazar.
Durga Puja 2026 Dates at a Glance
| Day | Date (2026) | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Mahalaya | Sat, 10 October | Festival season begins and idol eyes are painted |
| Maha Shashthi | Sat, 17 October | Goddess is welcomed and most pandals open |
| Maha Saptami | Sun, 18 October | Full worship begins and crowds start coming |
| Maha Ashtami | Mon, 19 October | Pushpanjali, Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja |
| Maha Navami | Tue, 20 October | Busiest evening for pandal hopping |
| Bijoya Dashami | Wed, 21 October | Sindoor Khela and idol immersion |
Just a heads-up, some Indian calendars will lump Ashtami and Navami together on October 19th. These dates follow the local Bengal calendar, which is what the neighborhood committees use. It's smart to ask your local pandal about sandhi puja times first.
Best Time for Pandal Hopping in Kolkata
Crowds decide the experience more than the pandals do.
- Mahalaya to Shashthi: This is when artists are putting on the final touches. The streets are still pretty calm, which is great if you want to take photos.
- Late morning to afternoon means shorter lines and better light. This works well if you're with kids or older folks.
- 7 PM to midnight is when everyone is out for Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami. Traffic will be slow and you'll wait a lot.
- After midnight: Things calm down a lot. The really big pandals become much easier to get into.
Famous Durga Puja Pandals in North and South Kolkata
The themes change every year, so think of this more like a map of neighborhoods than a set itinerary.
North Kolkata: heritage and tradition
Baghbazar Sarbojanin, Kumartuli Park, College Square, and the Sovabazar Rajbari puja, which dates back to the 1700s, really show you the older side of the festival. You'll see traditional idols, walk down narrow streets, and do a lot of walking.
South Kolkata: scale and creativity
Ballygunge Cultural Association, Singhi Park, Ekdalia Evergreen, and Badamtala Ashar Sangha are known for their big ambitious themes and complex lighting setups. Parking is hard, and they usually block off streets early.
Central Kolkata: the big-ticket crowd pullers
Santosh Mitra Square and Md Ali Park pull some of the biggest crowds anywhere in the city. You'll want to plan these for late at night or really early in the morning.
Pandal Hopping Routes That Save Time
Try to group pandals by neighborhood and just move in one direction. Going back and forth is what really eats up your evening.
- North route: Kumartuli, Baghbazar, Sovabazar, College Square. Start at 4 PM and try to leave before it gets too crowded.
- South route: Ballygunge, Singhi Park, Ekdalia, Badamtala. This is best done after dark when all the lights are on.
- Family route: Just pick three or four pandals that are close together and have a cab waiting for you at the end of that area
Police close many roads to vehicles during the festival. A driver who knows the local drop and pickup points can save a long walk after midnight.
Why Taxi Booking Beats Driving Yourself During Puja
Parking near the Puja pandals is really hard to find. Roads close suddenly, and getting a cab late at night is really hard. CabBazar takes care of that. You book ahead, the driver knows the area, and you don't waste time circling for a parking spot.
One-Way Taxi or Round-Trip Cab: Which One Fits Your Plan?
One-way taxi booking
A one way taxi works for airports, stations, or leaving town after Dashami, like for Digha or Shantiniketan. You just pay for the ride one way.
Round-trip cab booking
A round-trip means the same driver and car stick with you the whole time. This is better if you plan on hitting lots of pandals all evening, or if you're coming from a nearby town and plan to stay out late.
The Cab prices change based on distance, how long you keep the car, and the car type. CabBazar shows you the price before you book.
How to Book a Cab on WhatsApp in Minutes
CabBazar keeps booking simple for first-time visitors and regular customers alike.
- You can text on WhatsApp at +91 9258722629.
- Tell where to pick you up, where you want to go, the date, and the time.
- Then say if you want one-way or round-trip, and how many people are going.
- We'll send you the car and driver details.
If the app is more your thing, we've got one on the App Store and Play Store. With the app, you get deals only available through the app, your ride on a map, and easy re-booking as well.
Cabs may be the first to hit a full house from Shashthi to Ashtami nights. It is better to book them at least a few days in advance
Outstation Cab to Kolkata for Durga Puja
Some also go for day trips from Durgapur, Bardhaman, Kharagpur or Barasat. Outstation cabs give you peace of mind because you don't need to plan according to train timings. Do you want to escape the crowds at the pandals? Step out early or go for a late rush. Cab Bazar offers one-way and packages.
Plan the Route, Leave the Driving to CabBazar
Durga Puja is for those who love to wander and take the next left when they are feeling adventurous, and can find any destination. Plan your ride, find the places to see in the city and book 10-20% of it and you are set.
Ready to go? Book your Durga Puja taxi on WhatsApp at +91 9258722629 or through the CabBazar app.
Download the CabBazar App & Plan Your Durga Puja Ride
