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23 Pally is one of the neighbourhood pujas that visitors look for in Kolkata. In 2026 the festival runs from 16 to 21 October, and this page brings together the schedule, transport tips, nearby pandals and food stops so you can plan your visit in a few minutes.
| Day | Date | What usually happens |
|---|---|---|
| Mahalaya | Sat 10 Oct 2026 | Devi Paksha begins; idols are finished in studios |
| Maha Shashthi | Fri 16 Oct 2026 | Bodhon and Adhibas in the evening; many pandals open to visitors |
| Maha Saptami | Sun 18 Oct 2026 | Nabapatrika snan and main worship |
| Maha Ashtami | Mon 19 Oct 2026 | Anjali, Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja; the busiest day |
| Maha Navami | Tue 20 Oct 2026 | Homa and final pushpanjali |
| Vijaya Dashami | Wed 21 Oct 2026 | Sindoor khela and immersion |
Panchang sources can differ by a day for Shashthi and Saptami. Always confirm the exact ritual and opening times with the organising committee.
Kolkata's Durga Puja, recognised by UNESCO on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021, spreads across thousands of neighbourhood pandals, with each neighbourhood club bringing its own approach to idols, lighting and theme.
Every year, the committee behind 23 Pally sets its own approach to theme, idol and lighting. Because these details are published by the organisers and can change right up to the opening, this page does not guess. A good habit is to check the committee's social page on Shashthi morning and again on Saptami for opening hours and entry arrangements.
Use the Blue Line, Green Line and Purple Line metro for long distances and rely on app cabs or autos for the final stretch.
The calmest time to see 23 Pally is usually late morning on a weekday or on Shashthi, when queues are short and the idol is easier to appreciate. Evenings after sunset show the lighting at its best but bring the biggest crowds, especially from Saptami to Navami. Ashtami night is the peak for most Kolkata pandals; if you must go then, arrive early and be ready to walk. Always check the committee's own social page for exact opening hours and last entry.
Pandal-hopping works best when you pick one cluster and stay inside it. Places and neighbourhoods that combine well with 23 Pally include:
Roll counters, phuchka stalls and sweet shops operate late during the festival. Street food is part of the experience, but choose busy stalls with high turnover and carry hand sanitiser.
If you are travelling with children or older relatives, plan 23 Pally as a short stop rather than the centre of a long route. Morning visits are calmer, and volunteers can often point you to a quieter entry. Do not assume ramps or seating exist; ask on arrival, and keep your phone charged in case you need to coordinate.
For better pictures at 23 Pally, arrive early, shoot wide shots from the approach road, then step inside for details. Respect the privacy of devotees, and delete accidental photos of children who are not yours.
Durga Puja 2026 runs from Maha Shashthi on Friday 16 October to Vijaya Dashami on Wednesday 21 October. Ashtami falls on Monday 19 October. Check the committee's own announcement for exact opening times.
Use the Blue Line, Green Line and Purple Line metro for long distances and rely on app cabs or autos for the final stretch. Because road closures are common during Puja, plan to walk the last stretch.
Mornings and early afternoons on weekdays are usually the calmest, while evenings after 7 pm are the busiest. Ashtami night tends to be the peak.
Neighbourhood sarbojanin pujas are normally open to everyone without tickets, but arrangements vary by committee. Always check the organisers' announcement for entry rules and any security checks.
Nearby places and pandals that combine well include Central Kolkata, South Kolkata, North Kolkata, Salt Lake. Choose one cluster per evening to avoid long travel between stops.
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Dates follow common panchang listings for West Bengal; opening times and arrangements are set by the organising committee and can change.