Mahalaya 2026 in Siliguri
From the 4 AM radio voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra to tarpan on the Mahananda ghats — the morning Pujo truly begins.
Countdown to the Sacred Dawn
বীরেন্দ্রকৃষ্ণ ভদ্রের চণ্ডীপাঠ ও বোধন সঙ্গীত
Mahalaya Traditions in Siliguri
How Siliguri welcomes the homecoming of Uma on the banks of North Bengal.
4:00 AM Akashvani Broadcast
Every Bengali household tunes in at dawn to All India Radio for Birendra Krishna Bhadra's immortal rendition of Mahisasuramardini, filling every neighborhood with conch shells and incense.
Mahananda River Tarpan
Thousands congregate at Mahananda Ghat (Lalmohan Ghat & Gurung Basti) at sunrise to offer sesame seeds and water (Tarpan) in remembrance of their departed ancestors.
Chokkhudaan in Kumartoli
At the artisan workshops along Kumartoli and Siliguri artists' colonies, master sculptors ritually draw the sacred eyes of the Goddess, giving life to clay idols.
Explore the Full Festival Calendar
See the exact dates and auspicious hours for Shashti, Saptami, Ashtami, and Dashami.
প্রশ্ন ও উত্তর
Mahalaya 2026: FAQs
When is Mahalaya in 2026?
Mahalaya 2026 is on Saturday, 10 October 2026. It marks the end of Pitri Paksha and the start of Devi Paksha; Maha Shashti follows a week later on Saturday, 17 October.
What time is the Mahishasuramardini broadcast on Mahalaya?
All India Radio (Akashvani) broadcasts Mahishasuramardini, with Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s Chandi Path, at 4 AM on Mahalaya morning. Many Siliguri homes still tune in on the radio.
Where is tarpan done in Siliguri on Mahalaya?
People offer tarpan to their ancestors at dawn on the ghats of the Mahananda river. Go early — the ghats are busiest just after sunrise.
Are the pandals open on Mahalaya?
Most pandals are still being finished on Mahalaya; a few open early with an inauguration. The main pandal hopping days are Shashti to Navami (17–20 October 2026). See the Puja schedule.