Bijoya Dashami 2026: West Bengal Marks Durga Puja’s Farewell on October 21

West Bengal observed Bijoya Dashami on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, marking the concluding day of Durga Puja celebrations. The occasion is associated with the farewell of Goddess Durga and the beginning of Bijoya greetings among family members, friends and communities.

According to the West Bengal government’s Puja calendar, Vijaya Dashami falls on October 21 this year. The Dashami tithi is expected to conclude at approximately 2:11–2:13 PM, depending on the panchang followed. The state’s Puja calendar provides the official festival schedule.

Traditional farewell rituals

One of the customs associated with Bijoya Dashami is Devi Boron, during which women offer traditional items and perform farewell rituals before the immersion of the Durga idol. In many communities, married women also participate in Sindoor Khela, applying vermilion to the Goddess and to one another as part of the celebration.

Practices vary among households and communities. Some families also observe Aparajita Puja, a ritual traditionally associated with victory and protection.

Immersion processions and Bijoya greetings

Durga idols are taken for immersion in rivers and other designated water bodies, accompanied in many places by the sounds of dhak drums, devotional chants and community processions. The timing and arrangements for immersion depend on local organisers and authorities.

After the rituals, families and friends exchange Shubho Bijoya greetings, seek blessings from elders and share traditional Bengali sweets such as sandesh and mishti doi.

Bijoya Dashami brings together religious observances, cultural traditions and community gatherings, marking the farewell to the Goddess at the end of the Durga Puja festivities.