What is YatraJunction?

YatraJunction is a free AI-powered travel guide and trip planner for India. It helps you discover the best places to visit, build smart itineraries, calculate train/bus/flight fares, and explore local food, temples and trekking routes across India.

Is YatraJunction free to use?

Yes. YatraJunction is 100% free to use. You can plan unlimited India trips, generate AI itineraries and explore destinations without creating a paid account.

Which is the best time to visit India?

The best time to visit most of India is October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Hill stations like Manali, Shimla and Ladakh are best in summer (April–June), while Goa and Kerala are ideal between November and February.

What are the top places to visit in India?

Top destinations in India include the Taj Mahal (Agra), Jaipur, Varanasi, Kerala backwaters, Goa beaches, Ladakh, Rishikesh, Manali, Hampi and the Andaman Islands.

Can YatraJunction plan a budget trip to India?

Yes. YatraJunction includes a fare calculator for trains, buses and flights plus AI-generated budget itineraries, so you can plan an affordable India trip in minutes.

How crowded does Durga Puja — Kolkata get?

Crowd level is rated Extreme. Expect mass gatherings — book accommodation months ahead and arrive early for key rituals. Suggested planning window: 45 days in advance.

What are the main rituals at Durga Puja — Kolkata?

The core rituals include: Mahalaya — the pre-puja chant at dawn; Sandhi Puja on the 8th day; Dhunuchi Naach (incense-pot dance); Sindoor Khela on the final day; Visarjan (immersion) procession.

What foods are associated with Durga Puja — Kolkata?

Traditional dishes include: Bhog Khichuri, Kathi Roll, Mishti Doi, Phuchka, Kosha Mangsho.

Religious5 days

Durga Puja — Kolkata

The City of Joy's UNESCO-listed festival

17–20 Oct 2026Kolkata, West BengalExtreme crowdIn 176 days

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Significance

Celebrates goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. Kolkata's Durga Puja was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021.

Kolkata's streets become open-air art galleries as thousands of pandals (themed temporary temples) compete with elaborate installations. A city-wide festival that blurs religion, art and street food.

First-time visitor

Book a guided pandal tour on Day 8 (Ashtami) — you'll see the most elaborate pandals at their peak.

What to see

Mahalaya — the pre-puja chant at dawn
Sandhi Puja on the 8th day
Dhunuchi Naach (incense-pot dance)
Sindoor Khela on the final day
Visarjan (immersion) procession

Festival foods

Bhog KhichuriKathi RollMishti DoiPhuchkaKosha Mangsho

Best for

cultural immersionfood loversphotographyfamilies

Travel tips

1Walk, don't drive — traffic is gridlocked for 5 days
2Start pandal-hopping after 9 PM when crowds thin slightly
3Try a 'North Kolkata heritage pandal trail' for architecture over spectacle

Never miss a festival

Want to hear about every event in West Bengal?

Subscribe to West Bengal or to the full Religious category — we'll nudge you at 90, 30, 7 and 1 days before each begins. Tune it off anytime from the bell in the header.

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A large marble building in Kolkata, dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria.

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Festival calendar — West Bengal

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Questions & Answers

About Durga Puja — Kolkata

Durga Puja — Kolkata 2026 is scheduled for 17–20 Oct 2026. That's 176 days from today.

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