Amrutkaal ॐ अमृतकाल Mahalaya
Mahalaya 2026 is observed on Saturday, 10 October 2026 — it follows amavasya of ashvina — end of pitru paksha, dawn of devi paksha.
Shubh Muhurat
Full panchang, Rahu Kaal, and muhurat windows will be available closer to 10 October 2026.
We compute auspicious time windows with Swiss Ephemeris when the festival falls within our 38-day panchang window.
Significance
Mahalaya is the last day of Pitru Paksha and the dawn of Devi Paksha. In Bengal it heralds Durga Puja — devotees rise before dawn to hear the radio broadcast of Mahalaya by Birendra Krishna Bhadra, reciting Mahishasura Mardini.
Rituals & Traditions
Upcoming dates
- 2024 2 October 2024 (past)
- 2025 21 September 2025 (past)
- 2026 10 October 2026
- 2027 30 September 2027
- 2028 18 September 2028
- 2029 7 October 2029
- 2030 27 September 2030
- 2031 16 October 2031
- 2032 4 October 2032
- 2033 23 September 2033
- 2034 12 October 2034
- 2035 1 October 2035
- 2036 20 September 2036
Observed by: Hindus
Frequently asked questions
When is Mahalaya 2026?
Mahalaya 2026 is observed on Saturday, 10 October 2026. The festival follows amavasya of ashvina — end of pitru paksha, dawn of devi paksha.
What is Mahalaya?
Mahalaya is the last day of Pitru Paksha and the dawn of Devi Paksha. In Bengal it heralds Durga Puja — devotees rise before dawn to hear the radio broadcast of Mahalaya by Birendra Krishna Bhadra, reciting Mahishasura Mardini.
Who observes Mahalaya?
Mahalaya is observed by Hindus.
Why does the date of Mahalaya change every year?
Mahalaya is fixed by the Hindu luni-solar calendar — it falls on amavasya of ashvina — end of pitru paksha, dawn of devi paksha. Because that tithi drifts against the Gregorian calendar each year, the English date moves, even though the festival is always on the same point in the lunar month.