Pune Durga Puja 2026 Guide: Dates, Pandals, Bengali Food and Cultural Events

Pune/Pimpri Chinchwad, 12th October 2026: Pune and the twin city of Pimpri-Chinchwad are set to transform into a microcosm of Bengal this October as the Bengali community and local enthusiasts prepare for grand Durga Puja festivities. Mahalaya falls on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with the main celebrations spanning Maha Shashthi to Vijaya Dashami from around October 16 to 21.

The five main days typically run from Friday/Saturday, October 16/17 (Shashthi/Saptami) through Wednesday, October 21 (Vijaya Dashami), featuring traditional rituals such as Bodhon, Nabapatrika, Pushpanjali, Sandhi Puja, Sindoor Khela, and Visarjan, alongside cultural programmes, Ananda Melas, and authentic Bengali bhog.

Here are some of the key venues and associations hosting notable celebrations across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad in 2026:

In Pune
Saptapadi Cultural and Sports Association, Balewadi: The fifth-year Sharadiya Durga Puja will be held at Safa Banquets, Balewadi High Street, from October 16 to 21. Themed “Manusher Majhe Maa” (The Mother Within Us), it includes traditional rituals, cultural programmes, a Bengali food festival, and Ananda Mela.

Aagomoni Prabasi Sangha, Pashan: A seven-day Durga Puja Mahautsav is planned from October 15 to 21 at Gyandeep Garden Mangal Karyalaya (Junction of Pashan–Baner Link Road). Expect large-scale arrangements, bhog on multiple days, cultural performances by artists from Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune, and food stalls. Entry is free.

Poona Bango Sanmilani / Purbo Poona Sarbajonin Durgotsav, Hadapsar: The 24th edition at Corporation Ground, Bhosle Garden, runs from October 16 to 21. It features full traditional rituals, cultural programmes, and expects thousands of visitors daily, culminating in Sindoor Khela and Visarjan.

Nandanik Sanstha, Koregaon Park: A longstanding favourite at Rohi Villa Palace Grounds (Lane 7), known for beautiful idols, daily Pushpanjali and Sandhya Aarti, cultural evenings with drama, dance and music, eco-friendly practices, and popular food stalls serving authentic Bengali fare.

Other popular spots: Historic celebrations continue at Bangiya Sanskriti Samsad (Congress Bhavan, Shivaji Nagar — one of Pune’s oldest since the 1940s), Pune Kali Bari / Khadki Kali Bari (Range Hill), and various associations in Baner, Wanowrie, and beyond that typically host themed pandals, free or ticketed bhog, and evening cultural shows.

In Pimpri-Chinchwad
Banga Bharati, Pimpri: Marking its 41st year of Sharodiya Durgotsav with the theme “The Heritage of Bengal,” celebrations run from October 16 to 21 at Rangaswamy Perumal Pillai Sanskritik Bhavan, Masulkar Colony, Ajmera Road. Expect over 10,000 visitors daily, traditional rituals, Ananda Mela, cultural programmes, and a strong community focus.

Kali Bari Dehu Road (Bangiya Krishti Parishad): The 53rd Durga Puja features a Purulia Chau-themed pandal. Main events are scheduled from October 15 to 21 at Indrayani Darshan, Dehu Road, with Khuti Puja earlier, Mahalaya on October 10, traditional puja, Maha Bhog, Anando Mela, and cultural programmes.

Anandadhara Prabasi Sanstha, Moshi: Celebrations from October 15 to 21 at Ramkrushna Lawns, MIDC Moshi (near Mantra Movements Society). Highlights include free Maha Bhog on Saptami and a full schedule of rituals and community events.

Oikyotan Bangiya Parishad, Pimple Saudagar: A popular large-scale puja usually held at Kapse Lawns, known for spacious arrangements, authentic bhog prepared by cooks from Bengal, cultural performances, and high footfall. It has previously been recognised among the best in Pune.

Visitors can look forward to the classic elements that make Durga Puja special in the twin cities: the rhythmic beats of the dhak, dhunuchi naach, beautifully crafted (often eco-friendly) idols, stalls selling handicrafts, sarees and jewellery, and of course the irresistible spread of khichuri, labra, beguni, kosha mangsho, mishti doi, and other Bengali delicacies at Ananda Melas and food courts.

With dozens of pandals expected across residential and commercial areas, the festival offers something for everyone — pure devotion at traditional venues, grand spectacles at larger associations, and family-friendly cultural evenings. Devotees are advised to check individual association social media pages or local announcements closer to the dates for exact timings, parking details, bhog coupons, and any special themes or artist line-ups.

As Maa Durga arrives in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad this October, the cities will once again echo with the spirit of “Asche Bochor Abar Hobe” — a celebration of faith, culture, and community that transcends regional boundaries.