Durga Puja in Kolkata: flying home for Pujo from the UK

Durga Puja dates for 2027

The main days of Durga Puja in 2027 are Maha Shashthi on Tuesday 5 October, Maha Saptami on 6 October, Maha Ashtami on 7 October, with Sandhi Puja early on 8 October, Maha Navami on 9 October, and Vijaya Dashami and immersion on 10 October in the Bengal calendar.

Many families arrive a few days before Shashthi to see the pandals before the crowds peak, and stay until after Lakshmi Puja or Kali Puja and Diwali, which follow in the weeks after.

Why Pujo in Kolkata is unique

Durga Puja in Kolkata is listed by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The city transforms into a vast open-air gallery of themed pandals, from traditional bonedi bari pujas in old family homes to huge community pandals that draw millions of visitors.

For Bengali families in Britain, it is the homecoming of the year: new clothes, adda with friends, bhog, dhunuchi naach and long nights of pandal hopping.

When to book

Flights to Kolkata in the days before Shashthi are among the busiest of the year, and fares rise quickly from the summer onwards. Book as early as you can, ideally by late spring for an early October departure, and book the return at the same time.

Our tip: Look at arriving on Panchami or earlier. The flights are often cheaper and you see the pandals before the biggest crowds.

Routes from the UK

There is no non-stop, so you choose a connection.

Pandal hopping tips

Plan your pandals by area, as traffic is very heavy during Pujo. The Metro is the quickest way across the city, and walking between nearby pandals is often faster than a car. Go early in the morning or late at night to avoid the longest queues at the famous pandals.

North Kolkata has many of the traditional pujas and old family homes, while south Kolkata is known for the large themed community pandals. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and keep valuables close.

Arriving in Kolkata

You land at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, code CCU, at Dum Dum. During Pujo, roads into the city are slow, so allow extra time and arrange a pickup if you can. Our flights to Kolkata page explains the airport and routes in more detail.

Packing and baggage

New clothes for every day of Pujo, gifts for relatives and sweets on the way back all add up. Check the checked baggage allowance on your fare before booking, and leave room for shopping in Gariahat and New Market. Our baggage guide explains what to check.

Weather in early October

Early October in Kolkata is warm and humid, as the monsoon is ending, and late showers are possible. Pack light cotton clothes, an umbrella, and something slightly warmer for late nights if the weather turns.

Elderly parents and children

Crowds at the big pandals can be overwhelming. For older relatives, visit the quieter family pujas or go early in the morning, and book wheelchair help on the flights. With children, plan shorter outings and rest in the afternoons. See our page on assisted travel for elderly passengers.

Beyond Kolkata after Pujo

After Dashami, many families take a short trip to Darjeeling or Sikkim, when the post-monsoon skies are clear and the mountains are at their best. Bagdogra is a short flight from Kolkata. For more on flying from the regions, see our Manchester to Kolkata guide.

Bonedi bari pujas

Some of the most memorable pujas are held in the old family homes of north Kolkata, known as bonedi bari, where the same family has worshipped the goddess for generations. They are quieter and more traditional than the big pandals, with clay idols, family rituals and a sense of history, and are a good choice for older relatives.

Visiting hours vary, and these are private homes, so dress modestly, ask before taking photos and follow the family’s guidance.

The food of Pujo

Food is half the festival. Pandals and street stalls sell kathi rolls, phuchka, mughlai paratha and biryani, and many pujas serve khichuri bhog to visitors. Sweet shops are busier than ever, with mishti doi, rosogolla and sandesh in every flavour.

Choose busy stalls where food is cooked fresh, drink bottled water, and pace yourself across the five days.

Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja and Diwali

Kojagari Lakshmi Puja follows a few days after Dashami, and Kali Puja coincides with Diwali, so many families stay on for several weeks. In 2027, Diwali falls on 29 October. If you plan to stay through both, book the return flight at the same time as the outward one, as early November is busy.

Group bookings for families

If several households are travelling together for Pujo, we can hold seats on the same flights so everyone arrives together, and book onward flights to Bagdogra or elsewhere on the same itinerary. Give us the names and dates early, as group space before Shashthi is limited.

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