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Sandhi Puja 2026: Know Date, Auspicious Timing and Significance During Durga Puja
- •Sandhi Puja 2026 will be performed on Monday, October 19, during the transition period of Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami.
- •The auspicious 48-minute Sandhi Kaal timing on October 19 is from 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM.
- •According to mythology, Goddess Durga assumed the fierce form of Chamunda during this time to slay demons Chanda and Munda.
- •Devotees perform rituals by lighting 108 lamps, offering flowers, and seeking happiness, prosperity, and liberation from obstacles.
- •While traditional practices included animal sacrifice, many devotees now follow Saatvik rituals using coconuts, pumpkins, or bananas.
Key Questions Answered
In 2026, Sandhi Puja will take place on Monday, October 19, during the transition period between Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. The exact puja timing will run for 48 minutes, starting from 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM.
Sandhi Kaal refers to the 48-minute duration comprising the last 24 minutes of Ashtami tithi and the first 24 minutes of Navami tithi. It is believed to be the auspicious moment when Goddess Durga assumed her fierce Chamunda form to slay the demons Chanda and Munda, allowing devotees to receive joint merits of both tithis.
While animal sacrifice has been practiced in some regions during Sandhi Puja, many temples, homes, and communities like Brahmins strictly perform Saatvik worship using coconuts, pumpkins, or fruits. For instance, Belur Math strictly follows a Saatvik tradition by offering only a banana during the ritual.
