Durga Visarjan 2026: Exact Date, Shubh Muhurat Timings, Step-By-Step Rituals And Significance

Durga Visarjan marks a tearful yet joyful farewell to Goddess Durga as she returns to Mount Kailash with her children, Lord Ganesh, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati.

The immersion of the idol of Maa Durga in the river coincides with the celebration of Vijayadashami or Dussehra. Performing the immersion during the correct tithi and muhurat is considered auspicious.

Let's understand the auspicious timings, significance and rituals that follow during Durga Visarjan.

Durga Visarjan 2026: Date And Shubh Muhurat

Durga Visarjan is performed every year on Vijayadashami. According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings for Durga Visarjan are:

Note: These are Delhi-based timings. Check your local Panchang for exact muhurat timings, as they vary with sunset and sunrise timings. 

The immersion of the idol of Maa Durga in the river coincides with the celebration of Vijayadashami or Dussehra (Image: Pexels)

Mythological Significance: Why We Bid Farewell To The Goddess?

In most parts of India, Goddess Durga is considered the mother who protects her children from the evil forces (Mahishasura). However, in Bengal, Maa Durga is seen as a daughter visiting her parental home for a few days with her children, then going back to Kailash. Thus, Visarjan marks her journey back to Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash.

It also symbolises that everything that manifests must eventually return to the source. The idol is seen as a temporary vessel into which the Goddess was invoked through prayer. By performing Visarjan, it symbolically conveys the message that joy and sorrow, creation and dissolution, are part of the same divine cycle.

Step-by-Step Durga Visarjan Rituals

On the day of Durga Visarjan, here are some rituals that you should perform:

• Devotees should perform the final morning aarti on Dashami.
• Offer fresh flowers, bhog (sweets, fruits), and light ghee lamps.
• Then move the Kalash slightly towards the north direction. This symbolic gesture, known as ‘Abhyutthan’, symbolises that puja is officially complete and the deity is ready for departure.
• In Bengal and several Eastern traditions, Darpan Visarjan is mandatory. For this, a holy mirror is placed in a bowl of water to reflect the image of Goddess Durga's idol, symbolising her return to Mount Kailash.
• Married women perform devi boron by offering betel leaves, sweets, and sindoor to the Goddess. This is followed by Sindoor Khela, where women apply vermilion to each other, praying for their husbands' longevity and family prosperity.
• Then devotees lift the primary idol with deep reverence while chanting 'Ghar-e Cholo Maa' or 'Bolo Durga Mai Ki Jai!'
• Distribute prasad among devotees and prepare the idol for transport to the water body.
• Gently immerse the idol into a natural water body or an eco-friendly artificial immersion tank. 

Sacred Durga Visarjan Mantras

Chant this powerful farewell mantra during the immersion to seek Maa Durga’s eternal protection:

रुपेण प्रतिमे तुभ्यं मया कृत्वा च पूजिता
गच्छ देवि पुरं श्रेष्ठं स्वस्थानं परमेश्र्वरि॥

Rupena Pratime Tubhyam Maya Kritva Cha Pujita
Gachha Devi Puram Shreshtham Svasthanam Parameshwari ||

Meaning: 'O Supreme Goddess, I have worshipped you in this physical form to the best of my abilities. Now, please return to your divine heavenly abode and keep blessing us.'

ALSO READ: Why Is Soil From A Sex Worker's Courtyard Traditionally Used In Some Durga Idols?

Do’s and Don’ts For Visarjan Day

Do's:

• Use artificial ponds or eco-tanks designated by local authorities to protect river ecosystems.
• Donate food, clothes, or money to the underprivileged.
• Ensure the bhog prepared on Dashami is distributed to everyone in the family.

Don'ts:

• Never immerse the idol during an inauspicious time.
• Remove all plastic decorations, polybags, and non-biodegradable items from the idol before immersion.
• Avoid arguments or using harsh words during the procession.

Remove all plastic decorations, polybags, and non-biodegradable items from the idol before immersion (Image: Pexels)

ALSO READ: Why Did Lord Rama Worship Goddess Durga Before Fighting Ravana? The Story Of Akal Bodhan

These are the timings, significance and the rituals one should follow on Durga Visarjan day. 

FAQs

1. Can Durga Visarjan be done on Navami?

Generally, Visarjan takes place on Vijayadashami. However, if Dashami Tithi overlaps significantly with Navami morning per local Panchang calculations, specific ritual Visarjans may occur early. Always consult local pandits.

2. What should be done with the Visarjan water at home?

If performing a symbolic immersion at home in a bucket/tub, the dissolved holy clay and water should be poured into potted plants or garden soil—never down a drainage pipe.