Jagaddhatri Puja 2026 is observed on Wednesday, 18 November, which is Kartika Shukla Navami, with celebrations running over several days around it. Chandannagar in Hooghly district has no airport of its own. The nearest airport is Kolkata (CCU), and you continue by road or train. Local puja committees publish the exact schedule.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Chandannagar is the town people think of first when Jagaddhatri Puja comes up. Here are the dates, the nearest airport and a few planning notes for a visit.
When is Jagaddhatri Puja 2026?
The main day is Wednesday, 18 November 2026, Navami in the bright half of Kartika. According to Drik Panchang for New Delhi, the Navami tithi begins at 6:04 AM on 18 November and ends at 7:05 AM on 19 November (IST). The festival is usually a multi-day affair, with the build-up starting around Saptami and the celebration continuing through Dashami and immersion.
Counting back from the main day, that places Saptami on Monday, 16 November, Ashtami on Tuesday, 17 November, and Dashami on Thursday, 19 November. Chandannagar’s committees list the festival as 15 to 19 November with Navami on the 18th. Tithi timings differ by location, though, and at least one Bengali panjika places the main puja on Tuesday, 17 November, so treat these dates as guides and check with the local committee for the actual programme.
Dev Uthani Ekadashi follows on Friday, 20 November 2026 in most calendars (some traditions observe it on 21 November), if you are planning a longer trip.
Where is Chandannagar and which airport is nearest?
Chandannagar is a town in Hooghly district, West Bengal, on the bank of the Hooghly river, north of Kolkata. It has no airport. The nearest airport for most travellers is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata (CCU). From there, the journey is generally a road transfer or a combination of road and train, and the distance is modest by Indian standards, though traffic can lengthen the trip a lot on festival days.
Since the road and rail connections around Kolkata get crowded in puja season, keep generous buffer time between landing and any onward plan, and avoid scheduling an onward train close to your landing time.
Why is Chandannagar famous for this puja?
Chandannagar is known for its community pujas, large idols, decorative lighting and the immersion procession. The town is especially known for its elaborate illuminated pandals and street lighting, which draw visitors from across the region. The immersion procession is a major event in its own right and is usually the highlight for visitors who come for the spectacle rather than the ritual alone.
Did you know that Chandannagar was once a French colony? The town’s past under French rule is part of why it feels different from other Hooghly towns, and visitors often add a walk along the riverfront to a festival trip.
How early should you book flights to Kolkata?
Jagaddhatri Puja falls in mid-November, soon after Diwali week, so flights into Kolkata can be busy as families return from other cities for the puja. Fares on the busiest days are usually higher than on ordinary weekdays, and booking early tends to help.
- Fix your dates first, then search for flights to Kolkata (CCU).
- Compare the days around Navami. Landing a day before the peak is often easier on both fare and road traffic.
- Set a price alert if you are still deciding.
- Check the baggage allowance of your fare family before you pay.
What should you plan for on the ground?
Festival nights in Chandannagar are crowded, and some roads are closed to vehicles or diverted for processions. Plan to walk the last stretch, wear comfortable shoes and keep your phone charged. Local committees and the district administration usually publish traffic arrangements close to the date.
Web check-in and airport check-in are free on Indian airlines, so there is nothing to pay for on that front. Keep a photo ID handy for the flight, and plan the return flight with some slack, because immersion processions can run late into the night.
If you are travelling with children or elders, think about where you will stay before you fly. Rooms near the main pandal areas fill early in puja season, and staying a little outside the centre with a short ride in can be calmer. Since HappyFares sells flights only, ask your hotel or host directly about local arrangements and any help you need on arrival.
It also helps to decide in advance whether you want to see the lights, the immersion procession, or both. They happen at different points of the festival, and trying to fit everything into a single evening usually means a lot of waiting in crowds. A two-night stay gives you room to see both without rushing for the last flight out.
Common Questions
Is there an airport in Chandannagar?
No. The nearest airport is Kolkata (CCU). From there you travel onward by road or rail.
What is the date of Jagaddhatri Puja in 2026?
The main Navami day is Wednesday, 18 November 2026. The celebration runs over several days around it, and local committees set their own programmes.
Which day should I visit for the lights?
The lights are on display across the puja days, and the immersion procession comes at the end. Check the local committees’ schedules for the days they plan to light up.
Is Chandannagar the same as Kolkata?
No. It is a separate town in Hooghly district, north of Kolkata, though most visitors reach it via Kolkata.
Are flights to Kolkata costly in this period?
They can be on peak days. Booking early and comparing nearby dates usually helps.
Do Indian airlines charge for check-in?
No. Web check-in and airport check-in are free on Indian airlines.
Planning a trip to Chandannagar? Search and compare flights to Kolkata on HappyFares, with zero convenience fee on domestic bookings, price alerts, and Meera, our AI assistant, to help you pick dates.
Festival dates, rules and fees change; verify current specifics with the airline, the airport or the local puja committee before you travel.
