Durga Puja in Guwahati 2026
Five nights of pandal hopping, lights and Assamese hospitality in the Northeast's biggest city.
Mahalaya falls on 10 October; the main days run from Shashthi to Dashami. Ashtami is 19 October.
About the event
Durga Puja is Guwahati's biggest festival. Across the city, community pandals compete with themed decorations and lighting, and the streets stay busy well past midnight for the five main days from Shashthi to Dashami.
Pandal hopping is the main event. Popular areas include Ganeshguri, Uzanbazar, Silpukhuri, Bharalumukh and Lachit Nagar, and many visitors add a stop at Kamakhya Temple, which is also busy during Navratri.
Roads around the main pandals are crowded and often closed to traffic in the evenings, so how you get around matters as much as where you go.
How to reach Guwahati
Nearest airport
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI), Guwahati
Nearest railway station
Guwahati Railway Station
Permits
No permit is needed for Indian tourists. Carry a valid photo ID.
Planning tips
- Ashtami and Navami evenings are the busiest; visit earlier in the evening or on Shashthi/Saptami for smaller crowds.
- Expect traffic diversions and limited parking near the main pandals.
- Hotels fill up over the festival, so book early.
- Wear comfortable shoes — pandal hopping involves a lot of walking.
Get there your way
Drive yourself or let a local driver take you. Same regular pricing, no event surcharge.
Drive it yourself
A scooter is the easiest way to weave between pandals and find parking when roads are jammed. You pick up in Guwahati, so there is no travel needed before you start.
Suzuki Ertiga (7-Seater)
Car · 7 seats
₹2,800/day
Yamaha FZ / similar
Bike · 2 seats
₹1,000/day
Honda SP 125
Bike · 2 seats
₹1,000/day
Yamaha RayZR 125 / similar
Scooter · 2 seats
₹800/day
Pickup and drop in Guwahati only.
Sit back, we'll drive
A driver makes late-night pandal hopping easy for families and older travellers, with no hunting for parking. We can also combine it with Kamakhya Temple and a Meghalaya or Kaziranga extension.
5-Seater Sedan
1-4 passengers (driver included)
₹2,900/day onwards
7-Seater
1-6 passengers (driver included)
₹3,650/day onwards
Experienced local driver included. Final price depends on route and trip length.
Durga Puja in Guwahati 2026: frequently asked questions
When is Durga Puja 2026 in Guwahati?
Durga Puja 2026 runs from Shashthi on 16 October to Vijaya Dashami on 21 October, with Mahalaya on 10 October and Ashtami on 19 October.
What is the best way to go pandal hopping in Guwahati?
A scooter or a car with a local driver works best. Roads near the main pandals get very crowded and parking is limited, especially on Ashtami and Navami.
Can I rent a scooter or bike in Guwahati during Durga Puja?
Yes. RedPanda Travels offers self-drive scooters and bikes with pickup and drop in Guwahati. Book early, as festival days are busy.
Can I combine Durga Puja with a trip to Shillong or Kaziranga?
Yes. We offer chauffeur-driven trips across Assam and Meghalaya, and self-drive rentals if you prefer to go on your own.
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