DURGA PUJA 2026: THE POWER OF NAARI SHAKTI, FROM BENGAL'S DURGA TO THE MODERN WOMAN.

Every year, as autumn arrives in Bengal and the sound of dhaak begins to fill Kolkata, something changes in the atmosphere.

The city begins to prepare.

Pandals take shape. Kumartuli's artisans work on intricate idols. New clothes are bought. Families make plans. Jewellery boxes are opened. Friends and relatives begin discussing where they will go on Ashtami.

And at the centre of it all is Maa Durga.

But Durga Puja is more than a festival on the calendar.

For Bengal, it is faith, art, community, culture, homecoming and celebration woven into one extraordinary experience.

It is also a celebration of Shakti - feminine power.

In 2026, that idea feels particularly meaningful. Because while millions of people continue to worship Maa Durga as a divine embodiment of strength and courage, women everywhere express their own strength in countless ways, by building careers, running businesses, raising families, making independent decisions, overcoming challenges and choosing how they want to live their lives.

Perhaps that is one reason the story of Durga continues to resonate across generations.

The form may be divine. The spirit of Shakti is timeless.

And jewellery has always been part of how Indian women express celebration, identity and individuality.

This Durga Puja 2026, we explore that connection from the traditional celebrations of Bengal to Navratri in Gujarat and other parts of India, and finally to the modern woman who chooses jewellery not only to be gifted, but also to celebrate herself.

When is Durga Puja 2026?

For anyone planning their Puja celebrations, shopping or travel, the important dates are essential.

Mahalaya falls on 10 October 2026, while the main Durga Puja observances run from Maha Shashthi on 17 October through Vijaya Dashami on 21 October 2026. 

Why is Durga Puja so important in Bengal?

To understand Bengal, one has to understand Durga Puja.

The festival is deeply connected with the worship of Goddess Durga and her victory over Mahishasura, traditionally understood as a triumph of good over evil.

But in Bengal, the festival has also developed into a vast cultural expression.

Durga Puja is a celebration rooted in devotion, art, community participation and cultural heritage. 

A neighbourhood may spend months creating a pandal.

Artists create idols.

Craftspeople construct elaborate installations.

Musicians perform.

Families gather.

People dress in their finest clothes.

And millions of visitors move through the city experiencing the art, devotion and atmosphere.

Durga Puja therefore becomes more than a religious observance.

It becomes a shared cultural experience.

Maa Durga and the meaning of Shakti

At the heart of Durga Puja is an idea that extends beyond any single festival:

Shakti.

The word is commonly associated with divine feminine power or energy.

Maa Durga is traditionally depicted as a powerful warrior goddess, embodying strength and the ability to confront adversity.

For generations, this symbolism has resonated with women.

But what does Naari Shakti mean in the modern world?

It doesn't have to mean only physical strength.

It can mean:

The courage to begin again.

The confidence to make your own decisions.

The resilience to overcome difficult circumstances.

The ability to care for others without losing yourself.

The freedom to build your own career.

The independence to make your own financial choices.

And sometimes, it simply means having the confidence to say:

“This is what I want.”

That is perhaps one of the most beautiful ways to connect the traditional symbolism of Durga with the modern Indian woman.

One Shakti, many Indian traditions

Across India, the festive season takes many forms.

West Bengal: Durga Puja

A grand celebration of Maa Durga, combining worship, art, community participation and cultural expression.

Gujarat: Navratri and Garba

Nine nights of celebration associated with Devi and expressed through music, dance and community participation.

Karnataka: Mysuru Dasara

A major cultural celebration with its own distinctive royal and regional traditions.

Maharashtra: Navratri traditions

Communities observe Navratri through different forms of Devi worship and festive gatherings.

Northern India: Navratri and Dussehra

The festival season includes traditions associated with Devi worship as well as the celebration of Vijayadashami.

The details vary from state to state.

The clothes change.

The music changes.

The food changes.

The rituals change.

Yet the festival season repeatedly brings people back to ideas of strength, devotion, renewal and celebration.

What does jewellery have to do with Naari Shakti?

This is where an old tradition meets the modern woman.

Jewellery has always had a place in Indian celebrations.

It is worn at weddings.

It is passed between generations.

It marks important milestones.

It becomes part of festive dressing.

It can represent family, tradition and heritage.

But today's woman is also changing what jewellery means.

A diamond may be a gift from a partner.

It may be a wedding purchase.

It may be a family heirloom.

Or it may simply be something she chooses for herself.

That last idea is particularly powerful.

A woman does not necessarily need a reason to own beautiful jewellery.

Her achievement can be the reason.

Her independence can be the reason.

A personal milestone can be the reason.

Or simply:

Because she loves it.

That is a modern expression of Naari Shakti - the freedom to choose for yourself.

Durga Puja 2026 Jewellery Guide: What Should You Wear?

Durga Puja is one of the rare occasions when women can move between traditional and contemporary jewellery with ease.

A traditional saree can work beautifully with diamonds.

So can a modern fusion outfit.

A statement necklace can become the centrepiece of an Ashtami look, while a delicate pendant can be worn throughout the festive season.

Here are some jewellery styles to consider for Durga Puja 2026.

1. Statement diamond necklaces

For women wearing a traditional saree, a statement necklace can become the defining piece of the outfit.

Look for designs that combine substantial visual presence with elegant proportions.

A diamond necklace can work particularly well with:

• Banarasi sarees
• Korial or traditional Bengali sarees
• Silk sarees
• Organza sarees
• Contemporary drapes

For a more modern look, pair the necklace with minimal earrings.

Click here for Necklace Collection at Goenka Jewellers, Kolkata.

2. Solitaire diamond earrings

If you want something elegant without wearing a heavy jewellery set, solitaire earrings are an excellent choice.

They work for:

• Ashtami lunch
• Evening Puja visits
• Family gatherings
• Office celebrations
• Festive dinners

And unlike highly occasion-specific jewellery, a good pair can become part of your everyday wardrobe.

Click here for Earings Collection at Goenka Jewellers, Kolkata.

3. Diamond pendants

A pendant is one of the easiest ways to introduce diamonds into a festive wardrobe without making the jewellery feel too heavy.

Goenka's collection includes designs ranging from delicate everyday pieces to more substantial fancy-shaped diamond pendants.

For example, this 5.93-carat fancy-shaped lab-grown diamond pendant in 18K yellow gold demonstrates how a pendant can become a statement piece while retaining a contemporary silhouette.

Diamond Pendants collection.

4. Diamond rings

A ring can be the most personal piece of all.

Unlike a necklace that everyone notices, a ring is something you see throughout the day.

It can become a reminder of a personal achievement, a new beginning or simply something you bought because you wanted it.

Click here for Goenka Jewellers offers for lab-grown diamond rings in different sizes and designs.

Why lab-grown diamonds are changing the way women buy jewellery

One of the biggest changes in the diamond jewellery industry is the growing availability of lab-grown diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created using controlled technological processes rather than being extracted from the earth.

For consumers, the appeal can include access to larger or more elaborate diamond designs at different price points.

But buying a diamond should still involve looking beyond the headline carat weight.

Consider:

• Cut
• Colour
• Clarity
• Shape
• Certification
• Setting quality
• Gold purity
• Craftsmanship
• After-sales service

Goenka Jewellers' current product listings show IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds, alongside jewellery made in 18K gold, with product-level information about diamond count, carat weight, gold weight and certification. Goenka Jewellers

Why certification matters

When buying diamond jewellery, certification provides important information about the stone.

An independent grading report can document characteristics such as the diamond's carat weight, colour, clarity and cut-related information, depending on the report.

For larger solitaire pieces especially, customers should ask to see the relevant certification rather than relying solely on a salesperson's description.

At Goenka Jewellers, product listings identify certified jewellery and provide detailed product information. Goenka Jewellers

Celebrate Durga Puja 2026 with Goenka Jewellers

At Goenka Jewellers, World of Lab-Grown Diamonds & Jewellery, the focus is on creating diamond jewellery for women who want beauty, choice and modern value.

The collection includes:

• Lab-grown diamond rings
• Solitaire earrings
• Diamond pendants
• Fancy-shaped diamond jewellery
• Statement pieces
• Bridal jewellery
• Customised jewellery

Goenka Jewellers promises 80% cash buyback on diamonds and 100% exchange value on their labgrown diamonds, along with free shipping/insurance, hallmarked gold and certified jewellery.

For a customer considering a substantial jewellery purchase, these policies are worth understanding before purchase, including the applicable terms and conditions.

And for women who want something unique, customisation can turn a jewellery purchase into something personal rather than simply selecting an existing design.

This Durga Puja, celebrate your Shakti

Maa Durga represents many things.

Strength.

Courage.

Protection.

Resilience.

Power.

But perhaps the most meaningful lesson is that strength can take many forms.

It can be the courage to start.

The courage to change.

The courage to build.

The courage to care.

The courage to choose yourself.

From Bengal's Durga Puja to Gujarat's Navratri, India's festive traditions continue to celebrate the power of the feminine in different ways.

And in 2026, perhaps we can celebrate that Shakti not only by looking towards the Goddess, but also by recognising it within ourselves.

So this Durga Puja, wear your saree.

Visit the pandal.

Listen to the dhaak.

Celebrate with your family.

Dance.

Smile.

And if you choose to wear a diamond, choose one that tells your story.

Because you don't always need someone else to give you a reason to shine.

Sometimes, you are the reason.

Celebrate your Shakti. Celebrate yourself.

Goenka Jewellers, World of Lab-Grown Diamonds & Jewellery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Durga Puja 2026

When is Durga Puja 2026?

Durga Puja 2026 will be observed in October. According to the Government of West Bengal's SAHAJ Puja portal, Mahalaya is on 10 October 2026, Maha Shashthi on 17 October, Maha Saptami on 18 October, Maha Ashtami on 19 October, Maha Navami on 20 October and Vijaya Dashami on 21 October 2026. SAHAJ Puja Permission Portal

Why is Durga Puja important in Bengal?

Durga Puja is a major religious and cultural festival in Bengal, combining worship of Goddess Durga with art, craftsmanship, community participation and public celebration. UNESCO inscribed Durga Puja in Kolkata on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. ich.unesco.org

What does Maa Durga symbolise?

Maa Durga is traditionally associated with divine feminine power, strength and the triumph over Mahishasura. In contemporary discussions of Naari Shakti, her symbolism is often connected with courage, resilience and the ability to overcome adversity.

What is Naari Shakti?

Naari Shakti refers broadly to women's power, strength and agency. In a contemporary context, it can encompass personal independence, resilience, leadership, creativity, financial independence and the freedom to make one's own choices.

Is Navratri the same as Durga Puja?

They are related Hindu festival traditions centred on Devi/Shakti but are celebrated differently across regions. Durga Puja in Bengal has its distinctive rituals and cultural traditions, while Navratri is celebrated in different forms across India, including the nine-night Navratri celebrations and Garba traditions of Gujarat.

How is Navratri celebrated in Gujarat?

Navratri in Gujarat is particularly known for Garba and Dandiya celebrations, with music, dance and community participation over the festival period. Garba of Gujarat was inscribed by UNESCO on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023. ich.unesco.org

What jewellery should I wear for Durga Puja?

You can choose jewellery according to your outfit and the occasion. Statement necklaces can complement traditional sarees, while solitaire earrings, pendants and diamond rings can create a more understated festive look.

Can I wear diamond jewellery with a traditional Bengali saree?

Yes. Diamond jewellery can be paired with traditional sarees such as silk and Banarasi styles as well as contemporary sarees. Statement necklaces, earrings and pendants can each create different looks.

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are diamonds produced using technological processes in a controlled environment. When selecting one, buyers should still consider certification, cut, colour, clarity, carat weight and the quality of the jewellery setting.

Are Goenka Jewellers' lab-grown diamonds certified?

Goenka's product listings identify IGI certified diamonds and jewellery.

Does Goenka Jewellers offer 14K and 18K gold jewellery?

Goenka's catalogue includes jewellery in HUID hallmarked 9K, 14K and 18K gold, with individual product pages specifying the gold purity and weight.

Does Goenka Jewellers offer customisation?

Goenka Jewellers offers customised jewellery. Customers should discuss the desired design, diamond specifications, gold purity and production requirements with the jewellery team before placing a custom order.

What makes jewellery meaningful for Naari Shakti?

Jewellery can represent personal identity, achievement, celebration and self-expression. For many modern women, purchasing jewellery for themselves can be a personal celebration rather than something dependent on receiving it as a gift.