Our Biggest Celebration
Durgotsav
Six days of devotion, the sound of dhak (drum), bhog and unforgettable cultural evenings. Join us from 16–21 October 2026 at Community Centre, Sector 61, Noida.
This year
Every year, we begin with a theme and find a protima to bring it to life. This year, we did things a little differently. We didn't choose her. She chose us.
How she came to us →The protima this year is the last completed work of the late Shri Salil Bhattacharya. For decades his Durga idols were known across Delhi-NCR, and he sculpted for Balaka for many years.
A glimpse of the pandal taking shape, from the air
Victoria Memorial
A façade of bamboo, cloth and hand-carved foam, 63 feet high and 65 feet wide. It is not built on open ground: it is built over the Community Centre itself, every dome and column shaped around the building Sector 61 walks past every day.
Day-wise Schedule
16–21 October 2026
Across six evenings: more than 100 classical dancers in Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Odissi, more than 50 vocalists, theatre, Rabindra Sangeet, devotional music, youth ensembles and dance dramas. Performers come from different languages and backgrounds and across generations — on this stage excellence is measured by artistry, not identity.
Maa is coming
Tonight · 9:45 PM
Prasun Bannerjee
A versatile singer, songwriter and performer — Bengali and Hindi melodies
Maha Sashti
Fri, 16 October · 29 Ashwin
- 9:00 AMDevi Bodhon, Sasthi pujo
- 7:00 PMMaa-er Amontron & Adhibash
- 7:30 PMCultural programme — Balaka members & invited groups
- 9:45 PMPrasun Bannerjee
Puja timings follow the official Balaka nirghonto. Follow our Facebook page for the latest updates.
Know before you go
When is Balaka Durga Puja 2026?
From Maha Shashthi on Friday 16 October to Bijoya Dashami on Wednesday 21 October 2026. Sandhya aarati is at 6:30 PM. The evening programme runs from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM — our own performers and invited groups first, then the evening’s artist from 9:45 PM.
What is this year's pandal theme?
The Victoria Memorial — a façade of bamboo, cloth and hand-carved foam, 63 feet high and 65 feet wide, built over the Community Centre building itself rather than on open ground.
Where is the pandal, and how do I get there?
Community Centre, Block E, Sector 61, Noida — a 3-minute walk from Noida Sector 61 Metro Station on the Blue Line. Parking is available nearby.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.
Who is performing each evening?
16 Oct Prasun Bannerjee · 17 Oct Ayush Gupta · 18 Oct Samantak & Mates · 19 Oct Niharika Nath · 20 Oct Arnab Dutta — on stage at 9:45 PM each evening. Before them, from 7:30 PM, our own dance, drama and music programmes with over a hundred performers.
What are the pushpanjali timings?
Saptami 11:30 AM · Ashtami 9:00 AM, with Sandhi pujo pushpanjali at 11:10 AM · Navami 11:00 AM · Dashami 10:00 AM.
When is bhog served?
Bhog is distributed at 1:30 PM every day from Saptami to Navami (17–20 October).
When is sindoor khela?
On Bijoya Dashami, Wednesday 21 October — Maa-er boron and sindoor khela at 11:30 AM.
Is the pandal accessible?
We're working with the UN and UNESCO accessibility guidelines for Durga Puja to make our pandal more welcoming to persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.
📍 Venue
Just a 3-minute walk from Noida Sector 61 Metro Station (Blue Line). Parking is available nearby.
♿ We're working with the UN and UNESCO accessibility guidelines for Durga Puja to make our pandal more welcoming to persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.
Get Directions🗺️ Venue layout
Tap to open full size🍛 Bhog & Food Stalls
Khichuri bhog is served every pujo afternoon. As the evening begins, our food stalls come alive with phuchka, kathi rolls, biryani, mishti and plenty more Bengali favourites.
Looking back: Durgotsav 2025
Last year's celebration ran from 27th September to 1st October with five evenings of cultural programmes — performances by music and dance academies, community artists and invited celebrity performers, alongside the full traditional pujo.
All enquiries reach the Balaka committee directly at balaka061@gmail.com.