In 2028, Durga Puja will be celebrated twice, just 15 days apart!

In 2028, the autumnal Durga Puja will take place twice within the same year. Due to methodological differences in the calculation of *tithis* (lunar days) in the almanac, Bengalis will celebrate the festival in two separate instances, spaced about 15 days apart. This rare occurrence has already sparked discussions on social media.

According to a report by the Indian media outlet *Anandabazar*, following a "double Saptami" in 2026 and a "double Maha-Ashtami" in 2027, Durga Puja will be held at two different times in 2028 due to these variations in *tithi* calculations.

Citing experts in Hindu scriptures, the report explains that Durga Puja is organized in Bengal following two primary systems: *Vishuddha Siddhanta* and *Surya Siddhanta*.

*Vishuddha Siddhanta* relies on *Drik-siddha* (astronomically accurate) calculations, whereas *Surya Siddhanta* determines *tithis* and *nakshatras* (stars) based on celestial positions. It is this discrepancy between the two methods that will lead to different dates for Durga Puja in 2028.

The report states that, according to *Vishuddha Siddhanta*, Durga Puja in 2028 will take place in late September, while under *Surya Siddhanta*, it will be held in mid-October—resulting in an interval of more than 15 days between the two celebrations.

Institutions such as Belur Math, the Ramakrishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram Sangha follow the *Vishuddha Siddhanta* method. Conversely, *Surya Siddhanta* is typically followed by traditional ancestral households (*bonedi bari*) and community-organized (*barowari* or *sarbojanin*) pujas.

This is not the first time Durga Puja will occur twice in a single year; a similar situation took place in 1980, when the worship of Goddess Durga was held at different times according to these two systems. According to scriptural interpretation, both methods are considered valid for conducting the worship.

Although Durga Puja will be celebrated twice, there will not be two separate sets of government holidays. As per the report, offices, schools, and colleges will observe a holiday only once, which will be scheduled to coincide with the community-organized (*barowari*) pujas.