Durga Puja 2026
Registration Opens 1st Sept 2026 17th & 18th October 2026

Durga Puja 2026

Join us for our biggest annual celebration honouring Goddess Durga with traditional rituals, vibrant cultural programs and a community feast that brings together people from all backgrounds.

Dates17th & 18th October 2026
VenueDrum Community Centre, Athlone
Registration Opens1st September 2026
ParkingFree parking available

About Durga Puja

Welcome to Durga Puja, a celebration that transcends time, weaving together myth, culture and the eternal rhythms of nature. At its heart lies the story of Goddess Durga, the invincible mother warrior, summoned by the supreme gods Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara (Shiva) to restore balance when the demon Mahishasura threatened to plunge the world into chaos.

Armed with weapons gifted by the supreme deities, Durga rode her lion into battle, embodying both the fierce protector and the loving mother, vanquishing the demon to restore peace and harmony. This epic tale is more than just a story; it symbolizes the eternal victory of good over evil, light over darkness, hope over despair and righteousness over tyranny.

Durga Puja is celebrated during the autumn harvest, a time when the land itself is teeming with life and abundance. Just as the Irish hold the land sacred, offering prayers and gratitude for the bounty of crops, we too honor Durga as the embodiment of nature's life-giving forces. The grains, fruits, & flowers offered during this festival are symbols of gratitude for the earth's generosity, mirroring the ancient Celtic rituals that revered the earth as both provider & protector.

As we gather in the vibrant atmosphere of Durga Puja, we are reminded of its historical significance. During the British Raj, the festival became a platform for revolutionaries to gather, to ignite the flames and desire for independence. It was not merely a religious event, but a beacon of hope and unity for people longing to break free from the shackles of colonial rule.

We welcome you not just as guests but as fellow travellers on the journey of celebrating the sacred ties that bind land, community and spirit.

Event Details

Event Information

  • Dates: 17th & 18th October 2026
  • Venue:
    Drum Community Centre
    Summerhill, Crannagh
    Athlone, Co. Roscommon
    N37 T298
  • Parking: Free parking available
  • Registration: Opens 1st September 2026. Register early, celebrate together!

What to Expect

  • Traditional Puja ceremonies
  • Cultural performances
  • Authentic Indian cuisine
  • Community bonding activities
  • Family-friendly environment
  • Photography opportunities

Event Schedule (Tentative - full schedule to be confirmed closer to the event)

Saturday, 17th October 2026

8:00 AM
Puja Start

Bodhon, Adhibash, Saptami Puja & Ashtami Puja

11:00 AM
Pushpanjali

Pushpanjali & Prasad Distribution

11:30 AM
Tea/Coffee Break

Refreshments for all attendees

12:00 PM
Kumari Puja

Traditional worship ceremony

12:30 PM
Bhog & Aarti

Sacred offering and prayer ceremony

1:30 PM
Bhog Lunch

Traditional Bengali feast (choose your meal ticket at registration)

4:00 PM
Cultural Events

Music, dance and cultural performances

8:00 PM
Evening Aarti

Dhunuchi & Evening Prayer ceremony

Sunday, 18th October 2026

8:00 AM
Navami Puja

Morning prayer ceremony

10:00 AM
Pushpanjali

Flower offering ceremony

12:00 PM
Bhog & Aarti

Sacred offering and final prayers

1:00 PM
Community Lunch

Final feast together

3:00 PM
Sindur Khela

Traditional farewell ceremony

4:00 PM
Visarjan

Ceremonial conclusion

Event Location

Drum Community Centre

Summerhill, Crannagh
Athlone, Co. Roscommon
Ireland N37 T298
Venue Features
  • Free parking available
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Kitchen facilities
  • WiFi available
  • Clean facilities

Join Us for Durga Puja 2026

Be part of this incredible celebration of culture, tradition and community. Registration ensures we can prepare adequately for all attendees.

Guaranteed entry to all events
Priority access to meals
Event updates and notifications

Registration Details

Registration opens 1st September 2026. Register early, celebrate together!