Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11 and culminates in Vijayadashami on Tuesday, October 20. Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is a major Hindu festival dedicated to the nine forms of the Divine Mother (Navadurga), celebrated across India with fasting, dance and elaborate worship.
Navratri 2026 Date and Tithi
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins with Ghatasthapana on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada (Sunday, 11 October 2026) and concludes on Ashwin Shukla Dashami (Vijayadashami, Tuesday, 20 October 2026).
Significance of Navratri
According to the Devi Mahatmya, the demon Mahishasura had obtained a boon that made him nearly invincible, and he began terrorizing the heavens and the earth. To defeat him, the gods combined their divine energies (shakti) to create Goddess Durga, who battled Mahishasura for nine days and nights before finally slaying him on the tenth day, an event celebrated as Vijayadashami. Each of the nine nights of Navratri is dedicated to one of the nine forms of the Goddess (Navadurga) — Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri — representing different aspects of divine feminine strength, wisdom and grace.
Navratri is observed differently across India. In Gujarat, it is marked by nightly Garba and Dandiya Raas dances performed in circles around a lamp or an image of the Goddess. In West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, the last four days are celebrated as Durga Puja, with elaborately decorated pandals housing clay idols of the Goddess, culminating in her immersion (visarjan) on Vijayadashami. In North India, many observe a strict nine-day fast and stage Ramlila performances retelling the story of Lord Rama, ending with the burning of Ravana’s effigy on Dussehra.
Navratri Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
- Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) – On the first day, a sacred pot (kalash) is installed with a lit lamp (akhand jyoti) that is kept burning throughout the nine days, along with a bed of barley seeds (jawara) sown in a container.
- Daily worship – Each day is dedicated to one form of the Goddess; devotees offer flowers, vermilion (kumkum), fruits and sweets while chanting mantras, the Durga Chalisa or reciting the Devi Mahatmya.
- Fasting (Vrat) – Many devotees observe a fast for all nine days or on select days, avoiding grains and eating only fruits, milk products, and dishes made from kuttu (buckwheat) or singhare (water chestnut) flour.
- Garba and Dandiya – In Gujarat and parts of western India, evenings are marked by community Garba (circular dance) and Dandiya Raas (dance with sticks) performed around the Goddess.
- Kanya Puja – On Ashtami or Navami, young girls (representing forms of the Goddess) are invited home, their feet are washed, and they are offered food, gifts and blessings.
- Durga Visarjan – In regions observing Durga Puja, the Goddess’s idol is taken in a procession and immersed in a river or water body on Vijayadashami, marking her return to Mount Kailash.
- Vijayadashami rituals – The festival closes with Ravan Dahan (burning of Ravana’s effigy) in North India and the exchange of Vijaya greetings and sweets among family and friends.
Regional Celebrations of Navratri
Navratri is celebrated across India with distinct regional forms — Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat, Durga Puja in West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, and Ramlila-based Navratri fasting in North India; it is also widely observed by the Indian diaspora.
Frequently Asked Questions About Navratri
When is Navratri in 2026?
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October, and concludes with Vijayadashami on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
What is the significance of Navratri?
Navratri honors the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga), celebrating the triumph of the divine feminine over the buffalo demon Mahishasura and culminating in Vijayadashami.
Where is Navratri celebrated?
Navratri is celebrated across India, most famously as Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat and as Durga Puja in West Bengal, Odisha and Assam.
Navratri leads directly into Dussehra and sets the tone for the festive season that follows with Diwali. Explore more Hindu festival dates and rituals on Mythology Mantra. Dates are cross-checked with DrikPanchang.