Navratri celebrates the triumph of good over evil through the nine forms of Goddess Durga. In 2026, the festival runs from 11 October to 19 October, culminating with Dussehra on 20 October.
Travelling for garba or going home for Durga Puja? Book your flight ticket early to avoid peak-season fare hikes.
What is Navratri?
Navratri (translating to ‘nine nights’) is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga’s nine manifestations. Devotees observe daily puja, aarti, and (for many) a vrat, alongside community dancing, music, and cultural events.
Navratri 2026 Dates
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins with Ghatasthapana on Sunday, 11 October and runs through Navami on Monday, 19 October, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on Tuesday, 20 October.
The auspicious hours or the shubh muhurat vary by city. Please check the Drik Panchang for your city or consult your local priest or pandals for the accurate timings.
Start & End Dates
- Pratipada: Ghatasthapana – 11 October 2026 (Sunday)
- Dwitiya: Brahmacharini Puja – 12 October 2026 (Monday)
- Tritiya: Chandraghanta Puja – 13 October 2026 (Tuesday)
- Chaturthi: Kushmanda Puja – 14 October 2026 (Wednesday)
- Panchami: Skandamata Puja – 15 October 2026 (Thursday)
- Shashthi: Katyayani Puja – 16 October 2026 (Friday)
- Saptami: Kalaratri Puja – 17 October 2026 (Saturday)
- Ashtami: Mahagauri Puja – 18 October 2026 (Sunday)
- Navami: Navami Homa – 19 October 2026 (Monday)
- Dussehra – 20 October 2026 (Tuesday)
Ghatasthapana Muhurat
Perform Ghatasthapana on Day 1 during the morning muhurat as per your city’s panchang. Timings can vary, so confirm with your local temple or a trusted panchang app.
Day-by-Day Calendar
- Day 1: Orange (Shailputri): Energy and devotion; begin with Ghatasthapana and evening aarti.
- Day 2: White (Brahmacharini): Purity and peace; keep a simple satvic bhog.
- Day 3: Red (Chandraghanta): Courage and grace; recite Durga aarti/stotra.
- Day 4: Royal Blue (Kushmanda): Health and prosperity; offer satvic prasad.
- Day 5: Yellow (Skandamata): Joy and nurturing; meditate and chant.
- Day 6: Green (Katyayani): Growth and new beginnings; community aarti/garba.
- Day 7: Grey (Kalaratri): Transformation and protection; protection prayers.
- Day 8: Purple (Mahagauri): Serenity and fulfilment; Kanya Puja in many traditions.
- Day 9: Peacock Green (Siddhidatri): Wisdom and balance; conclude with aarti and preparations for Dussehra.
How India Celebrates
North India – Vijaya Dashami & Ramlila
Effigy burning of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnath on Dussehra; vibrant community melas and Ramlila performances.
West India – Garba & Dandiya
Night-long garba and dandiya across Gujarat and beyond, with traditional attire and live music.
East India – Durga Puja
Artistic pandals set up as temporary homes for Goddess Durga, cultural programs, and large community gatherings; Mahashtami is especially significant.
South India – Golu & Mysuru Dasara
Tiered Golu doll displays are commonly seen in homes/temples. Notably, in Karnataka, the Mysuru Dasara procession and palace illumination are highlights.
Please note that the festival dates are widely observed as above, but muhurats and certain observances vary by city and panchang. In some regions and state holiday calendars (such as West Bengal), Durga Puja Ashtami and Navami may be observed a day later than the pan-Indian tithi dates. Confirm with your local temple before puja.
A gentle note
If fasting isn’t feasible, you can still celebrate by joining an evening aarti, wearing the day’s colour, and sharing satvic prasad with family and friends.
Sources
- Drik Panchang — 2026 Shardiya Navratri Calendar for India
- Drik Panchang — 2026 Ghatasthapana Date and Time during Shardiya Navratri
- Vrindavan Mathura Tourism — Sharad Navratri 2026 Dates, Day-Wise Calendar & Dussehra Date
- Decorozy — Navratri 2026 Date, Tithi, Nine Colours & Fasting Rules
- ABP Live — When Is Shardiya Navratri 2026? Full Schedule, Ghatasthapana Muhurat and Dussehra Date
- Wego Travel Blog — Durga Puja 2026 Dates and Guide
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
