2026 Navratri Date: Navratri, one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, is a nine-day event dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine avatars.

In 2026, Navratri will commence on Sunday, October 11th, and conclude on Monday, October 19th. This festival is observed with great enthusiasm across India and among Hindu communities worldwide.

• Navratri 2026 Dates: Starts on Sunday, October 11th, and ends on Monday, October 19th.
• Type of Navratri: Ashwina (Sharad) Navratri.
• Location Highlight: Celebrated prominently in Kolkata, India.
• Special Activity: Dandiya dance during Sharad Navratri.
• Pratipada Tithi Timings:
  • • Begins at 09:19 PM on October 10, 2026.
    • Ends at 09:30 PM on October 11, 2026.
• Important Timings
  • • Pratipada Tithi (First Day) Begins: 09:19 PM on October 10, 2026.
    • Pratipada Tithi Ends: 09:30 PM on October 11, 2026.

2026 Navratri Date

Navratri is a 9-day Hindu festival dedicated to Maa Durga, celebrated every year during the lunar month of Ashwin. In Sanskrit, “Navratri” means “nine nights.” In 2026, Navratri will start on Sunday, October 11th, and end on Monday, October 19th.

This celebration is known as Ashwini (Sharad) Navratri, one of the most important Navratris of the year. Sharad Navratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, especially in Kolkata, where it is marked by vibrant festivities, including the Dandiya dance.

Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific color that holds special significance. These colors are worn by devotees to honor Maa Durga’s different forms. Navratri 2026 is a time for devotion, celebration, and cultural festivities, bringing people together in prayer, dance, and joy.

Significance of Navratri

Navratri, which translates to “nine nights” in Sanskrit, is a time for spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. Each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

The festival culminates in Vijayadashami or Dussehra, marking the triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura

Navratri 2026 Dates and Schedule

• Day 1 (October 11): Pratipada – Shailputri Puja.
• Day 2 (October 12): Dwitiya – Brahmacharini Puja.
• Day 3 (October 13): Tritiya – Chandraghanta Puja.
• Day 4 (October 14): Chaturthi – Kushmanda Puja.
• Day 5 (October 15): Panchami – Skandamata Puja.
• Day 6 (October 16): Shashthi – Katyayani Puja.
• Day 7 (October 17): Saptami – Kalaratri Puja.
• Day 8 (October 18): Ashtami – Mahagauri Puja
• Day 9 (October 19): Navami – Siddhidatri Puja.

Main Key Rituals and Celebrations

Ghatasthapana:

The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, an invocation of Goddess Durga into a Kalash (pot) with Vedic rituals and chanting of mantras.

Daily Worship:

Each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, with specific prayers and offerings.

Fasting:

Many devotees observe fasts, consuming only specific foods and abstaining from grains, meat, and alcohol.

Garba and Dandiya:

In states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya are performed with great fervor.

Durga Puja:

In West Bengal, the last three days of Navratri are celebrated as Durga Puja, with elaborate decorations, cultural performances, and processions.

Read also: Gudi Padwa Festival Celebration: New Year Significance and Traditions

FAQs

When was Durga Puja in 2026?

Maha Ashtami 19 Oct 2026 & Maha Navami 20 Oct 2026.

Why does Navratri come twice in a year?

It is believed that Maa Durga protects and maintains balance on earth during times of change.

Which are the 5 Navratris in a year?

Vasanta Navaratri, Ashadha Navaratri, Sharad Navaratri, Paush/Magha Navaratri, and Magha Navaratri are the five seasonal Navaratri dedicated to worshipping Maa Durga.

Does Navratri change every year?

Yes, every year, Navratri colors are assigned to each of the nine days, symbolizing different aspects of Maa Durga and bringing specific energies and blessings.

Conclusion

Navratri is a time of joy, devotion, and cultural celebration. Whether you participate in the traditional dances, observe fasts, or simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, Navratri offers something for everyone.

Mark your calendars for October 11th to October 19th, 2026, and join in the celebrations of this vibrant festival.