Navratri 2026 is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. The nine-day festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, known as Navadurga.
In 2026, Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, with Ghatasthapana. The festival continues for nine days and concludes with Navami observances, followed by Vijayadashami or Dussehra on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
When is 2026?
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on October 11, 2026, and the main Navratri observances continue through October 19. Vijayadashami, which marks the tenth day, falls on October 20, 2026.
Navratri 2026 Quick Facts
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Sharad Navratri 2026 |
| Start Date | Sunday, October 11, 2026 |
| Ghatasthapana | October 11, 2026 |
| Navratri Duration | 9 days |
| Maha Ashtami | Monday, October 19, 2026 |
| Maha Navami | Monday, October 19, 2026 |
| Vijayadashami / Dussehra | Tuesday, October 20, 2026 |
The exact observance and ritual timings can depend on location, so people performing religious ceremonies should check a local Panchang for their city.
Navratri 2026 Calendar
Here is the day-by-day Navratri calendar 2026:
| Day | Date | Tithi / Observance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | October 11, Sunday | Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja |
| Day 2 | October 12, Monday | Brahmacharini Puja |
| Day 3 | October 13, Tuesday | Chandraghanta Puja |
| Day 4 | October 14, Wednesday | Kushmanda Puja |
| Day 5 | October 15, Thursday | Skandamata Puja |
| Day 6 | October 16, Friday | Katyayani Puja |
| Day 7 | October 17, Saturday | Kalaratri Puja |
| Day 8 | October 18, Sunday | Mahagauri Puja |
| Day 9 | October 19, Monday | Siddhidatri Puja, Maha Navami |
| Day 10 | October 20, Tuesday | Vijayadashami / Dussehra |
The lunar tithi can produce regional differences in how individual Navratri days and rituals are observed. For detailed puja timings, a location-specific Panchang is recommended.
What is Sharad Navratri?
There are several Navratri celebrations during the Hindu calendar year, but Sharad Navratri, also called Shardiya Navratri, is one of the most important.
It takes place during the Hindu month of Ashwin and falls during the autumn season. The nine days are dedicated to different forms of Goddess Durga. The festival traditionally culminates with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra.
Ghatasthapana 2026
Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Sharad Navratri.
In 2026, Ghatasthapana falls on Sunday, October 11. Devotees traditionally establish a sacred kalash and begin their Navratri worship on this day.
Because Ghatasthapana is a time-sensitive religious ritual, the auspicious muhurat varies according to location. It is therefore better to use the local Panchang rather than relying on one nationwide time.
Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami 2026
Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami are important days during Navratri.
In 2026, Maha Ashtami falls on Monday, October 19. Maha Navami is also observed on October 19 in the 2026 calendar, with Navami-related rituals continuing into the following day’s observances in some calendars.
Devotees may observe fasting, perform special prayers, conduct Durga Puja rituals, and participate in community celebrations.
Dussehra 2026
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
It marks the conclusion of the Sharad Navratri period. In different parts of India, Dussehra is celebrated through different traditions, including Durga immersion ceremonies and events associated with the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.
The 2026 India holiday calendar lists Dussehra as a gazetted holiday on October 20.
Is Navratri a Holiday in 2026?
Navratri itself is not a single nationwide public holiday covering all nine days.
The holiday status of particular Navratri days can vary by state, region, school, employer, and institution. For example, the 2026 India holiday calendar lists October 18 and October 19 as restricted holidays and October 20 as a gazetted holiday.
The first day of Sharad Navratri, October 11, 2026, falls on a Sunday and is listed as a Hindu observance rather than a public holiday.
If you are planning work, school, travel, or business activities around Navratri, check the holiday calendar applicable to your state or organization.
Navratri and Durga Puja 2026
Navratri and Durga Puja overlap during this period, but the way they are celebrated differs across India.
The 2026 calendar lists the first day of Durga Puja festivities as October 17, followed by Maha Saptami on October 18 and Maha Ashtami on October 19. Dussehra falls on October 20.
Gujarat is particularly known for Garba and Dandiya celebrations during Navratri, while West Bengal and several eastern states celebrate Durga Puja with elaborate community worship and cultural events.
How is Navratri Celebrated?
Navratri celebrations differ from one region to another, but common traditions include:
- Worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga
- Observing Navratri fasts
- Performing daily puja
- Setting up a kalash during Ghatasthapana
- Visiting temples
- Participating in Garba and Dandiya events
- Organizing Durga Puja celebrations
- Preparing special fasting foods
- Visiting family and friends
For many devotees, Navratri is also a period of prayer, spiritual reflection, and devotion.
Navratri 2026 Long Weekend and Holiday Planning
The beginning of Navratri falls on Sunday, October 11, 2026, while Dussehra falls on Tuesday, October 20.
Since holiday rules differ across India, there is no single nationwide Navratri holiday schedule for all nine days. People should check their state government, school, college, or employer calendar before making travel or leave plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Navratri start in 2026?
Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with Ghatasthapana.
When does Navratri end in 2026?
The nine-day Navratri observance reaches Navami on October 19, 2026, followed by Vijayadashami/Dussehra on October 20.
When is Ghatasthapana in 2026?
Ghatasthapana is on October 11, 2026.
When is Maha Ashtami in 2026?
Maha Ashtami is observed on October 19, 2026 in the cited 2026 Navratri calendar.
When is Dussehra in 2026?
Dussehra or Vijayadashami falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Is Navratri a public holiday in India?
Navratri is not a nationwide nine-day public holiday. Holiday arrangements vary by state and organization. Dussehra on October 20 is listed as a gazetted holiday in the 2026 India holiday calendar.
Final Thoughts
Navratri 2026 begins on October 11 and brings nine days of worship, fasting, celebrations, and cultural traditions across India. The festival concludes with Navami observances on October 19, followed by Vijayadashami on October 20, 2026.
Whether you are looking for the Navratri 2026 dates, a day-by-day calendar, holiday information, or Dussehra date, October will be an important month for Hindu festivals in India.