Navratri 2026: Dates, Nine Days & Significance
The nine nights of the Goddess
Navratri — meaning “nine nights” — is a festival dedicated to the Goddess Durga in her nine forms. The most widely observed Navratri, Sharad Navratri, begins on the first day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin and ends with Dussehra on the tenth day.
Across the nine nights, devotees fast, worship the Goddess, and celebrate with music and dance — the Garba and Dandiya of Gujarat, the grand Durga Puja of Bengal, and the Golu doll displays of the south.
Navratri 2026 Date
Navratri 2026 is on Sunday, 11 October 2026. It is observed on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada — the Pratipada tithi of the Shukla paksha in the lunar month of Ashwin.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and can vary by a day between regions and traditions. Always confirm the date and timings with your local panchang.
The Significance of Navratri
Navratri celebrates the victory of the Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The gods, unable to defeat him, combined their energies to create Durga, who fought the demon for nine days and nights and slew him on the tenth — the day marked as Vijayadashami.
Each of the nine nights is devoted to one of the nine forms of Durga, the Navadurga, and is associated with a particular colour. The festival is divided in spirit into three parts — the first three days honour Durga, the next three Lakshmi, and the last three Saraswati.
At its heart, Navratri is a celebration of the divine feminine — Shakti, the creative power of the universe — and of the triumph of good over evil. It is a time of fasting, purification, devotion and joyful community celebration.
The Nine Forms of Durga
Each night of Navratri is devoted to one of the nine forms of the Goddess, the Navadurga:
- Shailaputri. Day one. The daughter of the mountains, the Goddess in her first form.
- Brahmacharini. Day two. The Goddess as the unmarried ascetic, embodiment of penance.
- Chandraghanta. Day three. Adorned with a crescent moon; the Goddess of courage.
- Kushmanda. Day four. The creator of the cosmic egg, source of light and energy.
- Skandamata. Day five. The mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), the warrior god.
- Katyayani. Day six. The fierce warrior form born to destroy Mahishasura.
- Kalaratri. Day seven. The dark, fearsome form that destroys ignorance and evil.
- Mahagauri. Day eight. The serene, radiant form granting peace and purity.
- Siddhidatri. Day nine. The bestower of perfections and spiritual powers.
Navratri Puja Vidhi
- On the first day, perform ghatasthapana — installing a sanctified pot (kalash) and sowing barley seeds as a symbol of the Goddess.
- Worship the Goddess each day with flowers, fruit, lamps and the chanting of Durga mantras and the Durga Saptashati.
- Observe the Navratri fast — many take only fruit, milk and vrat-friendly foods through the nine days.
- On Ashtami or Navami, perform Kanya Pujan, worshipping young girls as embodiments of the Goddess and offering them food and gifts.
- Celebrate the evenings with Garba and Dandiya, and conclude the festival with Dussehra on the tenth day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Navratri in 2026?
Navratri in 2026 falls on Sunday, 11 October 2026, on Ashwin Pratipada.
Why is Navratri celebrated for nine nights?
Navratri commemorates the nine days and nights during which Goddess Durga fought the demon Mahishasura. Each of the nine nights is devoted to one of her nine forms, the Navadurga.
What is the difference between Navratri and Dussehra?
Navratri is the nine-night festival of the Goddess. Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, falls on the tenth day and marks Durga’s victory over Mahishasura and Rama’s victory over Ravana.
What is Kanya Pujan during Navratri?
Kanya Pujan is the worship of young girls as living embodiments of the Goddess, performed on Ashtami or Navami. The girls are honoured, fed and given gifts.