Sharad Navratri 2026 is one of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, known as Navdurga. In India, the festival is celebrated with prayers, fasting, Garba, Dandiya, Durga Puja and special religious ceremonies.
According to the 2026 Hindu calendar, Sharad Navratri will begin on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and the Navratri period will lead to Vijayadashami/Dussehra on October 20, 2026. The Government of India’s Incredible India portal also lists Navratri from October 11 to October 20.
Navratri 2026 Start Date
The first day of Sharad Navratri will be observed on:
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Festival: Pratipada / Ghatasthapana
Occasion: Beginning of Sharad Navratri
The Pratipada tithi begins on October 10 at approximately 9:19 PM and ends on October 11 at approximately 9:30 PM in New Delhi. Since Hindu festival days are generally determined according to sunrise, October 11 is observed as the first day of Navratri.
Ghatasthapana 2026
Ghatasthapana, also called Kalash Sthapana, marks the beginning of Navratri worship.
On October 11, devotees establish a sacred Kalash and invoke Goddess Durga. A recent 2026 Panchang report gives a Ghatasthapana window of approximately 6:32 AM to 10:26 AM, with an Abhijit Muhurat around 12:02 PM to 12:48 PM. Muhurat can vary by location, so devotees should check their local Panchang before performing the ritual.
Navratri 2026 Day-Wise Calendar
Here is the main Sharad Navratri calendar for 2026:
| Date | Day | Navratri |
|---|---|---|
| October 11 | Sunday | Day 1 – Ghatasthapana |
| October 12 | Monday | Day 2 – Dwitiya |
| October 13 | Tuesday | Day 3 – Tritiya |
| October 14 | Wednesday | Day 4 – Chaturthi |
| October 15 | Thursday | Day 5 – Panchami |
| October 16 | Friday | Day 6 – Shashthi |
| October 17 | Saturday | Day 7 – Saptami |
| October 18 | Sunday | Day 8 – Ashtami |
| October 19 | Monday | Day 9 – Navami |
| October 20 | Tuesday | Vijayadashami/Dussehra |
The 2026 calendar shows Ashtami on October 18 and Navami on October 19, followed by Vijayadashami on October 20.
Navratri Ashtami and Navami 2026
Maha Ashtami will be observed on October 18, 2026. It is considered one of the most important days of Navratri. Many devotees perform special Durga Puja, fasting and Kanya Puja around Ashtami and Navami.
Maha Navami falls on October 19, 2026. Special prayers and havans are performed by devotees in many parts of India.
However, local traditions can differ, particularly regarding Kanya Pujan and the exact timing of rituals.
Dussehra 2026 Date
Vijayadashami/Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil. In the traditional Ramayana narrative, the day is associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. In many regions, large effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna are burned during celebrations.
In West Bengal and several eastern parts of India, the end of Durga Puja is marked by Vijaya Dashami, when devotees bid farewell to Goddess Durga.
How India Celebrates Navratri
Navratri celebrations vary significantly across India.
In Gujarat, Garba and Dandiya nights are major attractions. In West Bengal, Durga Puja becomes the centre of cultural and religious celebrations. In northern India, many devotees observe fasting and organise Ramleela programmes, while several southern states celebrate the festival through traditional puja and cultural activities.
The festival is also an important period for temples, tourism, local markets, clothing retailers and food businesses.
Why Navratri Is Important
Navratri represents the victory of divine power over evil and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. Devotees often use these nine days for prayer, fasting, meditation and spiritual practices.
The festival also brings families and communities together through religious ceremonies, cultural programmes, music and traditional celebrations.
Final Words
Navratri 2026 will begin on October 11 and conclude with Vijayadashami on October 20. Ghatasthapana will be performed on October 11, while Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami will fall on October 18 and October 19 respectively.
Because puja timings can vary according to city and local Panchang calculations, devotees should confirm the exact Muhurat for their location before performing Ghatasthapana or other important rituals.