Navratri 2026 Nine Days will be observed from Sunday, October 11 to Monday, October 19, 2026. These nine sacred days of Sharad Navratri are dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navadurga. The festival begins with Ghatasthapana and concludes with Maha Navami, followed by Vijayadashami or Dussehra on October 20.
During these nine days, devotees observe fasting, perform daily prayers, visit temples, participate in Garba and Dandiya celebrations, and worship different forms of Maa Durga.
Navratri 2026 Nine Days Calendar
Here is the complete Navratri 2026 nine-day calendar:
| Day | Date | Goddess | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | October 11 | Maa Shailputri | Strength and new beginnings |
| Day 2 | October 12 | Maa Brahmacharini | Devotion and penance |
| Day 3 | October 13 | Maa Chandraghanta | Courage and peace |
| Day 4 | October 14 | Maa Kushmanda | Energy and prosperity |
| Day 5 | October 15 | Maa Skandamata | Motherly love and protection |
| Day 6 | October 16 | Maa Katyayani | Power and courage |
| Day 7 | October 17 | Maa Kalaratri | Protection from negativity |
| Day 8 | October 18 | Maa Mahagauri | Purity and peace |
| Day 9 | October 19 | Maa Siddhidatri | Spiritual wisdom and blessings |
The nine forms traditionally worshipped during Navratri are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.
Day 1 – Maa Shailputri
Navratri begins with the worship of Maa Shailputri, considered the first form of Navadurga. Devotees pray for strength, stability and a positive beginning. Ghatasthapana is also performed on this day.
Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini
The second day is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini. She represents devotion, discipline and determination. Many devotees observe fasting and spend additional time in prayer and meditation.
Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta
On the third day, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta, associated with courage, calmness and protection. Her worship is believed to inspire devotees to face difficulties with confidence.
Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda
Maa Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day. She is traditionally associated with energy, creativity and prosperity. Devotees offer fruits, sweets and other traditional bhog items according to their family customs.
Day 5 – Maa Skandamata
The fifth day is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya. She represents maternal love, compassion and protection.
Day 6 – Maa Katyayani
On Day 6, devotees worship Maa Katyayani. She is associated with strength, courage and the destruction of negative forces. In many regions, this day is marked by special temple prayers.
Day 7 – Maa Kalaratri
The seventh day is dedicated to Maa Kalaratri, one of the most powerful forms of Goddess Durga. Her worship represents protection and the removal of fear and darkness.
Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri
Maa Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day, commonly known as Durga Ashtami. Devotees may perform special puja, havan and Kanya Puja according to their traditions.
Day 9 – Maa Siddhidatri
The ninth and final day is dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri and is known as Maha Navami. Devotees seek spiritual knowledge, blessings and fulfilment of their prayers.
Interestingly, according to the 2026 calendar, Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami both fall on October 19 in the commonly followed calendar used by Drik Panchang. Local traditions and panchang calculations can differ, so devotees should check their local panchang for specific rituals and timings.
Navratri 2026 Colours
Navratri is also associated with a different colour for each day. For 2026, commonly published colour calendars list orange, white, red, royal blue, yellow, green, grey, purple and peacock green from Day 1 through Day 9.
Many devotees wear the day’s colour while visiting temples or participating in Garba and Dandiya celebrations.
Why Are Nine Days of Navratri Important?
The nine days represent devotion to Shakti, the divine feminine power. Each form of Durga represents different qualities such as strength, devotion, courage, wisdom, compassion and spiritual power.
For devotees, Navratri is not only a festival but also a period for prayer, discipline, fasting and spiritual reflection. Across India, the celebrations take different forms, from Durga Puja in eastern India to Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat and traditional Durga worship in northern and central India.
Conclusion
Navratri 2026 Nine Days will begin on October 11 and continue through October 19, with each day dedicated to one form of Maa Durga. The festival provides an opportunity for devotees to combine worship, fasting, celebration and spiritual reflection. Vijayadashami/Dussehra will follow on October 20, 2026, marking the victory of good over evil.