Navratri 2026 — Dates
Next Navratri: Shardiya Navratri — begins (Ghatasthapana) on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
A free email before every Navratri, with timings for your city.
Navratri is celebrated twice a year with nine nights of worship of Goddess Durga — Chaitra Navratri in spring and Shardiya Navratri in autumn. It begins with Ghatasthapana and ends with Navami, followed by Dashami (Vijayadashami in the autumn).
Navratri dates in 2026
| Date | Name |
|---|---|
| 19 Mar 2026 (Thu) | Chaitra Navratri — begins (Ghatasthapana) |
| 26 Mar 2026 (Thu) | Chaitra Navratri — Durga Ashtami |
| 27 Mar 2026 (Fri) | Chaitra Navratri — Maha Navami |
| 28 Mar 2026 (Sat) | Chaitra Navratri — Dashami |
| 11 Oct 2026 (Sun) | Shardiya Navratri — begins (Ghatasthapana) |
| 19 Oct 2026 (Mon) | Shardiya Navratri — Durga Ashtami |
| 20 Oct 2026 (Tue) | Shardiya Navratri — Maha Navami |
| 21 Oct 2026 (Wed) | Shardiya Navratri — Vijayadashami (Dussehra) |
Dates and parana times are for New Delhi (IST), as used by most published calendars. In other cities a date can occasionally differ by a day — check the panchang for your city.
How to observe Navratri
- Perform Ghatasthapana on the first morning: sow barley in soil and install a kalash with mango leaves and a coconut.
- Worship one form of the Goddess each day, light a lamp and offer flowers and bhog.
- Keep the fast according to family tradition — fruits and vrat foods, or one meal a day.
- On Ashtami or Navami, perform Kanya Puja for young girls.
- Conclude on Dashami with the final puja and immersion of the jawara.
Frequently asked questions
What is Navratri?
Navratri is celebrated twice a year with nine nights of worship of Goddess Durga — Chaitra Navratri in spring and Shardiya Navratri in autumn. It begins with Ghatasthapana and ends with Navami, followed by Dashami (Vijayadashami in the autumn).
When is the next Navratri?
Shardiya Navratri — begins (Ghatasthapana) is on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
How many Navratri days are there in 2026?
8 Navratri dates in 2026: 19 Mar (Thu), 26 Mar (Thu), 27 Mar (Fri), 28 Mar (Sat), 11 Oct (Sun), 19 Oct (Mon), 20 Oct (Tue), 21 Oct (Wed).