Sharad Navratri 2026 runs from Sunday, 11 October to Monday, 19 October 2026, nine nights dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, followed by Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on Tuesday, 20 October. It's the biggest Navratri of the year, celebrated with garba and dandiya nights across Gujarat, elaborate Durga Puja pandals in Bengal, and Ramlila performances in the north.
Below you'll find the ghatasthapana muhurat, the day-wise devi calendar, and the Durga Ashtami and Dussehra timings for 2026 — along with ideas for celebrating with family near or far.
Navratri 2026 — Key Timings at a Glance
Note: the Saptami tithi extends across 17 and 18 October this year, so some panchangs observe Ashtami a day apart. Please confirm exact timings for your region with a local panchang.
The Nine-Day Devi Calendar
Each of the nine nights of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga:
- Day 1 (11 Oct) — Shailaputri: the daughter of the mountains, worship begins with ghatasthapana.
- Day 2 (12 Oct) — Brahmacharini: the ascetic form, symbolising penance and devotion.
- Day 3 (13 Oct) — Chandraghanta: the warrior form, worn with a crescent moon on her forehead.
- Day 4 (14 Oct) — Kushmanda: believed to have created the universe with her smile.
- Day 5 (15 Oct) — Skandamata: mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), a form of maternal protection.
- Day 6 (16 Oct) — Katyayani: the fierce warrior form, especially worshipped in Bengal ahead of Durga Puja.
- Day 7 (17 Oct) — Kalaratri: the fiercest form, destroyer of ignorance and darkness.
- Day 8 (18 Oct) — Mahagauri, Durga Ashtami: the serene form, worshipped with Kanya Puja in many homes.
- Day 9 (19 Oct) — Siddhidatri, Maha Navami: the giver of perfection, marking the final night before Dussehra.
Celebrating Across Distance
Garba nights and pandal hopping are best with a crowd, but distance doesn't have to mean missing the festival:
- Join local garba or dandiya events. Most Indian communities abroad run their own Navratri nights — a great way to celebrate even away from home.
- Watch Durga Puja pandal streams. Many major pandals now livestream Ashtami and Navami rituals for those who can't travel.
- Send a personalised digital card. Add your name to a Navratri greeting card and share it on WhatsApp for each of the nine days — it's free and takes under a minute.
- Plan around the full calendar. Check our 2026 festival calendar to see how Navratri lines up with Dussehra and the run-up to Diwali.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Navratri in 2026?
Sharad Navratri 2026 runs from Sunday, 11 October to Monday, 19 October 2026, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
What is the ghatasthapana muhurat for 2026?
The ghatasthapana muhurat on 11 October 2026 is approximately 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM, with an additional Abhijit muhurat window from about 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM. Confirm exact timings for your city with a local panchang.
When is Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami?
Durga Ashtami 2026 falls on Sunday, 18 October, and Maha Navami is observed on Monday, 19 October 2026. Some panchangs observe Ashtami a day apart due to the extended Saptami tithi.
When is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, marking the victory of good over evil.
Can I send a Navratri greeting if I'm away from family?
Yes — you can create a personalised Navratri card with your name and share it on WhatsApp, free, right from this site.
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Personalise a beautiful Navratri greeting card with your name now, and share it on WhatsApp for each of the nine nights. Free, instant, no login.
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