Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Navratri 2026: Dates, Durga’s Nine Forms, Colours and Traditions
Navratri is a Hindu festival that honours Goddess Durga and nine forms of the Goddess.
In 2026, it begins on October 11 with a ceremony called Ghatasthapana.
Each of the nine days is connected to a different form of Durga.
People may also wear a colour linked with each day.
Many devotees pray, fast, read sacred texts and make offerings.
Some communities celebrate with Garba and Dandiya-Raas dances.
Others gather at Durga Puja pandals or watch Ramlila plays.
The festival’s stories celebrate good overcoming evil.
Maha Navami is on October 19, followed by Dussehra on October 20.
Sharad Navratri begins on October 11, 2026, with Ghatasthapana and worship of Maa Shailputri.
The nine-day observances end with Maha Navami on October 19; Vijayadashami, also called Dussehra, follows on October 20.
Each day honours one of Goddess Durga’s nine forms, with a colour commonly associated with the day.
The festival honours Durga and Shakti and celebrates good overcoming evil, including the story of Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
Traditions include prayer, fasting, offerings, Garba and Dandiya-Raas, Durga Puja, pandals and Ramlila.
- Who
- Hindu devotees and communities observing Sharad Navratri.
- What
- A festival honouring Goddess Durga and her nine forms, with religious observances and regional celebrations.
- When
- October 11–19, 2026; Vijayadashami or Dussehra follows on October 20.
- Where
- Across India, with celebrations varying by region.
- Why
- To honour Goddess Durga and Shakti and celebrate good overcoming evil.
- Festival
- Sharad Navratri, also known as Shardiya Navratri
- Beginning
- October 11, 2026, with Ghatasthapana
- Maha Navami
- October 19, 2026
- Vijayadashami / Dussehra
- October 20, 2026
- Duration
- Nine nights and ten days
- Colours listed
- Orange, white, red, royal blue, yellow, green, grey, purple and peacock green
- Regional traditions
- Garba and Dandiya-Raas; Durga Puja and pandals; Ramlila and effigy burning
Sources
Navratri 2026: 9 days, 9 goddesses and the significance of each day
Navratri 2026: Start and End Date, Navratri Colours With Calendar, Significance and Importance
Navratri 2026: Day-wise colours this year, significance, key dates, Navadurga celebrations and more