Navratri & Dussehra 2026: Nine Nights of the Goddess
Festival guide · 2026
Sharad Navratri (शारदीय नवरात्रि) is nine nights of worship dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, observed in September–October. It culminates on Dussehra (Vijayadashami) — the 10th day celebrating the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana.
Navratri is among the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, observed across India and by the Hindu diaspora worldwide. The 10-day period is the most festive fortnight in the Hindu calendar outside of Diwali.
2026 Dates
| Navratri begins | Monday, October 12, 2026 |
| Dussehra | Thursday, October 22, 2026 |
Dates are calculated automatically and may vary by ±1 day. Always confirm with your local religious authority.
Traditions & Observance
Garba and Dandiya Raas (Gujarat)
Navratri's most spectacular celebration is in Gujarat, where millions gather nightly for Garba — a circular folk dance around an image of the goddess — and Dandiya Raas, a paired stick dance. Navratri in Gujarat draws participants from around the world. Garba has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Durga Puja (West Bengal)
In West Bengal and among Bengali communities worldwide, Navratri is observed as Durga Puja — the grandest Hindu festival of the year. Elaborate clay idols of Goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon are installed in community pandals. The festival ends on Vijayadashami when idols are immersed in rivers.
Ram Leela and Dussehra
Across North India, theatrical re-enactments of the Ramayana (Ram Leela) build through nine nights to the climax on Dussehra, when giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna — stuffed with firecrackers — are set alight, symbolising the destruction of evil. Mysuru's royal Dussehra procession is one of India's most spectacular public events.
The Nine Forms of Durga (Navadurga)
Each night is dedicated to one of Durga's nine manifestations: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. The 8th (Ashtami) and 9th (Navami) nights are most auspicious — Kanjak puja, where young girls representing the goddess are fed a ritual meal, is observed across North India.
Other Years
Dates are approximate and based on astronomical panchang calculations. Exact tithi times vary by location. Confirm with your local temple or pandit.