Navratri 2026 — Sharad & Chaitra Dates, Nine Nights Significance

Navratri (nine nights) is celebrated twice a year in the Hindu calendar. Sharad Navratri (autumn) is the most widely observed, beginning on the first day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Pratipada) of Ashwin month. In 2026, Sharad Navratri begins Sunday, October 11 and ends with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Each of the nine nights is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Devotees fast, perform special pujas, and observe specific rituals on each day.

Chaitra Navratri (spring) begins on the first day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra month. In 2026, Chaitra Navratri begins Thursday, March 19 and ends with Ram Navami on Friday, March 27, 2026. Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in many regions.

Sharad Navratri coincides with Durga Puja in Bengal, Gujarat's Garba-Navratri celebrations, and the Navratri fasting observed across North India. Dussehra / Vijayadashami (Oct 20, 2026) marks the day Lord Rama defeated Ravana.