Navratri 2026 – Date, Significance & Timings
11
October 2026
Sunday
Navratri 2026
About Navratri
Navratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine manifestations (Navadurga). It is celebrated twice a year — in spring (Chaitra Navratri) and autumn (Sharad Navratri), with the autumn version being the most widely observed.
Significance
Navratri celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Each of the nine days is dedicated to a different form of the goddess. It culminates in Vijayadasami (Dussehra) — the day of victory.
How the Date is Determined
Navratri begins on Pratipada (the first Tithi) of Ashwin month (for Sharad Navratri) and runs for nine nights, ending on Navami.
Related Festivals
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is Navratri?
Navratri lasts nine nights and ten days. The tenth day is Vijayadasami (Dussehra).
What are the nine forms of Durga in Navratri?
The nine forms are: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
What is the Tamil Navratri Golu tradition?
In Tamil Nadu, Navratri is celebrated with Golu — an elaborate display of dolls on stepped platforms. Families invite neighbours to see the Golu and exchange prasad and gifts.