Sharadiya Navratri 2026 will begin on October 11 and conclude on October 19, followed by Vijayadashami on October 20. Check the complete day-wise calendar, colours and important puja observances.
By CNBCTV18.com September 22, 2026, 12:44:56 AM IST (Published)
Sharadiya Navratri is considered one of the most significant Navratri celebrations in the Hindu calendar. Also known as Maha Navratri, the festival is observed during the lunar month of Ashwin, which falls around September or October.
The nine-day festival is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navadurga, with devotees observing prayers, rituals and fasting during the period.
The word Navratri comes from two words: ‘Nav’, meaning nine, and ‘Ratri’, meaning night. The festival therefore marks nine nights of worship and celebration dedicated to different manifestations of Goddess Adi Shakti. The festivities culminate on the tenth day with Vijayadashami or Dussehra, which is observed as a major Hindu festival across the country.
This year, the auspicious festival will begin on Sunday, October 11, and will be observed for nine days, with the festivities concluding on Monday, October 19. Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20.
Here is the complete day-wise Navratri calendar, including the dates, forms of Goddess Durga, important pujas and colours associated with each day.
Day 1: October 11
The first day of Sharadiya Navratri will fall on Sunday, October 11. The day will be marked by Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja, with devotees beginning the nine-day worship of Goddess Durga. The Navratri colour for the day is orange.
Day 2: October 12
The second day will be observed on Monday, October 12. Devotees will perform Chandra Darshan and worship Goddess Brahmacharini, one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The colour associated with the day is white.
Day 3: October 13
Tuesday, October 13 will mark the third day of Navratri. The day includes Sindoor Tritiya and Chandraghanta Puja, dedicated to Goddess Chandraghanta. The Navratri colour for the day is red.
Day 4: October 14
The fourth day will fall on Wednesday, October 14. Devotees will observe Kushmanda Puja, along with Kapardish Chaturthi. The colour of the day is dark blue.
Day 5: October 15
The fifth day of Navratri will be observed on Thursday, October 15. The day’s important observances include Upanga Lalita Vrat and Skandamata Puja. The colour associated with the fifth day is yellow.
Day 6: October 16
Friday, October 16 will mark the sixth day of Navratri. Saraswati Aawahan and Katyayani Puja will be among the day’s important rituals. Devotees will observe green as the Navratri colour for the day.
Day 7: October 17
The seventh day will be celebrated on Saturday, October 17. Devotees will observe Saraswati Puja and worship Goddess Kaalratri. The colour assigned to the day is grey.
Day 8: October 18
The eighth day of Navratri will fall on Sunday, October 18. The Navratri colour for the day is purple. Ashtami observances form an important part of the festival period.
Day 9: October 19
Monday, October 19 will mark the ninth day of Navratri. The day will feature Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja and Maha Navami observances. The colour associated with the day is peacock green. The Sandhi Puja on this day is scheduled to begin at 10:27 AM and end at 11:15 AM.
Dussehra 2026: October 20
The nine-day Navratri celebrations will be followed by Vijayadashami or Dussehra on Tuesday, October 20. The day’s observances include Ayudha Puja, Navami Havan, Navratri Parana and Durga Visarjan.
Navratri and the nine forms of Goddess Durga
Each of the nine days is associated with a different form of Goddess Durga. These nine manifestations are collectively known as Navadurga, and devotees offer prayers and special offerings according to the form being worshipped on a particular day.
With prayers, fasting, devotional gatherings and cultural celebrations taking place across the country, Sharadiya Navratri is observed as both a spiritual and cultural festival.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
