Sharad Navratri 2026: date, timings and what to know
Nine nights and days of worship of the nine forms of Durga, 11 to 19 October 2026, followed by Dussehra on 20 October.
Sharad Navratri is the most widely celebrated Navratri. It begins on Pratipada with Ghatasthapana (kalash sthapana) on Sunday 11 October 2026 and runs for nine days: Durga Ashtami falls on 18 October and Maha Navami on 19 October, and Vijayadashami (Dussehra) follows on 20 October.
Each day is dedicated to one of the nine forms of the Goddess (Navadurga), with its own colour, bhog (food offering) and mantra. Many people fast, some only on the first and last days. The nine forms are listed day by day on the Navratri colour pages.
Quick answers
When does Navratri start in 2026?
Sharad Navratri starts on Sunday 11 October 2026 and ends on Monday 19 October. Dussehra is on 20 October.
What are the nine Navratri colours?
A common weekday scheme for 2026 is orange, white, red, royal blue, yellow, green, grey, pink and purple, one for each day. See each day's page for the goddess, bhog and mantra.
Which day is Durga Ashtami 2026?
Sunday 18 October 2026.
Event times are computed from NASA JPL DE421 (tropical zodiac). Astrology is offered for reflection and entertainment. Editorial standards.