Navratri 2026 Date, Colours, Ashtami and Dussehra Date

What Is Navratri? 

Navratri means "nine nights." For nine nights, Hindus worship the nine forms of Maa Durga, called Navadurga. On the tenth day, people celebrate Dussehra. 

There are two main Navratris in a year. Chaitra Navratri comes in March or April. Sharad Navratri, also called Shardiya Navratri, comes in September or October. In Gujarat, Sharad Navratri is the biggest festival of the year. It is the season of garba, dandiya and Maa Amba's aarti in every society and street. 

Why Is Navratri Celebrated? 

The main story is about the demon Mahishasura. He got a boon that no god or man could kill him, and he began troubling everyone. The gods then joined their powers to create Maa Durga. She fought him for nine days and nights and defeated him on the tenth day. 

That tenth day is Vijayadashami, the day of victory. It is also the day Lord Rama defeated Ravana, which is why we celebrate Dussehra. 

When Is Navratri in 2026? 

Sharad Navratri 2026 falls in October this year. The 2026 Navratri date in October is 11 October to 19 October. It begins on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, the day after Pitru Paksha ends. 

So, when does Navratri start? On Sunday, 11 October 2026. Day 1 of Navratri 2026 is the day of Ghatasthapana and Maa Shailputri puja. 

How Many Days Left for Navratri 2026? 

As of 21 September 2026, there are 20 days left for Navratri 2026. The countdown ends on Sunday, 11 October. Garba pass bookings usually open weeks earlier, and weekend nights sell out first. 

Ghatasthapana 2026: Muhurat and Timing 

Ghatasthapana, also called Kalash Sthapana, is the first ritual of Navratri. Families place a kalash with water, mango leaves and a coconut. They also sow barley (javara) in soil beside it. This invites Maa Durga into the home for nine days. 

For Gujarat readers: The sun rises later in Gujarat than in Delhi, so the muhurat window here starts and ends a little later. Confirm the exact time with your local panchang or family priest. 

Tip: Keep the kalash in the north-east corner (Ishan kon) of your home mandir. 

Read more: Mandir Direction as per Vastu 

Sharad Navratri 2026 Schedule & Colors (Day-Wise Calendar) 

Here are all 9 days of Navratri with the date, goddess and colour. This table also answers "What are the 9 days of Navratri?" 

Navratri 9 Colours 2026 and Their Meaning 

Day 1: Orange (11 October) 
Orange stands for energy and warmth. It is a bright and happy start to the festival. Marigold flowers at the mandir are an easy way to add it. 

Day 2: White (12 October) 
White means peace and purity. It suits Maa Brahmacharini, who stands for devotion and simple living. A white kurta or chaniya choli with colourful embroidery works well for garba. 

Day 3: Red (13 October) 
Red is the colour of strength and courage. It is also the most common colour of the chunri offered to Maa Durga. This is one of the most popular garba nights for red bandhani. 

Day 4: Royal Blue (14 October) 
Royal blue stands for calm power and depth. It looks rich under garba lights. Pair it with silver jewellery or oxidised earrings. 

Day 5: Yellow (15 October) 
Yellow means joy and brightness. It is linked with learning and a cheerful mood. It is an easy colour to find in most wardrobes. 

Day 6: Green (16 October) 
Green stands for growth, nature and new beginnings. It is a good day to start something new at home. Leheriya and bandhani prints in green are a festive choice. 

Day 7: Grey (17 October) 
Grey means balance and a steady mind. It is a soft colour, so add mirror work or bright jewellery to lift the look. It falls on Maa Kalaratri's day. 

Day 8: Purple (18 October) 
Purple stands for dignity and devotion. It falls on Maa Mahagauri's day. It looks elegant in silk or georgette. 

Day 9: Peacock Green (19 October) 
Peacock green means grace and freshness. It closes the nine nights on Ashtami and Navami. It is a great colour for the last and grandest garba night. 

Why do Navratri colours change every year? 

The colour of the first day depends on the weekday Navratri starts on. The other colours then follow a set order. Navratri 2026 starts on a Sunday, so it starts with orange. 

Many colour lists shared on WhatsApp are from last year. For the Navratri 2026 date and October colours, follow the list above. 

Tip: You don't need nine new outfits. Add the day's colour with a dupatta, kediyu, scarf or accessory. 

Ashtami and Navami 2026: 

• Ashtami tithi starts at 8:27 AM on Sunday, 18 October and ends at 10:51 AM on Monday, 19 October. 

• Most panchangs mark Durga Ashtami on Monday, 19 October, because Ashtami is present at sunrise that day. 

• Navami tithi starts at 10:51 AM on 19 October, so Maha Navami is also on 19 October. 

Some calendars print Ashtami on 18 October. Both dates come from the same tithi, read in different ways. Many Gujarati families will do the Aatham havan and Kanya Pujan on the morning of 19 October. Follow your family custom or your temple's announcement. 

What is the date of Navami?

Maha Navami 2026 is on Monday, 19 October 2026. 

When Will Navratri End? (Navratri 2026 End Date and Time) 

Navratri 2026 ends on Monday, 19 October 2026 with Maha Navami. The Navami tithi starts at 10:51 AM that day. Many families do the javara visarjan and break their fast on Navami or on Dussehra morning, as per family tradition. 

When Is Dussehra 2026? 

Dussehra 2026 is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. This is the 10th day of Navratri, also called Vijayadashami. 

In Gujarat, Dussehra morning means fafda and jalebi, so expect long queues at farsan shops. Many families also do Shastra Puja on this day. Dussehra is one of the most auspicious days of the year for buying a vehicle or gold, or for booking a home. 

Navratri 2026 in Gujarat: 

• Garba everywhere: Gujarat's garba was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2023. From society garba to big ticketed grounds, every town comes alive for nine nights. 

• State festival: Gujarat Tourism's Vibrant Navratri Festival will run from 11 to 20 October 2026. See the official listing on Incredible India. 

• Garba timings: Local police issue timing rules just before Navratri. In recent years, loudspeakers at garba were allowed till 12 midnight in big cities. Check your local police notice for 2026. 

• Temple visits: Ambaji, Pavagadh Mahakali, Bahucharaji and Ashapura Mata temples see heavy rush. Weekday mornings are the easiest time to visit. 

Navratri Fasting: What You Can Eat 

Most people who keep the vrat skip grains, onion and garlic. Common fasting foods in Gujarati homes include: 

• Sabudana khichdi and sabudana vada 

• Rajgira puri and rajgira sheera 

• Moraiyo (samo rice) with curd 

• Sweet potato, potato, fruits, milk and dry fruits 

• Sendha namak (rock salt) in place of regular salt 

Is Navratri a Good Time to Buy Property? 

Many Gujarati families believe Navratri and Dussehra are good days for a new start. Booking a flat, making a token payment or planning a griha pravesh in these days is a common choice. Builders also often run festive offers around this time. 

Planning a New Home This Navratri? Savitar Realty Can Help 

If you want to book your home this Navratri or on Dussehra, Savitar Realty makes it simple. We list 100% verified, RERA-registered projects in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar with zero brokerage. You can view homes through 360° virtual tours and shortlists without visiting every site. 

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