When is Navratri 2026?

Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on October 1 and ends on October 10, 2026 (Dussehra). Chaitra Navratri begins on March 19, 2026.

What are the 9 colours of Navratri 2026?

Each day of Navratri has a specific colour representing the deity worshipped that day. The colours are announced based on the day of the week Pratipada falls on.

How to fast during Navratri?

Navratri fasting allows fruits, sabudana, kuttu atta, singhare ka atta, milk, and rock salt (sendha namak). Avoid grains, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.

🪷 Navratri 2026 — Complete 9-Day Festival Guide

Updated: April 2, 2026 · Reading time: 11 min · By YourDarshan Team

Navratri (Nine Nights) is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrating the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga). It is observed four times a year, with Sharad Navratri (October) and Chaitra Navratri (March-April) being the most widely celebrated.

📅 Navratri 2026 Dates

Festival	Start Date	End Date
Chaitra Navratri	March 19, 2026	March 28, 2026 (Ram Navami)
Sharad Navratri	October 1, 2026	October 10, 2026 (Dussehra)

🙏 Nine Forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga)

Day	Devi	Significance	Mantra
1	Shailputri	Daughter of Mountains, embodiment of nature	Om Devi Shailputryai Namah
2	Brahmacharini	Goddess of devotion & penance	Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah
3	Chandraghanta	Warrior goddess, bestows courage	Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah
4	Kushmanda	Creator of the universe	Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah
5	Skandamata	Mother of Kartikeya	Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah
6	Katyayani	Warrior form, destroyer of evil	Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah
7	Kaalratri	Fierce form, destroyer of darkness	Om Devi Kaalratryai Namah
8	Mahagauri	Goddess of purity & peace	Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
9	Siddhidatri	Bestower of supernatural powers	Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah

🎨 Daily Navratri Colours

Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific colour. Wearing these colours is believed to invoke the blessings of that day's goddess.

📿 Navratri Puja Vidhi

Establish Kalash (Ghatasthapana) on Day 1 — sow barley seeds
Light Akhand Jyoti (continuous lamp) for 9 days
Daily worship of the Navadurga form for that day
Chant Durga Saptashati / Devi Mahatmyam
Offer red flowers, kumkum, and coconut
Perform Kanya Pujan (feeding young girls) on Ashtami or Navami
Celebrate Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on Day 10

🪷 Book Navratri Durga Puja Online

🍽️ Navratri Fasting Rules

Allowed: Fruits, sabudana, kuttu atta, singhare ka atta, makhana, milk, curd, rock salt (sendha namak)
Avoided: Grains (wheat, rice), onion, garlic, lentils, non-veg
Some devotees fast all 9 days; others fast on Day 1 and Day 8/9
Break fast after Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami

💃 Garba & Dandiya Traditions

In Gujarat and across India, Navratri is celebrated with Garba (circular dance around a clay lamp) and Dandiya Raas (stick dance). These represent the cosmic dance of creation and the battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura.

🛕 Best Temples for Navratri

Vaishno Devi, Jammu — Most visited Shakti Peeth during Navratri
Ambaji Temple, Gujarat — One of 51 Shakti Peeths
Kamakhya Temple, Assam — Powerful tantric Shakti Peeth
Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore — Spectacular Dussehra celebrations

📺 Watch live Navratri darshan on Darshan TV

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When is Navratri 2026?: Sharad Navratri: October 1–10, 2026. Chaitra Navratri: March 19–28, 2026.
What are the 9 colours of Navratri 2026?: Colours are assigned based on the weekday Pratipada falls on. Each colour represents a Navadurga form.
How to fast during Navratri?: Eat fruits, sabudana, kuttu atta, milk. Avoid grains, onion, garlic, non-veg.

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