Sharadiya Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival honouring Goddess Durga, celebrated in the autumn month of Ashwin. In 2026, it begins on 11 October and ends with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on 20 October. The nine nights are traditionally divided into three phases devoted to Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Celebrations include fasting, Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat, Durga Puja in West Bengal, and Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami.
There’s something special about the beginning of Sharadiya Navratri. Temples are filled with devotees, homes are ornately decorated for puja, and nights are filled with Garba, Dandiya, and festivals. But beneath it all, the tradition of honoring Goddess Shakti stands still.
The most important Hindu festival dedicated to worshiping the goddess Maa Durga is called Sharadiya Navratri. This Indian festival takes place in the autumn season and lasts for nine days to honor the goddess, as well as nine nights of observation, prayer, and rituals.
What Is Sharadiya Navratri?
The festival’s name is derived from two Sanskrit words, Nava meaning nine, and Ratri meaning night. Navratri is held for nine nights and ten days and ends on the tenth day with Vijayadashami or Dussehra.
It is celebrated during the time of the “Ashwin” month, which falls in September or October. The “Ashwin” month is also linked to the autumn season, or the “sharad ritu.”
The two major celebrations are Chaitra Navratri and Sharadiya Navratri. This, in particular, is marked by large celebrations in the community and Durga Puja.
Shardiya Navratri 2026 Calendar: Dates, Goddesses and Colours
| Day | Date | Tithi | Goddess | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sunday, 11 Oct 2026 | Pratipada (Ghatasthapana) | Maa Shailputri | Orange |
| Day 2 | Monday, 12 Oct 2026 | Dwitiya | Maa Brahmacharini | White |
| Day 3 | Tuesday, 13 Oct 2026 | Tritiya | Maa Chandraghanta | Red |
| Day 4 | Wednesday, 14 Oct 2026 | Chaturthi | Maa Kushmanda | Royal Blue |
| Day 5 | Thursday, 15 Oct 2026 | Panchami | Maa Skandamata | Yellow |
| Day 6 | Friday, 16 Oct 2026 | Shashthi | Maa Katyayani | Green |
| Day 7 | Saturday, 17 Oct 2026 | Saptami (Maha Saptami) | Maa Kaalratri | Grey |
| – | Sunday, 18 Oct 2026 | Saptami continues; Ashtami begins 08:29 AM | – | – |
| Day 8 | Monday, 19 Oct 2026 | Ashtami (Durga Ashtami) | Maa Mahagauri | Purple |
| Day 9 | Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 | Navami (Maha Navami) | Maa Siddhidatri | Peacock Green |
| Dussehra | Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 | Dashami begins 12:51 PM | Vijayadashami | – |
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Why Is Sharadiya Navratri Celebrated?
It is a festival that honors Goddess Durga as Shakti, the power force, who is believed to be the supporter of the entire universe.
One of the well-known stories associated with this festival is the story of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura. According to the legend, she killed Mahishasura after a long battle.
In addition, the festival inspires devotees to contemplate the qualities of wisdom, self-control, patience, and strength. Devotees fast, pray, and meditate to have the Goddess’s blessing and to overcome their own evil qualities.
The Spiritual Significance of the Nine Nights
A conventional explanation breaks down Navratri into three phases, representing different facets of the divine energy.
First Three Nights: Worship of Goddess Durga
The first three nights focus on Goddess Durga and her power to eliminate darkness.
Here, the first night is dedicated to Kumari, the purity of girlhood; the second night is for Parvati, the tenderness of womanhood; and the third night is for Kali, the power of womanhood.
They collectively represent the aspiration to conquer anger, jealousy, hatred, and ego. It is not just about defeating external enemies but rather being able to recognize and combat the negativity inside.
Next Three Nights: Worship of Goddess Lakshmi
Following the three days mentioned above, three nights are again devoted to Goddess Lakshmi, who blesses devotees with wealth and prosperity as well as peace.
Thus, after getting rid of the negative features of one’s character, it is necessary to cultivate the positive ones. According to the priests, Goddess Lakshmi does not bless only with material wealth but also grants happiness, generosity, and spirituality.
Final Three Nights: Worship of Goddess Saraswati
The last three nights are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, arts, and wisdom.
Her worship indicates the significance of knowledge after discipline and self-development. In some traditions, even books and music are left in front of her idol to seek her blessings.
How Is Sharadiya Navratri Celebrated Across India?
Navratri celebrations are marked by various festivities that change according to the regions of India, the diversity of which gives rise to the uniqueness of the festival.
Garba and Dandiya Raas in Gujarat
In Gujarat, the Sharadiya Navratri festival is associated with Garba and Dandiya Raas. The dancers, dressed in colourful traditional attire, perform the Garba dance encircling a lamp and other divine symbols related to the Goddess.
Garba represents veneration of Goddess Shakti, and Dandiya is the dance that connects people and brings them together through music and rhythm.
Durga Puja in West Bengal
In the state of West Bengal, the festival of Durga Puja is held in a grand way, especially during the last few days of Navratri.
The various Pujas will have sculptures of Goddess Durga indicating her victory over the demon Mahishasura. The people will visit the different Pujas to pray and witness cultural shows.
The festival of Vijayadashami brings about the end of the events of the festival, and it is the day to bid an emotional farewell to the Goddess.
Navratri Traditions in Other Regions
In several locations, including North India, Maharashtra, and elsewhere, devotees fast while taking part in daily Aartis, and community worship.
Some families celebrate Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami by worshipping young girls representing goddess Shakti. Different rituals follow in different parts of India, but the worship of Shakti is what counts.
What Happens on Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami?
Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami are the most important festivals of Sharadiya Navratri.
On Ashtami, devotees offer special prayers or perform a Havan. Traditional Havan offerings include ghee, kheer and sesame seeds, and you can also have the Ashtami Havan performed by experienced pandits. Each Goddess also has her own traditional Navratri prasad.
Mahanavami is the last day of worship. Many houses include Kanya Poojan, where young girls are called home, have food, and are given gifts.
These rituals are acts of worship to the Goddess and feminine energy worshipped during Navratri.
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Vijayadashami: The Conclusion of Sharadiya Navratri
Celebrations come to an end on Vijayadashami. Dussehra in North India is associated with Lord Ram killing Ravana. On Vijayadashami in West Bengal, Maa Durga is bid farewell after Durga Puja.
For devotees, it is not just the end of a nine-day journey of rituals; the concluding day of Navratri also offers an opportunity to reignite the same spirit in regular life.
The Garba grounds and the pandals are soon dismantled, and people get back to their daily lives. What’s left behind is the faith in the rituals, and the hope of facing the days ahead with a little more patience, ease, and strength.
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FAQs
What is the significance of Sharadiya Navratri?
Sharadiya Navratri is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the Goddess Shakti and her divine powers, celebrated with great fervour and splendour around the Sharad ritu before Dussehra.
How is Navratri celebrated in Gujarat and Maharashtra?
In Gujarat and Maharashtra, Navratri is celebrated with dance and gaiety. People dress in festive attire and participate in Garba and Dandiya, traditional folk dances, for all nine nights.
Who is worshipped during the first three nights of Navratri?
During the first three nights of Navratri, Goddess Durga is worshipped in her different forms: Goddess Kumari on the first night, Goddess Parvati on the second night, and Goddess Kali on the third night.
What is the importance of the Mahanavami day?
Mahanavami, the concluding night of Navratri, involves Kanya puja, where nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are honored. Their feet are washed, and they are offered gifts.
How is knowledge honored during Navratri?
Knowledge is honored during Navratri by worshipping Goddess Saraswati on the 7th night. Literary materials are gathered, and a lamp is lit to seek her grace for spiritual and educational enlightenment.
