About Navratri
Sharad Navratri spans nine nights and ten days, beginning with Shukla Pratipada of Ashwin month and concluding with Vijaya Dashami. Each night honors a form of Durga. Culminates in Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) — Rama's victory over Ravana.
Significance
Navratri honors Shakti — the divine feminine — across nine nights, each dedicated to one of the Navadurga forms of the Goddess, tracing a symbolic journey from purity to ultimate liberation.
History & story
The festival's roots lie in the Devi Mahatmya, which recounts Durga's nine-night battle against the shape-shifting buffalo demon Mahishasura, culminating in his defeat on Vijaya Dashami.
Muhurat (2026)
Ghatasthapana on the first morning is the primary muhurat. Each night has tithi-specific puja windows.
Rituals & observances
- ◆Ghatasthapana
- ◆Nine-day fasting
- ◆Garba and Dandiya (Gujarat)
- ◆Kanya Pujan on Ashtami / Navami
- ◆Durga Puja (Bengal)
Regional variations
Gujarat: Garba/Dandiya. Bengal: Durga Puja with elaborate pandals. North India: Ramlila performances. South India: Bommai Golu doll displays.
Navratri — every year
The date shifts each year on the Gregorian calendar because it follows the Hindu lunar-solar cycle.