When is Navratri 2026?

In 2026, Navratri falls on Sunday, 11 October 2026.

What are the Navratri puja rituals?

At sunrise, take a bath and set up the kalash or goddess idol.; Perform daily puja with flowers, incense, and offerings for nine days.; Observe vrat as per tradition; eat only vrat-approved foods.; On the eighth or ninth day, perform Kanya Puja (worship of nine girls).

What to eat on Navratri?

Sabudana khichdi, Kuttu ki puri, Singhare ka atta dishes, Fruits and milk, Aloo sabzi

What should you do on Navratri?

Observe fast as per tradition; Worship the goddess daily; Participate in community dance or puja

What should you avoid on Navratri?

Avoid non-vegetarian food during Navratri; Do not disrespect the goddess forms; Avoid negative company

Navratri (Sharad) 2026

Major Festival

Sunday, 11 October 2026 New Delhi

Location New Delhi

Popular cities

Navratri 2026 · New Delhi

Date	Weekday	Special name
11 October 2026Next	Sunday	—

Navratri — Significance

Navratri means nine nights of worship of the Divine Mother in her forms as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the power of shakti.

Navratri — Mythology & Legend

According to the Markandeya Purana, Goddess Durga fought the buffalo demon Mahishasura for nine days and nights and slew him on the tenth (Vijayadashami). Each day is associated with a form of the goddess (Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri).

Navratri — Rituals & Puja Vidhi

At sunrise, take a bath and set up the kalash or goddess idol.
Perform daily puja with flowers, incense, and offerings for nine days.
Observe vrat as per tradition; eat only vrat-approved foods.
On the eighth or ninth day, perform Kanya Puja (worship of nine girls).
In Gujarat and the West, join Garba and Dandiya in the evening.
On the tenth day, perform Dussehra rituals and break the fast.

Navratri — Mantras & Prayers

ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः

oṃ duṃ durgāyai namaḥ

Salutations to Durga

Navratri — Traditional Foods

Sabudana khichdi
Kuttu ki puri
Singhare ka atta dishes
Fruits and milk
Aloo sabzi

Navratri — Regional celebrations

Gujarat (નવરાત્રિ): Garba and Dandiya raas
South India (ನವರಾತ್ರಿ): Golu/Kolu display of dolls, Sundal
West Bengal (দুর্গাপূজা): Durga Puja pandals in the last days
North India (नवरात्रि): Ramlila and fasting

Navratri — Do / Don't

Do

Observe fast as per tradition
Worship the goddess daily
Participate in community dance or puja
Keep the house clean and sacred

Don't

Avoid non-vegetarian food during Navratri
Do not disrespect the goddess forms
Avoid negative company

Navratri — FAQ

What is Navratri?: Navratri means nine nights of worship of the Divine Mother in her forms as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
When is Navratri 2026?: In 2026, Navratri falls on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
What are the Navratri puja rituals?: At sunrise, take a bath and set up the kalash or goddess idol.; Perform daily puja with flowers, incense, and offerings for nine days.; Observe vrat as per tradition; eat only vrat-approved foods.; On the eighth or ninth day, perform Kanya Puja (worship of nine girls).
What to eat on Navratri?: Sabudana khichdi, Kuttu ki puri, Singhare ka atta dishes, Fruits and milk, Aloo sabzi
What should you do on Navratri?: Observe fast as per tradition; Worship the goddess daily; Participate in community dance or puja
What should you avoid on Navratri?: Avoid non-vegetarian food during Navratri; Do not disrespect the goddess forms; Avoid negative company