Sharad Navratri, a 9-day festival, celebrates Goddess Durga and her 9 forms, known as Navadurga, representing the triumph of good over evil and the divine feminine power, called Shakti.
Celebrations span nine nights and ten days, bringing families and communities together, and welcoming the autumn season.
Key Takeaways
- Navratri 2026 starts on 11 October and ends on 20 October
- The festival celebrates Goddess Durga's 9 forms, known as Navadurga
- Each day of Navratri has a specific colour and significance associated with it
- Navratri celebrations vary across India, with different states having their unique traditions and customs
- The festival represents the triumph of good over evil and the divine feminine power, called Shakti
What happened
Navratri 2026 starts on Sunday, 11 October, with Ghatasthapana, a ceremony that includes invoking the Goddess and establishing the sacred kalash, marking the beginning of the festivities.
Maha Shashthi falls on 16 October, followed by Maha Saptami on 17 October, and Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami observances on 19 October, culminating in Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, on Tuesday, 20 October.
Why it matters
The festival follows the Hindu calendar, so its dates change each year, and wearing different colours daily is a popular modern tradition that has become an integral part of the celebrations.
What it means for you
Each colour carries meanings connected with the Goddess and the spirit of celebration, and devotees worship different forms of Goddess Durga, each associated with a specific colour, making it a unique and meaningful experience.
What happens next
Navratri 2026: Day-wise colours and their significance will be observed across India, with each day dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga.
By the numbers
- 9 days: duration of Navratri
- 10 days: duration of Navratri celebrations
- 9 forms: Goddess Durga's forms, known as Navadurga
- 11 October: start of Navratri 2026
- 20 October: end of Navratri 2026
Day-wise colours and significance
On 11 October, devotees worship Maa Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains, and wear orange, representing warmth, enthusiasm, and lively energy, setting the tone for the festivities.
On 12 October, Maa Brahmacharini, associated with penance and discipline, is celebrated, and devotees wear white, representing peace, purity, and quiet devotion, reflecting the importance of spiritual growth.
On 13 October, Maa Chandraghanta, a protective warrior Goddess, is worshipped, and devotees wear red, symbolising courage, passion, love, and protective power, highlighting the strength and bravery of the Goddess.
On 14 October, Maa Kushmanda, regarded as the creator of the universe, is celebrated, and devotees wear royal blue, representing depth, richness, calmness, and divine wisdom, acknowledging the Goddess's role in creation.
On 15 October, devotees will worship Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya, and wear yellow, signifying joy, optimism, and the caring warmth of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of family and relationships.
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On 16 October, the day is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, known for destroying evil forces, and devotees wear green, representing nature, growth, harmony, fertility, and fresh beginnings, symbolizing the Goddess's power to overcome evil.
On 17 October, Maa Kalaratri is worshipped as the fierce destroyer of fear, and devotees wear grey, symbolising balanced thinking and quiet inner strength during difficult times, reflecting the Goddess's role in protecting her devotees.
On 18 October, the day honours Maa Mahagauri, associated with purity and forgiveness, and devotees wear purple, representing ambition, dignity, luxury, and spiritual fulfilment, highlighting the importance of self-reflection and personal growth.
On 19 October, devotees worship Maa Siddhidatri, who grants spiritual powers and aspirations, and wear peacock green, celebrating fulfilment, individuality, freshness, and compassion, marking the culmination of the festivities.
Navratri celebrations across India
Across the country, households observe fasts, perform daily aartis, and read sacred texts, while Gujarat and Maharashtra celebrate with Garba and Dandiya-Raas around lamps or images of the Goddess, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the states.
In West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam, celebrations centre on Durga Puja, with artistic pandals displaying clay idols showing Durga defeating Mahishasura, highlighting the triumph of good over evil.
Vijayadashami brings immersion processions, completing celebrations that combine faith, community participation, and rich regional traditions, marking the end of the festivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Navratri?
Navratri is a 9-day festival celebrating Goddess Durga and her 9 forms, known as Navadurga.
What is the significance of Navratri?
The festival represents good defeating evil and honours divine feminine power, called Shakti.
What are the day-wise colours of Navratri 2026?
The day-wise colours are orange, white, red, royal blue, yellow, green, grey, purple, and peacock green.
