Navratri 2026: Start and End Date, Navratri Colours With Calendar, Significance and Importance

Navratri 2026 will commence on October 11 and conclude on October 20, marking a total of 9 nights and 10 days of celebration. Also known as Sharad Navratri or Maha Navratri, this festival marks the most significant of the four Navaratris observed annually in India. Spanning the months of Ashvin, this year's festivities will take place from October 11 to October 20 on the Gregorian calendar.

The term Navratri is derived from 'nava' meaning nine and 'ratri' signifying night, thus translating to nine nights. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, she is also referred to as Shakti, the cosmic power embodying the nine distinct manifestations. Navratri is observed to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and the worship of the divine feminine.

The significance of Navratri is rooted in the epic tale of Goddess Durga's fierce battle against the demon king Mahishasura, ultimately emerging victorious and symbolising the victory of light over darkness. The festivities commence on Mahalaya, the first day of the festival, dedicated to invoking and remembering Goddess Durga while marking the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, a fortnight for honoring ancestors.

On the sixth day, Goddess Durga is formally welcomed into homes and public pandals, with elaborate rituals taking place until the tenth day, Vijayadashami. The tenth day, also known as Dussehra, commemorates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, with reenactments, effigy burning, and traditional fasting and prayers. The color palette for Navratri showcases a vibrant spectrum: orange for the first day, white for the second, red for the third, royal blue for the fourth, yellow for the fifth, green for the sixth and seventh, purple for the eighth, peacock green for the ninth, and ending with Dussehi Vijayadashmi on the final day.