Navratri 2026 India: Dates, State-Wise Celebrations, Best Places to Visit & Travel Planner
Navratri 2026 in India runs from 11 to 19 October. See how each state celebrates, where dates differ, the 12 best places to visit and a long-weekend plan.
Navratri 2026 India: Dates, State-Wise Celebrations, Best Places to Visit & Travel Planner
Last updated: 5 October 2026 | By: Your Travel Partner
On the same October evening, a girl in Ahmedabad is spinning in a circle of ten thousand Garba dancers, a family in Kolkata is walking from pandal to pandal, a child in Chennai is arranging dolls on wooden steps, and a crowd in Ayodhya is watching Ramlila under the open sky. All four are celebrating the same festival. That is Navratri in India: one devotion, many forms.
This guide shows you when it falls in 2026, how each part of the country celebrates it, where the dates differ, and where you should go if you want to see it at its best.
Quick Answer
Navratri 2026 in India is from Sunday, 11 October to Monday, 19 October 2026. Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 in most of the country. In North India, Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami both fall on 19 October. Some regions follow their own calendars: Durga Puja in Kolkata is listed from 16 to 21 October, and the Karnataka government has announced the Mysuru Dasara Jumbo Savari for 21 October.
| Navratri begins (Ghatasthapana) | Sunday, 11 October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami (North India) | Monday, 19 October 2026 |
| Dussehra (Vijayadashami) | Tuesday, 20 October 2026 |
| Vibrant Navratri Festival, Ahmedabad | 11 to 20 October 2026 |
| Durga Puja, Kolkata | 16 to 21 October 2026 |
| Mysuru Dasara | Begins 11 October; Jumbo Savari on 21 October 2026 |
| Long weekend | Saturday 17 to Tuesday 20 October 2026 |
For the Ghatasthapana muhurat, day-wise Devi, colours, puja vidhi and vrat rules, read our detailed guide: Navratri 2026: dates, muhurat and 9-day calendar.
Table of Contents
- Navratri 2026 Dates Across India
- Why Dates Differ From Region to Region
- State-Wise Guide: How India Celebrates
- 12 Best Places to Experience Navratri in India
- UNESCO-Recognised Traditions
- Which Celebration Suits You?
- Fast or Feast: Navratri Food Across India
- Long Weekend and Holiday Planner
- Travel Tips for Navratri
- Navratri in Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya, Varanasi and Vindhyachal
- Festivals After Navratri
- Frequently Asked Questions
Navratri 2026 Dates Across India
| Region | Festival | Key dates in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| North and Central India | Shardiya Navratri, Ramlila, Dussehra | 11 to 19 October; Dussehra on 20 October |
| Gujarat | Navratri with Garba and Dandiya | 11 to 19 October; Vibrant Navratri Festival at GMDC Ground, Ahmedabad, from 11 to 20 October |
| West Bengal and eastern India | Durga Puja | Listed from 16 to 21 October. Bijoya Dashami may be shown as 20 or 21 October depending on the panjika |
| Karnataka | Mysuru Dasara | Inauguration on 11 October at Chamundi Hill; Jumbo Savari on 21 October |
| Himachal Pradesh | Kullu Dussehra | Begins on Vijayadashami and continues for a week |
| Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala | Golu, Bommala Koluvu, Saraswati Puja, Vidyarambham | Through Navratri; Vidyarambham on Vijayadashami |
Regional festival dates are taken from government and published announcements available at the time of writing. Where your plans depend on a specific day, confirm with the local organising committee or state tourism department.
Why Dates Differ From Region to Region
Navratri follows the lunar calendar, and a lunar day (tithi) does not begin and end at midnight. In 2026, the Ashtami tithi runs from the morning of 18 October to the morning of 19 October, and Navami follows. Three things then decide the date in each region:
- Sunrise time. A tithi is counted for the day on which it is present at sunrise, and sunrise is different in Kolkata, Delhi and Mysuru.
- The panchang followed. Different regions use different almanacs and calculation methods.
- The rule for each festival. Some observances are fixed by the tithi at sunrise, others by the tithi in the afternoon or evening.
This is why North India observes Ashtami and Navami together on 19 October and Dussehra on 20 October, while Mysuru's grand procession is on 21 October. Neither is wrong. Each follows its own tradition.
State-Wise Guide: How India Celebrates
| State or region | What it is called | How it is celebrated |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat | Navratri | Nine nights of Garba and Dandiya Raas around an earthen lamp pot called the garbo |
| West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura | Durga Puja | Decorated pandals, clay idols, dhak drums, sindoor khela and idol immersion |
| Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh | Navratri and Dussehra | Fasting, Kanya Pujan, Ramlila performances and Ravan Dahan |
| Punjab and Haryana | Navratri | Fasting, jagrata (night-long devotional singing) and Kanjak on Ashtami |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Navratri | Pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi; Navratri festival at Katra |
| Himachal Pradesh | Kullu Dussehra | A week-long fair that begins on Vijayadashami, with village deities brought in palanquins |
| Maharashtra | Navratri | Ghatasthapana at home, Garba and Dandiya nights, and exchange of apta leaves on Dussehra |
| Rajasthan | Navratri and Dussehra | Temple fairs and the famous Dussehra Mela of Kota |
| Chhattisgarh | Bastar Dussehra | A 75-day tribal festival dedicated to Devi Danteshwari |
| Karnataka | Dasara, Gombe Habba | Mysuru Palace illumination, Jumbo Savari procession and doll displays at home |
| Tamil Nadu | Navaratri Golu | Dolls arranged on steps, visits between homes, and sundal as prasad |
| Andhra Pradesh | Dasara, Bommala Koluvu | Doll displays and large celebrations at Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada |
| Telangana | Bathukamma | A nine-day floral festival in which women arrange flowers in tiers and sing around them |
| Kerala | Navaratri, Vidyarambham | Books and tools placed before Devi Saraswati; children write their first letters on Vijayadashami |
12 Best Places to Experience Navratri in India
1. Ahmedabad and Vadodara, Gujarat
The home of Garba. The state-run Vibrant Navratri Festival at GMDC Ground in Ahmedabad runs from 11 to 20 October 2026, with a nightly Maha Aarti, a craft bazaar and a food court. Vadodara is known for its very large Garba grounds.
2. Kolkata, West Bengal
Durga Puja turns the whole city into an open-air art gallery. Thousands of pandals compete in theme and design, and the last days bring dhunuchi naach, sindoor khela and immersion processions.
3. Mysuru, Karnataka
Mysuru Dasara is the state festival of Karnataka. In 2026 it opens on 11 October at Chamundi Hill. The palace is lit every evening, and the Jumbo Savari, the procession of decorated elephants, is on 21 October.
4. Delhi
Delhi offers everything in one city: large Ramlila stagings in the old city, Ravan Dahan on Dussehra evening, and Bengali Durga Puja pandals in several neighbourhoods.
5. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Kashi has its Devi temples, Bengali-style pujas and, across the river, the Ramlila of Ramnagar, a month-long performance with a tradition going back about two centuries.
6. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
In the city of Shri Ram, Navratri means Ramlila, decorated temples and darshan at Badi Devkali, revered as the kuldevi of Shri Ram's family. Dussehra here has a meaning it has nowhere else.
7. Vindhyachal, Uttar Pradesh
The temple of Maa Vindhyavasini near Mirzapur is one of the most visited Shakti Peeths, and a very large fair is held here during Navratri.
8. Katra, Jammu and Kashmir
Lakhs of devotees make the trek to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine during Navratri, when the route and the town are specially decorated.
9. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Kullu Dussehra begins when celebrations end elsewhere. From Vijayadashami, for a week, village deities gather at Dhalpur Maidan to honour Lord Raghunath.
10. Bastar, Chhattisgarh
A Dussehra with no Ravan. Bastar's 75-day festival is devoted to Devi Danteshwari and is led by the tribal communities of the region.
11. Hyderabad and Warangal, Telangana
Bathukamma is a celebration of flowers, women and song. Tiered arrangements of seasonal flowers are carried to the water and immersed at the end.
12. Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram
For a quieter Navratri, visit homes and temples for Golu displays in Chennai, or see Vidyarambham in Kerala, where children begin their education on Vijayadashami.
UNESCO-Recognised Traditions
| Tradition | Year inscribed | Where to see it |
|---|---|---|
| Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana | 2008 | Ayodhya, Ramnagar (Varanasi), Delhi and across North India |
| Durga Puja in Kolkata | 2021 | Kolkata |
| Garba of Gujarat | 2023 | Ahmedabad, Vadodara and across Gujarat |
Which Celebration Suits You?
| If you want | Go to |
|---|---|
| Music and dancing all night | Ahmedabad or Vadodara |
| Art, design and street food | Kolkata |
| Royal pageantry and lights | Mysuru |
| Pilgrimage and temple darshan | Ayodhya, Vindhyachal, Varanasi or Katra |
| The story of the Ramayana performed live | Ayodhya, Ramnagar or Delhi |
| Mountains and folk culture | Kullu |
| Tribal heritage away from the crowds | Bastar |
| A calm, family-centred festival | Chennai or Kerala |
Fast or Feast: Navratri Food Across India
One of the biggest differences between regions is at the table. In the north and west, Navratri is a time of fasting. In the east, it is a time of feasting.
| Region | Approach | Typical dishes |
|---|---|---|
| North India | Fasting | Kuttu puri, sabudana khichdi, sama rice, aloo with sendha namak; halwa, puri and chana on Ashtami or Navami |
| Gujarat and Maharashtra | Fasting (farali food) | Sabudana vada, rajgira puri, farali pattice, sweet potato dishes |
| West Bengal | Feasting | Bhog of khichuri, labra and payesh at pandals; sweets and street food through the city |
| Tamil Nadu and Karnataka | Offering and sharing | Sundal, made from a different pulse each day, and sweet pongal |
| Kerala | Offering | Payasam and offerings to Devi Saraswati |
If you travel during your fast, tell your hotel in advance. Many hotels and restaurants in North India and Gujarat serve a separate vrat thali during these nine days.
Long Weekend and Holiday Planner
In 2026 the last days of Navratri line up well for a short trip.
| Date | Day | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| 17 October | Saturday | Saptami; weekend |
| 18 October | Sunday | Weekend |
| 19 October | Monday | Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami in North India; a holiday in several states |
| 20 October | Tuesday | Dussehra; a public holiday across most of India |
With one day of leave on Monday where it is not a holiday, you get four days from 17 to 20 October. Holidays for Maha Saptami, Ashtami and Navami differ from state to state, so check your state government or bank holiday list.
Travel Tips for Navratri
- Book early. Trains, flights and hotels for the Dussehra weekend fill up weeks ahead. Book rail tickets on irctc.co.in.
- Stay close to the venue. Roads near temples, pandals and Ramlila grounds are closed or diverted in the evenings.
- Buy entry passes only from the organisers. Large Garba events sell passes. Avoid resellers and unknown links.
- Dress for the place. Traditional wear for Garba, modest clothing for temples, and comfortable shoes everywhere.
- Plan for crowds. Fix a meeting point, keep phones charged and keep valuables in a front pocket.
- Start temple visits early in the day. Queues at Devi temples are longest on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami.
- Travel light on the fast. Carry fruit, dry fruits and water if you are fasting on the road.
- Check dates locally. Confirm the day of the main event at your destination, since regional calendars differ.
Navratri in Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya, Varanasi and Vindhyachal
If you want darshan, Ramlila and Dussehra in the land of the Ramayana, the eastern Uttar Pradesh circuit is hard to match. A simple four-day plan for the long weekend:
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 17 October | Arrive in Ayodhya. Ram Mandir darshan, Hanuman Garhi and Badi Devkali Temple. Evening Saryu Aarti |
| 18 October | Drive to Prayagraj. Sangam and Alopi Devi Temple. Continue to Vindhyachal or Varanasi |
| 19 October | Ashtami and Navami darshan at Maa Vindhyavasini or at Durga Kund in Varanasi. Evening Ganga Aarti |
| 20 October | Dussehra in Varanasi or return to Ayodhya for Ravan Dahan. Departure |
Ram Mandir darshan is free, and Sugam Darshan and Aarti passes are free on the official Trust portal, online.srjbtkshetra.org.
We can plan it for you
- Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Varanasi tour packages
- Cab service for the full circuit
- E-rickshaw for temple visits in Ayodhya
- Airport and railway station pickup
You get the itinerary and the price in writing before you pay. Call or WhatsApp: +91 78811 55800
Festivals After Navratri
| Festival | Date | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Ayodhya Deepotsav | 7 November 2026 | Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 guide |
| Diwali | 8 November 2026 | Ayodhya Diwali world record diyas |
| Dev Deepawali, Varanasi | 24 November 2026 | Dev Deepawali Varanasi 2026 guide |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Navratri 2026 in India?
Navratri 2026 in India is from Sunday, 11 October to Monday, 19 October 2026. Dussehra is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
2. Is the Navratri date the same all over India?
The start date, 11 October, is the same. The dates of Ashtami, Navami and Dashami can differ by a day between regions because of local sunrise times and regional calendars.
3. When is Dussehra 2026 in India?
Tuesday, 20 October 2026 in most of India. The Mysuru Dasara Jumbo Savari has been announced for 21 October.
4. When is Durga Puja 2026 in Kolkata?
Durga Puja 2026 is listed from 16 to 21 October. Confirm the day of each ritual with your local puja committee.
5. Which state is most famous for Navratri?
Gujarat, for its nine nights of Garba and Dandiya. West Bengal is equally famous for Durga Puja, and Karnataka for Mysuru Dasara.
6. Where is the best place to celebrate Navratri in India?
Ahmedabad or Vadodara for Garba, Kolkata for Durga Puja, Mysuru for Dasara, and Ayodhya, Varanasi or Vindhyachal for pilgrimage and Ramlila.
7. When is the Vibrant Navratri Festival 2026?
From 11 to 20 October 2026 at GMDC Ground, Ahmedabad, organised by Gujarat Tourism.
8. When is Mysuru Dasara 2026?
It begins on 11 October 2026 with the inauguration at Chamundi Hill. The Jumbo Savari is on 21 October 2026.
9. Is Navratri a public holiday in India?
Dussehra is a public holiday across most of India. Holidays for Maha Saptami, Ashtami and Navami depend on the state.
10. Is there a long weekend during Navratri 2026?
Yes. Saturday 17 October to Tuesday 20 October makes a four-day break if Monday is a holiday in your state or you take a day of leave.
11. How is Navratri in South India different?
The focus is on Golu or Bommala Koluvu doll displays at home, Saraswati Puja, Ayudha Puja and Vidyarambham, with less emphasis on fasting.
12. Which Navratri traditions are recognised by UNESCO?
Ramlila (2008), Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021) and Garba of Gujarat (2023).
13. Do people fast during Navratri everywhere in India?
No. Fasting is common in North and West India. In West Bengal, Durga Puja is a time of feasting and community meals.
14. What is special about Navratri in Ayodhya?
Ramlila performances, Dussehra in the city of Shri Ram, and darshan at Badi Devkali Temple, revered as the kuldevi of Shri Ram's family.
15. Where can I find the muhurat and puja vidhi for Navratri 2026?
See our detailed guide to Navratri 2026 with the Ghatasthapana muhurat, day-wise calendar, colours and vrat rules.
Conclusion
Navratri 2026 in India runs from 11 to 19 October, with Dussehra on 20 October, but the festival you see depends on where you stand: Garba in Gujarat, Durga Puja in Bengal, Dasara in Mysuru, Golu in the south and Ramlila in the north. Choose the celebration that suits you, confirm the local dates, and book early for the long weekend of 17 to 20 October.
For a Navratri darshan trip to Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Vindhyachal, call or WhatsApp +91 78811 55800 or see our tour packages. Jai Mata Di!
Official Links
- Incredible India: Vibrant Navratri Festival 2026
- Incredible India: Kullu Dussehra
- Uttar Pradesh Tourism
- IRCTC
Note: Dates are based on published panchang data and government and organiser announcements available at the time of writing. Regional calendars differ and event schedules can change. Please confirm locally before you travel. Your Travel Partner is a private travel service.
