India observes four Navratri periods during the Hindu lunar year: Magha Gupta Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Ashadha Gupta Navratri and Sharadiya Navratri. Although all four are associated with the worship of Goddess Shakti, they occur during different months and seasons and have different regional traditions and patterns of celebration.
In 2026, the four Navratris fall in January, March, July and October. This guide brings all four Navratri dates for 2026 together in one place and helps you explore each Navratri in more detail, from traditions and rituals to celebrations, cultural experiences and travel opportunities.
Planning your Navratri experience? Explore the complete Navratri guide and discover the four Navratri celebrations throughout the year.
All 4 Navratri Dates 2026 at a Glance
| Navratri | 2026 Dates | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Magha Gupta Navratri | January 19–27, 2026 | Gupta Navratri |
| Chaitra Navratri | March 19–27, 2026 | Major Navratri |
| Ashadha Gupta Navratri | July 15–23, 2026 | Gupta Navratri |
| Sharadiya Navratri | October 11–19, 2026 | Major Navratri |
The 2026 calendars place Magha Gupta Navratri from January 19–27, Chaitra Navratri from March 19–27, Ashadha Gupta Navratri from July 15–23, and Sharadiya Navratri from October 11–19.
Note: Hindu festival dates and detailed puja timings are calculated according to the lunar calendar and can vary by location. For specific rituals such as Ghatasthapana or other muhurats, check the relevant regional or location-specific Panchang.
What Are the Four Navratris?
The word Navratri means “nine nights.” During these observances, devotees worship different manifestations of Goddess Shakti and follow various religious and cultural practices.
The four commonly observed Navratri periods are:
- Magha Gupta Navratri
- Chaitra Navratri
- Ashadha Gupta Navratri
- Sharadiya Navratri
Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri are generally more visible through public and regional celebrations, while Magha and Ashadha are known as Gupta Navratris and are associated with more specialized spiritual observances.
The way Navratri is observed also differs across India. Some regions emphasize fasting and puja, while others are known for music, dance, processions, community celebrations and distinctive local traditions.
Magha Gupta Navratri 2026
Dates: January 19–27, 2026
Magha Gupta Navratri is one of the two Gupta Navratris observed during the year. It falls during the Hindu month of Magha, generally around January or February.
The nine-day period is associated with devotion to Goddess Shakti and spiritual practices. Compared with the highly visible public celebrations associated with Sharadiya Navratri, Gupta Navratri observances can be more private or spiritually focused.
The 2026 Magha Gupta Navratri calendar begins on Monday, January 19, with Navratri Day 9 falling on January 27.
Explore Magha Gupta Navratri
Learn more about its dates, significance, traditions, rituals and observances in the complete guide.
→ Explore Magha Gupta Navratri
Chaitra Navratri 2026
Dates: March 19–27, 2026
Chaitra Navratri takes place during the Hindu month of Chaitra and marks the beginning of a new seasonal and religious cycle in many Hindu traditions.
In 2026, Chaitra Navratri begins on Thursday, March 19, and continues through Friday, March 27. The period also includes Rama Navami, which falls on March 26 in the Smarta calendar and March 27 in some traditions.
The festival is observed through prayer, fasting, temple visits and worship of the forms of Goddess Durga. Regional traditions can add their own food, customs and celebrations.
Explore Chaitra Navratri
Discover the complete Chaitra Navratri guide, including traditions, rituals, celebrations and things to experience.
→ Explore Chaitra Navratri
Ashadha Gupta Navratri 2026
Dates: July 15–23, 2026
Ashadha Gupta Navratri is the second Gupta Navratri of the year. It occurs during the Hindu month of Ashadha, generally around June or July.
The 2026 Ashadha Gupta Navratri begins on Wednesday, July 15, and the ninth day falls on Thursday, July 23.
Like Magha Gupta Navratri, Ashadha Gupta Navratri is generally associated with spiritual observances and worship of Shakti. Practices can vary according to regional traditions and individual religious traditions.
Explore Ashadha Gupta Navratri
Learn about the dates, significance, traditions and observances associated with Ashadha Gupta Navratri.
→ Explore Ashadha Gupta Navratri
Sharadiya Navratri 2026
Dates: October 11–19, 2026
Sharadiya Navratri, also called Shardiya Navratri, takes place during the Hindu month of Ashwin in the autumn season. It is one of the most widely visible Navratri celebrations in India.
In 2026, Sharadiya Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, and the ninth day falls on Monday, October 19. Vijayadashami/Dussehra follows on October 20 in the cited 2026 calendar.
Across India, Sharadiya Navratri takes many forms. Gujarat and parts of western India are particularly associated with Garba and Dandiya celebrations, while other regions have their own distinctive devotional, cultural and community traditions.
For travelers, Sharadiya Navratri can also provide an opportunity to experience India’s regional culture through music, dance, food, temples, local celebrations and community events.
Explore Sharadiya Navratri
Discover the complete Sharadiya Navratri guide, including celebrations, traditions, destinations, Garba and Dandiya, food and travel ideas.
→ Explore Sharadiya Navratri
Difference Between the Four Navratris
Although all four Navratris are associated with the worship of Shakti, they differ in timing, seasonal setting and the way they are observed.
| Feature | Magha Gupta | Chaitra | Ashadha Gupta | Sharadiya |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Magha | Chaitra | Ashadha | Ashwin |
| Approx. season | Winter | Spring | Monsoon | Autumn |
| Type | Gupta Navratri | Major Navratri | Gupta Navratri | Major Navratri |
| 2026 dates | Jan 19–27 | Mar 19–27 | Jul 15–23 | Oct 11–19 |
| General character | Spiritual observance | Devotion + regional celebration | Spiritual observance | Devotion + widespread cultural celebration |
The exact customs and level of public celebration can differ considerably by region, community and tradition. Therefore, the table is intended as a broad guide rather than a description of every regional practice.
Navratri 2026 Calendar
The four Navratri periods in 2026 are spread across the year:
January
Magha Gupta Navratri
January 19–27
March
Chaitra Navratri
March 19–27
July
Ashadha Gupta Navratri
July 15–23
October
Sharadiya Navratri
October 11–19
This makes Navratri more than a once-a-year celebration. Different parts of India observe different Navratri periods throughout the year, each with its own seasonal and cultural context.
Plan Your Navratri
Navratri can be explored in different ways depending on what you are looking for. IndianFestival101 brings together information for people who want to learn, celebrate, travel or experience Indian culture.
Learn About Navratri
Discover:
- Navratri significance
- The nine days of Navratri
- Forms of Goddess Durga
- Rituals and traditions
- Navratri colors
- Aarti and mantras
→ Explore Navratri Guides
Experience Navratri
Discover the cultural side of Navratri through:
- Garba
- Dandiya
- Regional celebrations
- Music and dance
- Community events
- Local traditions
→ Explore Navratri Experiences
Travel During Navratri
For travelers visiting India during Navratri, the festival can become part of a broader cultural journey.
Explore:
- Places to experience Navratri
- Regional celebrations
- Cultural attractions
- Local food
- Travel tips
- Photography opportunities
→ Explore Navratri Travel
Celebrate at Home
Planning a Navratri celebration at home?
Explore ideas for:
- Puja
- Decorations
- Food
- Family activities
- Kids’ activities
- Traditional celebration ideas
→ Explore Celebration Ideas
Navratri for Schools
Schools can use Navratri as an opportunity for cultural and educational activities.
Explore ideas for:
- School projects
- Crafts
- Cultural activities
- Competitions
- Essays
- Classroom activities
→ Explore Navratri for Schools
Navratri at Work & Corporate
Businesses and offices can also incorporate Navratri into workplace celebrations.
Explore ideas for:
- Office celebrations
- Team activities
- Decorations
- Employee engagement
- Festival promotions
- Corporate gifting
→ Explore Corporate Navratri Ideas
Explore Navratri in India
One of the most interesting aspects of Navratri is the way its traditions change across India.
A visitor may encounter devotional ceremonies, temple traditions, Garba and Dandiya, regional food, colorful clothing, cultural performances and community celebrations depending on the destination and time of year.
For travelers, choosing a Navratri destination is therefore not simply about attending a festival. It can be an opportunity to experience a particular region’s culture, food, traditions and way of celebrating.
As IndianFestival101 expands its destination coverage, this section can connect visitors with detailed city and state guides for experiencing Navratri in India.
→ Discover Where to Experience Navratri
Related Navratri Guides
Navratri Basics
Navratri Traditions & Celebration
Explore More Navratri Experiences
- Where to Experience Navratri
- Garba & Dandiya
- Navratri Food
- Navratri Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Navratris are celebrated in a year?
Four Navratri periods are commonly observed during the Hindu lunar year: Magha Gupta Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Ashadha Gupta Navratri and Sharadiya Navratri.
What are the four Navratri dates in 2026?
The four Navratri periods in 2026 are:
- Magha Gupta Navratri: January 19–27
- Chaitra Navratri: March 19–27
- Ashadha Gupta Navratri: July 15–23
- Sharadiya Navratri: October 11–19
These dates should be considered alongside location-specific Panchang information for detailed rituals and muhurats.
When is Chaitra Navratri 2026?
Chaitra Navratri begins on March 19, 2026, and continues through March 27, 2026.
When is Sharadiya Navratri 2026?
Sharadiya Navratri begins on October 11, 2026, and the ninth day falls on October 19. Vijayadashami follows on October 20 in the cited calendar.
When is Magha Gupta Navratri 2026?
Magha Gupta Navratri begins on January 19, 2026, with the ninth day on January 27.
When is Ashadha Gupta Navratri 2026?
Ashadha Gupta Navratri begins on July 15, 2026, and the ninth day falls on July 23.
Why are there four Navratris in a year?
The four Navratri periods occur at different points in the Hindu lunar calendar. Two are commonly known as Gupta Navratris, while Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri are generally more widely celebrated publicly. Regional traditions and observances can vary.
Are all four Navratris celebrated in the same way?
No. The customs, rituals, public celebrations and regional traditions can differ. Sharadiya Navratri, for example, is strongly associated with large public celebrations in several parts of India, including Garba and Dandiya traditions in Gujarat and western India, while Gupta Navratris are generally less publicly visible.
Explore the Navratri Hub
Navratri is not limited to one celebration or one season. Across the year, the four Navratri periods provide different opportunities to explore India’s religious traditions, regional cultures, food, music, dance and travel experiences.
→ Explore the Complete Navratri Guide
Last Updated: September 2026
Festival dates and detailed ritual timings may vary according to location and Panchang tradition. Verify local timings before planning specific religious observances.