Sharad Navratri 2026 – Date and Mahurat Timings!

Last Updated on Aug 20th, 2026 by Renu Dahiya, Leave a Comment

As the vibrant hues of autumn begin to paint the world, a sense of anticipation fills the air. It’s that time of the year when devotees across the globe celebrate the beautiful festival of Sharad Navratri 2026.

This nine-night celebration, dedicated to the goddess Durga, holds a special place in the hearts of millions, radiating an aura of devotion, dance & divine energy. Here, know the exclusive details of Navratri 2026 October: dates, timings, and the vibrant events in the USA.

Sharad Navratri Meaning

Sharad Navratri is a fantastic festival celebrated over nine nights. In the first three days, people pray to Goddess Durga to get rid of bad things in their lives. Next 3 days, it’s time for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. People believe she can bring them lots of money and good fortune. Days 7 & 8 are for Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge.

The 9th day is super special, called “Kanya Puja.” On this day, nine young girls, each representing a form of the goddess Durga, are worshipped.

History & Significance Of Sharad Navratri

Navratri is not just a regular festival; it’s packed with meaning and stories. One of the most famous stories is about a fierce battle between the goddess Durga and a nasty demon named Mahishasura.

Symbolically, the demon represents egotism, which must be destroyed to attain the ultimate spiritual goal: salvation. For ten days, Goddess Durga waged a fierce battle, ultimately defeating Mahishasura.

The festival is like a grand celebration of goodness winning over badness. Each day of Navratri has its own special colour that devotees wear to join in the fun and devotion.

Sharad Navratri 2026 Timings | Shubh Muhurat

Sharad Navratri 2026	Date / Timing
Sharad Navratri Start Date 2026	Sunday, 11 October 2026
Sharad Navratri End Date 2026	Monday, 19 October 2026
Pratipada Tithi Begins	Saturday, 10 October 2026, 9:19 PM
Pratipada Tithi Ends	Sunday, 11 October 2026, 9:30 PM
Ghatasthapana Muhurat	Sunday, 11 October 2026 — morning hours

Note: Ghatasthapana Muhurat is location-specific. For example, Drik Panchang lists 6:08 AM–10:05 AM for Hyderabad on 11 October 2026, so the timing should be adjusted for the city where the puja is being performed.

Related Topic: – Dussehra Celebrations In USA

Sharad Navratri & Durga Puja 2026 Dates

Navratri Days/Tithi	Date	Festival	Navratri Colors 2026
Day 1 (Pratipada)	Thursday, 11 October 2024	Maa Shailputri Puja	Yellow
Day 2 (Dwitiya)	Friday, 12 October 2024	Maa Brahmacharini Puja	Green
Day 3 (Tritiya)	Saturday, 13 October 2024	Maa Chandraghanta Puja	Grey
Day 4 (Chaturthi)	Sunday, 14 October 2024	Maa Kushmanda Puja	Orange
Day 5 (Panchami)	Monday, 15 October 2024	Maa Skandamata Puja	White
Day 6 (Shashthi)	Tuesday, 16 October 2024	Maa Katyayini Puja	Red
Day 7 (Saptami)	Wednesday, 17 October 2024	Maa Kaalratri Puja	Royal Blue
Day 8 (Ashtami)	Thursday, 18October 2024	Maa Maha Gauri Puja	Pink
Day 9 (Navami)	Friday, 19 October 2024	Maha Navami	Purple
Day 10 (Dashami)	Saturday, 20 October 2024	Vijay Dasami (Dussehra)	NA

Fasting During Navratri 2026!

Fasting is a central aspect of Shardiya Navratri. Many devotees observe fasts during the nine days, abstaining from certain foods to purify the body and mind. But, the way people fast can be different. Some folks eat fruits and drink milk during this time.

Others are even stricter with their diet. There can be variations in the number of fasting days. While many observe the fasts for all nine days, there are some devotees who keep fast in jodas (couple) – the first two or the last two days of the Navratri.

Celebrations Of Navratri 2026 Across India!

India comes alive with joy during Navratri, and the way people celebrate varies across regions:

North India: Here, Navratri is celebrated as the victory of Lord Rama over the evil Ravana. People love to act out stories as entertainment and make big paper villains and set them on fire in celebratory ceremonies. To witness this, reserve your flights to Delhi. Check out the popular routes below – 

• PIT To DEL Flights
• RDU To DEL Flights
• ROC To DEL Flights
• SLC To DEL Flights
• SAN To DEL Flights
• SFO To DEL Flights
• SEA To DEL Flights
• TPA To DEL Flights
• IAD To DEL Flights

Western India: In the west, especially in places like Gujarat and Maharashtra, they go all out with Garba! Garba in Navratri is a lovely dance that’s all about life and energy. Women dance in circles around a pot and a lamp. So, book your flights to Ahmedabad, Gujarat to experience all this. Here are the famous routes you can take – 

• ATL to AMD Flights
• BOS to AMD Flights
• CLT to AMD Flights
• ORD to AMD Flights
• DFW to AMD Flights
• IAH to AMD Flights
• LAX to AMD Flights
• EWR to AMD Flights
• JFK to AMD Flights

Eastern India: Over here, it’s all about Durga Puja. The goddess Durga is the star, and people worship her for blessings and protection. You’ll see big processions with her idols. Reserve your flights to Kolkata to participate in grand celebrations. Here explore the popular flight routes – 

• ATL to CCU Flights
• BOS to CCU Flights
• ORD to CCU Flights
• DFW to CCU Flights
• IAH to CCU Flights
• LAX to CCU Flights
• MIA to CCU Flights
• EWR to CCU Flights
• JFK to CCU Flights

South India: Down south, in Karnataka, they have a world-famous Navratri celebration called Dasara. They also do Ayudha Puja, where they honor machines, tools & instruments for helping in daily life. Just book your flights to Bangalore, Karnataka to witness this. Choose the suitable flight route from the below options – 

• PHX to BLR Flights
• PIT to BLR Flights
• RDU to BLR Flights
• ROC to BLR Flights
• SAN to BLR Flights
• SFO to BLR Flights
• SEA to BLR Flights
• TPA to BLR Flights
• IAD to BLR Flights

Related Topic: – Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration

Related Topic: – Complete List Of December Global Holidays

Also, experience the vibrant Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebrations in USA. Know everything here!

Planning to celebrate Sharad Navratri 2026 in India? We’ve got your back! We offer the cheapest USA to India flights (and back) with a promise of clear & honest pricing and no hidden fees. 

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So, tighten your dandiya sticks and put on your ghagra-choli. Immerse yourself in the essence of Navratri’s resplendent beauty.

Zor se bolo Jai Mata Di,

Sare bolo Jai Mata Di! 🙏 

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