Navratri — Sanskrit for "nine nights" — is a major Hindu festival devoted to the worship of the goddess Durga in her nine forms. It's celebrated with fasting, devotion, and vibrant dance. Because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar, the date varies; the most widely celebrated Navratri (Sharada Navratri) falls in September–October. Here's the history.
See the Navratri holiday page for the exact date, or India's holiday calendar.
What is Navratri?
Nav means nine and ratri means nights — so Navratri is a festival of nine nights (and ten days) honouring the divine feminine (Shakti), especially the goddess Durga. Each of the nine nights is associated with a different form of the goddess (the Navadurga).
The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, and culminates on the tenth day, Vijayadashami (see Dussehra).
Four Navratris a year
Although most people mean the autumn one, there are traditionally four Navratris in the Hindu year. The most celebrated are:
- Sharada Navratri — in the month of Ashwin (Sep–Oct), the biggest and most popular.
- Chaitra Navratri — in spring (Mar–Apr), ending in Rama Navami.
How Navratri is celebrated
- Fasting and prayer devoted to Durga across the nine nights.
- Garba and Dandiya Raas — energetic folk dances, especially famous in Gujarat.
- Golu/Bommai Kolu — displays of dolls and figurines in South India.
- In West Bengal, the same period is celebrated as Durga Puja, with grand pandals and idols.
- Wearing different colours on each day in some regions.
Why the date changes each year
Because Navratri is set by the Hindu lunar calendar, its Gregorian date shifts each year. Sharada Navratri usually falls in September or October. Check the holiday page for the exact date.
Quick answers
What is Navratri? A nine-night Hindu festival honouring the goddess Durga in her nine forms, celebrating the victory of good over evil.
What does Navratri mean? "Nine nights" in Sanskrit (nav = nine, ratri = nights).
What dances are performed at Navratri? Garba and Dandiya Raas, especially in Gujarat.
When is Navratri 2026? Sharada Navratri falls in autumn 2026 — see the holiday page for the exact date.