Navratri season calendar
Navratri 2026: Chaitra and Sharad Calendar
Compare the Chaitra and Sharad Navratri starts, then follow the calculated Sharad sequence through Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Dussehra.
At a glance
When are Chaitra and Sharad Navratri in 2026?
In 2026, Chaitra Navratri begins on Thursday, 19 March 2026, while Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday, 11 October 2026. The Sharad sequence continues with Durga Ashtami on Monday, 19 October 2026, Maha Navami on Monday, 19 October 2026, and Dussehra on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
Navratri dates and sequence 2026
| Observance | Date | Hindu date | How it differs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaitra NavaratriChaitra Navratri, Vasant Navratri | Shukla Pratipada, Chaitra | The spring Navratri begins on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. | |
| Sharad NavaratriSharad Navratri, Navratri, Durga Navratri | Shukla Pratipada, Ashwin | Sharad Navratri begins on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada. | |
| Durga AshtamiMaha Ashtami, Durgashtami | Shukla Ashtami, Ashwin | The Ashtami checkpoint in the Sharad Navratri and Durga Puja sequence. | |
| Maha NavamiMahanavami, Ayudha Puja | Shukla Navami, Ashwin | The Navami observance that follows Durga Ashtami. | |
| Dussehra / VijayadashamiVijayadashami, Dasara | Shukla Dashami, Ashwin | Vijayadashami closes the Navratri sequence on Shukla Dashami. |
Explore each calculated date
What is Chaitra Navaratri 2026?
Chaitra Navaratri falls on Thursday, 19 March 2026, with Shukla Pratipada, Chaitra. The spring Navratri begins on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. See its date rule and Panchang details.
What is Sharad Navaratri 2026?
Sharad Navaratri falls on Sunday, 11 October 2026, with Shukla Pratipada, Ashwin. Sharad Navratri begins on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada. See its date rule and Panchang details.
What is Durga Ashtami 2026?
Durga Ashtami falls on Monday, 19 October 2026, with Shukla Ashtami, Ashwin. The Ashtami checkpoint in the Sharad Navratri and Durga Puja sequence. See its date rule and Panchang details.
What is Maha Navami 2026?
Maha Navami falls on Monday, 19 October 2026, with Shukla Navami, Ashwin. The Navami observance that follows Durga Ashtami. See its date rule and Panchang details.
What is Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026?
Dussehra / Vijayadashami falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, with Shukla Dashami, Ashwin. Vijayadashami closes the Navratri sequence on Shukla Dashami. See its date rule and Panchang details.