Navratri Holidays

Navratri, one of Hinduism’s most sacred and vibrant festivals, is celebrated twice a year—once in Chaitra (spring) and again in Sharad (autumn). Both hold deep mythological, seasonal, and spiritual importance. These nine-day celebrations are devoted to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, observed with fasting, daily rituals, community pujas, Garba dances, Kanya Pujan, and the grand culmination with Ram Navami or Vijayadashami.

In 2025, Chaitra Navratri will be celebrated from Sunday, 30 March, to Monday, 7 April, culminating in Ram Navami. Later that year, Sharad Navratri will fall between Monday, 22 September, and Wednesday, 1 October, concluding with Vijaya Dashami on Thursday, 2 October 2025.

For 2026, Chaitra Navratri will occur from Thursday, 19 March, to Friday, 27 March, with Ram Navami observed either on March 26 (Smarta) or March 27 (Vaishnava), depending on sect and tithi timing. Meanwhile, Sharad Navratri 2026 will take place sometime between mid-September and mid-October, though the exact dates are yet to be confirmed, as this celebration depends on the lunar tithi of Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, not a fixed Gregorian date.

Key Highlights of Navratri 2025 & 2026

Festival Name	Navratri (Sharad & Chaitra)
Primary Keyword	Navratri
Chaitra Navratri 2025	Sunday, 30 March – Monday, 7 April 2025
Sharad Navratri 2025	Monday, 22 September – Wednesday, 1 October 2025 (Vijaya Dashami: Thursday, 2 October 2025)
Chaitra Navratri 2026	Thursday, 19 March – Friday, 27 March 2026
Sharad Navratri 2026	Monday, 28 September – Wednesday, 7 October 2026 (Vijaya Dashami: Thursday, 8 October 2026)
Observed By	Hindus across India and the global diaspora
Worshipped Deity	Goddess Durga and her nine manifestations (Navadurga)
Main Celebrations	Fasting, Navratri Puja Vidhi, Kanya Puja, Garba Nights, Dandiya Raas, Durga Ashtami, Ram Navami, Durga Visarjan
Public Significance	Symbolizes the eternal victory of good over evil; also marks seasonal shifts—spring (Chaitra) & autumn (Sharad); celebrated with massive cultural diversity across India

Navratri Holiday

Navratri is one of the most vibrant and spiritually significant festivals in Hindu tradition—but is Navratri a public holiday? Well, not exactly.

While the entire Navratri period (September 28 – October 7, 2026) is not officially recognized as a national public holiday in India, key days within the festival are observed widely—often as public, restricted, or bank holidays depending on the region.

Important Navratri Holiday Dates in 2025 and 2026

Occasion	Date (2025)	Holiday Type & Observance
Durga Ashtami (Ashtami)	Wednesday, 1 October	Public/Restricted Holiday in many states; significant day for Kanya Puja and fasting rituals
Mahanavami (Navami)	Thursday, 2 October	Public Holiday in Eastern states like West Bengal, Tripura, Odisha; ceremonial pujas observed
Vijayadashami (Dussehra)	Friday, 3 October	Gazetted Holiday across India, symbolizing the victory of Dharma over Adharma

 

Occasion	Date(2026)	Holiday Type & Observance
Durga Ashtami (Ashtami)	Monday, 5 October	Public/Restricted Holiday in many states; major rituals and fasting day
Mahanavami (Navami)	Tuesday, 6 October	Public holiday in Eastern states like West Bengal, Assam, Odisha
Vijayadashami (Dussehra)	Wednesday, 7 October	Gazetted Holiday across India – marks the triumph of good over evil

Navratri Bank Holidays

Navratri as a whole is not a standard bank holiday.

Banks are likely to remain closed on Vijayadashami (Oct 7, 2026), especially in cultural hubs like

• Gujarat
• Maharashtra
• West Bengal
• Uttar Pradesh

Pro Tip: In states like West Bengal and Assam, offices and schools may remain closed for a few days around Durga Puja, which overlaps with Sharad Navratri—so plan your work and banking activities accordingly!

Importance of Navratri

Observed twice a year—Chaitra Navratri in spring (March–April) and Sharad Navratri in autumn (September–October)—this vibrant festival marks the triumph of good over evil and honors the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navadurga.

Across India, each region celebrates Navratri in its own unique way:

• In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the nights come alive with Garba and Dandiya Raas, transforming streets and courtyards into rhythmic sanctuaries of dance.

• In West Bengal, Sharad Navratri culminates in Durga Puja, one of India’s most elaborate cultural and religious spectacles.

• In North India, Chaitra Navratri is a time for spiritual cleansing, fasting, and devotion, leading up to Ram Navami—the birth of Lord Rama.

Beyond cultural festivities, Navratri holds astrological and yogic significance:

• It aligns with major seasonal transitions—spring (Chaitra) and autumn (Sharad)—which are ideal for inner purification and renewal.
  

Each of the nine days is said to correspond with one of the nine chakras (energy centers) in the body, making it a spiritually potent time for meditation, prayer, and self-discipline.

History of Navratri

Navratri is a Legacy of Divinity, Victory & Cultural Evolution. The origins of Navratri stretch deep into the ancient layers of Vedic literature and Puranic texts, making it one of the oldest and most sacred festivals in Hindu tradition. Central to the festival is the legend of Goddess Durga’s epic battle with Mahishasura, as narrated in the Devi Mahatmya from the Markandeya Purana.

According to the scripture, Goddess Durga fought Mahishasura for nine nights and ten days, ultimately vanquishing him on the tenth day—celebrated as Vijayadashami (Dussehra). This tale symbolizes the victory of righteousness (Dharma) over arrogance and evil (Adharma) and reaffirms the strength of the divine feminine (Shakti).

Historically, warrior clans and kings invoked Goddess Durga’s blessings through special Yajnas and rituals before going to war, especially during Sharad Navratri, which aligned with pre-harvest and post-monsoon military campaigns. The tradition of Ayudha Puja (worship of weapons and tools), still practiced on the 9th day in southern states, stems from these ancient customs of preparing spiritually and physically for battle.

As Navratri travelled through centuries, it absorbed regional traditions, transforming into a multidimensional festival:

• In Eastern India, especially West Bengal, Sharad Navratri morphed into Durga Puja, featuring elaborate pandals, idol processions, and cultural shows.

• In Western India, particularly Gujarat, it evolved into a grand community celebration of Garba and Dandiya Raas, where dance became a spiritual offering.

• In South India, Golu (the doll display tradition) and Ayudha Puja became central, celebrating knowledge, learning, and tools of livelihood.

In Northern India, Chaitra Navratri gained importance with fasting, Ram Navami observances, and the Hindu New Year, reflecting its agrarian and spiritual roots.

Different Types of Navratri

When most people hear “Navratri,” they instantly think of colorful Garba nights, Durga Puja pandals, and Dussehra festivities in September or October. But here’s something fascinating — Navratri isn’t just a once-a-year celebration. It actually occurs four times annually, each aligning with a different seasonal and spiritual shift in the Hindu calendar.

Let’s break them down:

♦ Sharada Navratri (September–October)

• Most Celebrated & Popular: Also called Shardiya Navratri, this is what most people refer to when they say “Navratri.”

• Timing: Falls in the Ashwin month (around September–October).

• Significance: Marks Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

• Major Celebrations:
  ⇒ Durga Puja in Eastern India (especially West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha).
  ⇒ Garba & Dandiya in Western states like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
  ⇒ Dussehra (Vijayadashami) on Day 10 marks the conclusion.

♦ Chaitra Navratri (March–April)

• Springtime Renewal: Also known as Vasant Navratri, it kicks off the Hindu New Year in many regions.
• Timing: Celebrated during the Chaitra month (March–April).
• Culmination: Ends with Rama Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.
• Who Celebrates: Popular in North India with customs like fasting, Kanya Puja, and home altars—very similar to Sharada Navratri.
• Theme: Symbolizes spiritual rebirth, personal reflection, and new beginnings, in sync with Vasant Ritu (spring season).

♦ Magha Navratri (January–February)

• The Silent Seeker’s Navratri: Known as a Gupt (secret) Navratri, observed by spiritual practitioners, sages, and tantric followers.
• Timing: Falls in the Magha month (Jan.–Feb.); the fifth day coincides with Vasant Panchami, honoring Goddess Saraswati.
• Focus: Primarily about meditation, mantra japa, and inner awakening, rather than public celebrations.

♦ Ashadha Navratri (June–July)

• Monsoon Navratri: Another Gupt Navratri, occurring during the Ashadha month (around June–July).
• Mystical Practice: Primarily practiced by Tantric sects and certain temples in South and Eastern India.
• Spiritual Importance: Emphasizes spiritual discipline, occult worship, and connection with divine feminine energy in her esoteric form.

Navratri Rituals & Traditions

Navratri isn’t just about fasting or dance—it’s an all-encompassing spiritual and cultural experience celebrated over nine nights and ten days. Across India, these days are filled with ritual purity, vibrant traditions, devotion to Goddess Durga, and a powerful journey of inner transformation.

While regional practices vary, the core Navratri rituals remain consistent, blending deep spiritual discipline with communal harmony and cultural richness.

Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)

• When: Performed at sunrise on Day 1.
• What Happens: A kalash (sacred water pot) is installed over soil and barley seeds, topped with a coconut and mango leaves.
• Why It Matters: This marks the invocation of Goddess Durga’s presence into the home or temple. As the barley sprouts grow, they symbolize prosperity and new beginnings.

Daily Devi Pujan (Navadurga Worship)

• Each day is dedicated to one of Durga’s nine avatars, from Shailaputri to Siddhidatri.
• Offerings include fresh flowers, incense, fruits, coconut, sweets, and red cloth.
• Mantras & Texts: Devotees recite Durga Saptashati, Devi Kavach, or Chandi Path based on tradition.

Fasting and Dietary Discipline

• A key aspect of Navratri is fasting (vrat) to purify the body and mind.
• No salt? No problem! Devotees use sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular salt.
•Allowed foods:

  → Sabudana (sago)
  → Kuttu (buckwheat)
  → Singhara (water chestnut flour)
  → Potatoes, arbi, pumpkin
  → Fruits, milk, curd, paneer

Color Code Tradition

• Each Navratri day is associated with a specific color representing the attributes of the day’s deity.
• In states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, it’s customary to wear that day’s color as a sign of devotion.

Kanya Pujan/Kumari Puja

• Performed on Ashtami (8th day) or Navami (9th day).
• Who’s worshipped: Nine young girls under the age of 10, symbolizing the nine forms of Durga.
• Offerings: foot washing, tilak, prasad (puri, chana, halwa), gifts, and respect.

Garba & Dandiya Raas

• In states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, Garba (clapping dance) and Dandiya Raas (stick dance) light up the nights.
• People wear traditional attire: Chaniya cholis, lehengas, and kediyus, paired with glitter and mirror work.
• It’s not just dance—it’s a circular, rhythmic celebration of life and divinity, centered around a symbolic Garba lamp or Durga idol.

Ayudha Puja & Saraswati Puja

• Celebrated on Navami, especially in South India.
• People clean and worship tools, musical instruments, vehicles, books, electronics, and weapons.
• Why: This expresses reverence for knowledge, skill, and creation, recognizing that all tools of livelihood are sacred.

Durga Visarjan & Vijayadashami

• On the 10th day, devotees immerse clay idols of Goddess Durga in rivers, lakes, or seas.
• It marks Vijayadashami (Dussehra)—a celebration of Durga’s and Lord Rama’s victory over evil.

Homes and temples perform final aartis, and sweets are distributed as the spiritual journey concludes.

Ways to Celebrate Navratri

People from every corner of India (and even abroad!) bring their own flavor to the celebration. Here’s how:

Participate in Garba & Dandiya Nights

⇒ Join traditional dance events, especially in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and urban cities across India.
⇒ Dress in colorful ethnic attire, grab your dandiya sticks, and enjoy the evening in rhythmic devotion.

Set Up a Golu Display

⇒ In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, families arrange dolls in themed steps called Golu (or Bombe Habba).
⇒ It’s a social tradition—neighbors and friends visit each other’s homes, exchange gifts, and bond over festive sweets.

Observe the Fast (Vrat)

⇒ Choose from various fasting types—nirjal (water-only), fruit-only, or single meal per day.
⇒ It’s a time for detoxing the body and focusing inward spiritually.

Daily Puja and Aarti

⇒ Light diyas, offer flowers, chant Durga Saptashati, and perform aarti every evening.
⇒ Some devotees follow a strict daily alankaram (goddess dressing), adorning Durga in different colors based on the Navratri day.

Kanya Puja at Home

⇒ Honor young girls as a manifestation of Devi by offering them food, sweets, gifts, and new clothes.
⇒ This is widely observed on Ashtami (8th day) or Navami (9th day).

Visit Famous Durga Pandals

⇒ In cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai, beautifully themed Durga pandals are set up.
⇒ Witness the grandeur of the idols, stage designs, cultural performances, and community feasting.

Join Bhajans, Jagrans & Community Pujas

⇒ Many temples and housing societies organize Navratri bhajans, recitations, and devotional singing.
⇒ In rural India, community Ram Lila plays are a major attraction.

Decorate Your Home

⇒ Light up your space with rangoli, fairy lights, and torans, and keep a clean, spiritual ambience.
⇒ Some also sow barley (jawara) in Kalash pots to signify prosperity.

Famous Destinations for Navratri Celebration

Across India, different cities and states celebrate it in uniquely grand styles, making them top destinations to experience the true magic of the season.

Ahmedabad & Vadodara, Gujarat

These cities host the largest and most energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas events in the world. The scale, music, and local enthusiasm are unmatched.

Highlights:
⇒ The iconic United Way Garba
⇒ Traditional attire and local bands
⇒ Electrifying community spirit

Kolkata, West Bengal

In Kolkata, Navratri merges with Durga Puja, creating a spectacle of art, devotion, and social revelry.

Highlights:
⇒ More than 3,000 themed Durga pandals
⇒ Cultural performances, dhunuchi naach, and bhog
⇒ Visarjan processions on the 10th day

Mumbai, Maharashtra

A melting pot of communities, Mumbai celebrates with a fusion of Garba nights, Durga pandals, and vibrant music events.
Highlights:

⇒ Famous Navratri nights in suburbs like Borivali, Malad, and Thane
⇒ Celebrity-hosted events and designer dandiya nights

Mysuru, Karnataka

Known for the grand Mysore Dasara, this city adds regal elegance to Navratri.

Highlights:
⇒ 400+ years old royal procession tradition
⇒ Palace illumination and cultural showcases
⇒ Ayudha Puja observed with rituals and grace

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Witness the spiritual essence of Ramlila performances and Durga Puja against the backdrop of the Ganga ghats.

Highlights:
⇒ Ramlila at Ramnagar Fort
⇒ Ganga aarti during Navratri
⇒ Deep-rooted devotion and ancient rituals

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

For a more serene and artistic Navratri experience, Chennai’s Golu doll displays and classical music concerts are unmissable.

Highlights:
⇒ Golu/Kolu setups in homes and temples
⇒Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam recitals
⇒Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja ceremonies

Hyderabad & Secunderabad, Telangana

Experience the floral beauty and cultural essence of Bathukamma, a Navratri tradition unique to Telangana.

Highlights:
⇒ Thousands of women participate in flower arrangements & folk songs
⇒ Traditional attire and group celebrations
⇒ Fusion of devotion and ecology

Final Thoughts

Navratri, whether celebrated in spring (Chaitra) or autumn (Sharad), is more than just a festival—it’s a spiritual journey, a cultural legacy, and a collective expression of devotion to Maa Durga and her nine divine forms. It blends fasting, prayer, music, dance, and rituals into a powerful experience that nourishes both the soul and community spirit.

In 2025, Sharad Navratri falls from Monday, September 22, to Wednesday, October 1, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) celebrated on Thursday, October 2. Earlier in the year, Chaitra Navratri brings in the Hindu New Year from Sunday, March 30, to Monday, April 7, marking a time of spiritual renewal and fresh beginnings.

Meanwhile, in 2026, Chaitra Navratri will occur from Thursday, March 19 to Friday, March 27, and Sharad Navratri from Monday, September 28 to Wednesday, October 7, culminating in Dussehra on October 8, 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Navaratri Day 1 to 9?
Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga), each day honoring one specific form with unique rituals and colors.

What is the 1st day of Navratri called?
The first day is called Pratipada and is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, symbolizing strength and purity.

What is Navratri famous for?
Navratri is known for its devotion to Goddess Durga, colorful Garba and Dandiya dances, fasting, and elaborate rituals like Kanya Puja and Durga Visarjan.

Are Ashtami and Navami on the same day in 2025?
No, Ashtami is on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and Navami is on Thursday, October 2, 2025, based on the lunar Tithi.

Which is the most powerful day in Navratri?
Ashtami (8th day) is considered one of the most powerful and spiritually significant, often marked by Kanya Puja and intense worship.

Which day is important for Navratri?
Durga Ashtami, Mahanavami, and Vijayadashami are the most significant days, with key rituals and spiritual culmination.

Which is the main Navratri?
Sharad Navratri (September–October) is considered the main and most widely celebrated Navratri.

Why is the 8th day of Navratri important?
The 8th day, Durga Ashtami, marks the peak of Durga’s divine power and is celebrated with Kumari Puja, honoring the feminine divine.

What are the two main Navratri?
Sharad Navratri (Autumn) and Chaitra Navratri (Spring) are the two major Navratri festivals celebrated across India.

Which day to end Navratri fast?
The fast is traditionally broken on the 9th day (Navami) or on Vijayadashami (10th day) after offering prayers.

Who are the 3 main goddesses of Navratri?
The festival reveres Durga (Power), Lakshmi (Wealth), and Saraswati (Wisdom) over three sets of three days.

What is the difference between Navratri and Durga Puja?
Navratri spans 9 nights worshipping Durga’s nine forms; Durga Puja, mainly in Eastern India, celebrates her victory over Mahishasura and focuses on the last 4–5 days.

What is the connection between Durga Puja and Dussehra?
Durga Puja ends with Vijayadashami (Dussehra), symbolizing the triumph of Goddess Durga (or Lord Rama) over evil.

Which are the 9 Devi names and days of Navratri?
Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri — each worshipped on a consecutive day.

What are the 9 days and 9 colours of Navratri?
Each day has a specific color: White, Red, Royal Blue, Yellow, Green, Grey, Orange, Peacock Green, Pink — symbolizing different virtues of the goddess.

Why is Garba played during Navratri?
Garba is a devotional dance honoring feminine divine energy, traditionally performed around a lamp or image of Durga.

What does Dandiya symbolize?
Dandiya Raas symbolizes the battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura, with sticks representing her weapons.

Is bank closed in Navratri?
Navratri itself is not a national bank holiday, but banks may close on Durga Ashtami, Navami, or Vijayadashami in some states.

Is Navratri a holiday for school?
It depends on the state; schools in West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha often close for Durga Puja/Navratri, especially during Ashtami to Dussehra.

Is Navratri a bank holiday?
No, not officially. However, Vijayadashami (Dussehra) is a gazetted bank holiday across India.

Is Ashtami a public holiday?
Yes, Ashtami is a restricted or public holiday in several states, depending on regional traditions and intensity of celebration.

Is Navratri a Hindu holiday?
Yes, Navratri is a major Hindu religious and cultural holiday celebrating Goddess Durga’s divine feminine power.

Do Jains celebrate Navratri?
Generally, Jains do not observe Navratri as it’s a Hindu festival. However, some Jains may culturally participate in Garba or public events.