Sharad Navratri 2026

The Story of Sharad Navratri

Sharad Navratri means "nine nights" of autumn, the holiest celebration of the divine mother, Maa Durga. Over nine nights and ten days, the Goddess is worshipped in her nine forms, the Navadurga, each a different face of her power and grace. The festival remembers her great victory over the demon Mahishasura, the buffalo demon whom the gods could not defeat. When darkness threatened the world, the combined energy of all the gods took shape as Durga, who fought for nine nights and triumphed on the tenth, the day we now call Dussehra.

Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana, the establishing of a sacred kalash on the first morning, which holds the energy of the Goddess through the nine days. Homes and pandals are decorated, the akhand jyot (an unbroken lamp) is kept burning, and many devotees keep a fast on fruits and faral food for the nine days. Each evening the Goddess is honoured with aarti, and in Gujarat the nights belong to Garba, the circular dance around the sacred lamp that has made Gujarat’s Navratri famous across the world.

Garba and Dandiya: The Heart of Gujarat’s Navratri

For Gujarat, Navratri is the festival of the year. Every neighbourhood, society and town square fills with people in colourful chaniya choli and kediyu, dancing Garba and Dandiya Raas late into the night. Garba is danced in circles around a garbo, an earthen lamp-pot that represents the womb of the Goddess and the light of life within. Dandiya Raas, played with decorated sticks, re-enacts the playful battle between Durga and Mahishasura. From small street gatherings to vast organised grounds, these nine nights bind families, friends and whole communities together in devotion and joy.

The Nine Forms of Maa Durga (Navadurga)

1. 1 Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains, worshipped on the first night.
2. 2 Brahmacharini, the goddess of penance, devotion and inner strength.
3. 3 Chandraghanta, who wears the crescent moon like a bell and grants courage.
4. 4 Kushmanda, the cosmic creator whose gentle smile is said to have lit the universe.
5. 5 Skandamata, the mother of Kartikeya (Skanda), giver of love and protection.
6. 6 Katyayani, the warrior form born to sage Katyayana to destroy evil.
7. 7 Kalaratri, the fierce form who destroys darkness, fear and ignorance.
8. 8 Mahagauri, the radiant and peaceful form who grants purity and grace.
9. 9 Siddhidatri, who bestows all siddhis, the spiritual powers and fulfilment.

Navratri 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

Sharad Navratri Date: Year by Year