Navarathri 2026 Dates
Navarathri (also spelled Navratri) 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026 and runs for nine nights, leading up to Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on the tenth day, expected around October 19-20, 2026.
As with every year, the exact dates follow the lunar calendar and are confirmed closer to the season by local panchangams — if you need day-precise timing for a specific ritual or region, please check with your local temple or a current panchangam nearer the date.
What happens during the nine nights
The nine nights are traditionally grouped into three sets of three, each dedicated to a form of the Goddess:
- Nights 1-3: Durga — invoking strength and removing obstacles
- Nights 4-6: Lakshmi — prayers for prosperity and abundance
- Nights 7-9: Saraswathi — blessings for knowledge and the arts
This is also when Golu (Kolu/Bommai Golu) displays are kept, with families and neighbors visiting each other's homes to view the arrangement, sing songs, and exchange thamboolam.
When to start setting up your Golu
Most families set up their Golu display a day or two before Navarathri begins, so it's ready to welcome guests from day one. For 2026, that means having your steps built and dolls arranged by October 9-10, 2026.
If you're planning to buy or add new dolls this year, ordering early is worth it — golu dolls are seasonal, demand builds sharply through September, and popular pieces can sell out in the two weeks before the festival. See our step-by-step Golu arrangement guide to plan your steps and doll selection.