Navratri 2026 Dates: October 11 to 20 Calendar and Why City Timings Matter

Shardiya Navratri 2026 began on October 11 and concludes with Vijayadashami on October 20 in the Delhi calendar. The nine-night observance is often described differently across regional calendars, so readers should use a city-specific panchang when an exact muhurat is important.

Main dates in the 2026 calendar

October 11 is Day 1 and Ghatasthapana. October 15 is Panchami, October 18 is the eighth calendar day in the listed sequence, October 19 is Durga Ashtami with Mahagauri Puja and October 20 is listed with Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan and Vijayadashami. The page also lists a Sandhi Puja window on October 19 for the Delhi location.

The sequence can look confusing because tithi-based observances and the numbered festival day do not always appear as a simple one-to-one weekday list. That is why a national social post should not replace a local calendar for a puja time.

Travel and public events

Large community programmes may publish separate entry hours, road restrictions and transport instructions. A public holiday or festival date does not guarantee that every station gate, market or venue will follow its normal schedule. Check the organiser and transport operator close to departure.

Practical takeaway

Use October 11-20 as the broad festival window, then verify the city, tithi and local timing for the specific ritual or visit. This report is a calendar explainer, not a substitute for a family priest, temple notice or official public advisory.