Sharad Navratri शारदीय नवरात्रि
Falls on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada (9 days) · usually September–October
Sharad Navratri is celebrated on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada (9 days), usually in September–October. Nine nights honouring the nine forms of Durga for strength, protection and the victory of good over evil — the most widely celebrated Navratri of the year.
Sharad Navratri at a glance
| Falls on | Ashwin Shukla Pratipada (9 days) |
| Usual month | September–October |
| Category | Devi |
The story behind Sharad Navratri
Sharad (autumn) Navratri is the principal nine-night festival of the Goddess, celebrating Durga’s victory over the buffalo-demon Mahishasura. It builds to Dussehra, the tenth day of triumph.
Significance of Sharad Navratri
Nine nights honouring the nine forms of Durga for strength, protection and the victory of good over evil — the most widely celebrated Navratri of the year.
How Sharad Navratri is celebrated
- Ghatasthapana and nine days of Durga worship
- Garba and dandiya-raas dancing, especially in Gujarat
- Fasting and Durga Saptashati recitation
- Kanya pujan on Ashtami/Navami, honouring young girls as the Goddess
Regional variations
Gujarat is famous for garba/dandiya; Bengal, Odisha and Assam celebrate it as Durga Puja with grand pandals and the immersion of Durga idols; the South observes Golu (doll displays).
Festive foods of Sharad Navratri
Traditional dishes prepared for Sharad Navratri include vrat foods — sabudana, kuttu, singhara, fruit; and festive sweets and prasad.
Quick tips
- Keep the nine-day discipline and join community garba
- Honour young girls with kanya pujan on Ashtami/Navami
Choosing the muhurat on Sharad Navratri
Sharad Navratri falls on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada (9 days). To choose an auspicious time on the day, open the muhurat planner for your city and check the day's choghadiya and the Rahu Kaal to avoid. For the exact date this year, see the panchang calendar, and for weddings or a housewarming near this festival, confirm the muhurat with a qualified pandit.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and vary each year; regional traditions can differ by a day. For the exact date this year, confirm with your local panchang or pandit.
Common questions
When is Sharad Navratri celebrated?
Sharad Navratri falls on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada (9 days) in the Hindu lunar calendar, usually in September–October. The exact Gregorian date changes each year — confirm with your local panchang or the panchang calendar.
Why is Sharad Navratri celebrated?
Sharad (autumn) Navratri is the principal nine-night festival of the Goddess, celebrating Durga’s victory over the buffalo-demon Mahishasura. It builds to Dussehra, the tenth day of triumph.
How is Sharad Navratri observed?
Common observances include Ghatasthapana and nine days of Durga worship; Garba and dandiya-raas dancing, especially in Gujarat; Fasting and Durga Saptashati recitation; Kanya pujan on Ashtami/Navami, honouring young girls as the Goddess.
How is Sharad Navratri celebrated in different regions?
Gujarat is famous for garba/dandiya; Bengal, Odisha and Assam celebrate it as Durga Puja with grand pandals and the immersion of Durga idols; the South observes Golu (doll displays).
What foods are made for Sharad Navratri?
Traditional dishes include vrat foods — sabudana, kuttu, singhara, fruit; and festive sweets and prasad.