Navaratri 2026: dates, colors and Devi mantras

Published October 2026 · Simha Studios

Navaratri, also spelled Navratri, celebrates the Divine Mother over nine nights. Traditions vary: some honor nine forms of Durga, while others devote time to Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati.

Chant with the Navaratri event in Mantra Yoga

Choose one of four Devi mantras for a three-day chanting journey, with an optional daily reminder.

When is Sharad Navaratri in 2026?

In the New York calendar, the nine nights begin Sunday, October 11 and continue through Monday, October 19, 2026. Vijayadashami is Tuesday, October 20. Check a local panchang for observance dates and puja times where you live.

Navaratri is observed at other times of year too, including Chaitra Navaratri in spring. This guide focuses on the autumn, or Sharad, celebration.

What are the nine Navaratri colors for 2026?

One widely followed color sequence for Sharad Navaratri is:

October 11 — orange
October 12 — white
October 13 — red
October 14 — royal blue
October 15 — yellow
October 16 — green
October 17 — grey
October 18 — purple
October 19 — peacock green

Wearing a daily color is a custom in some communities, not a requirement for chanting. See the 2026 color calendar for the source of this sequence.

Four Devi mantras available in the app

The Mantra Yoga event lets you choose a mantra each day. These are the four choices shown in its Navaratri practice:

Maa Durga: Om Aum Durgaye Namah — a salutation seeking Durga's protective grace.
Maa Lakshmi: Om Sreem Mahalakshmayai Namah — a prayer to Mahalakshmi for abundance.
Maa Saraswati: Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah — a prayer for wisdom, learning and the arts.
Maa Lalita Devi: Om Aum Lalitaye Namah — a salutation to Lalita as Divine Mother.

The app's event is a three-day practice within the wider nine-night festival. You can select any of these four mantras for an event day; the choices are not assigned to fixed dates.

A simple Navaratri puja and chanting practice

Follow your family, temple or teacher's practice if you have one. For a simple personal observance, prepare a clean, quiet place; offer a flower or light if that is part of your custom; choose a Devi mantra; and chant with steady attention. Close with gratitude. Offerings and prasad differ across traditions, so there is no single required menu.

If you need a formal Ghatasthapana time or puja procedure, consult a location-specific Navaratri calendar.

Navaratri wishes to share

Happy Navaratri. May these days bring strength, wisdom and peace to you and your loved ones.