Navratri comes twice in 2026 — and Gurugram is ready to celebrate both! This complete guide covers Chaitra Navratri (March 19–27) and Sharad Navratri (October 11–19). Whether you’re planning your puja wardrobe, joining dandiya nights, or simply want to feel connected to the nine divine forms of Maa Durga — you’ll find everything you need right here. Nine days, nine colours, nine goddesses — each with its own energy, story, and significance.
📅 Navratri 2026 — Both Navratri Dates at a Glance
🌸 Chaitra Navratri 2026 (Spring)
Chaitra Navratri Begins
19 March
Thursday, 2026
Durga Ashtami
26 March
Thursday, 2026
Ram Navami (Day 9)
27 March
Friday, 2026
Ghatasthapana Muhurat
6:52 AM
to 7:43 AM, Mar 19
🍂 Sharad Navratri 2026 (Autumn)
Sharad Navratri Begins
11 October
Sunday, 2026
Maha Navami
19 October
Monday, 2026
Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
20 October
Tuesday, 2026
Ghatasthapana Muhurat
6:19 AM
to 10:12 AM, Oct 11
Sharad Navratri — also called Maha Navratri — is the most widely celebrated of the four Navratris in a year. It falls in the Ashwin month of the Hindu calendar (September–October) and honours Maa Durga’s epic nine-day battle against the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolising the eternal victory of good over evil.
🌸 Chaitra Navratri 2026 Colour Chart — March 19 to 27
Chaitra Navratri, also called Vasant Navratri or Rama Navratri, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and arrives with the colours of spring. It is observed more spiritually and quietly than Sharad Navratri — with emphasis on puja, fasting, and connecting with the divine. The nine-day festival concludes on Ram Navami (March 27), the birth anniversary of Lord Rama.
| Day & Date | Colour | Goddess (Devi) | Special Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 · Thu, Mar 19 | Yellow |
Maa Shailputri | Ghatasthapana / Kalash Sthapana — festival begins |
| Day 2 · Fri, Mar 20 | Green |
Maa Brahmacharini | Growth, harmony & spiritual discipline |
| Day 3 · Sat, Mar 21 | Grey |
Maa Chandraghanta | Strength and fearlessness against evil |
| Day 4 · Sun, Mar 22 | Orange |
Maa Kushmanda | Cosmic energy and the creator of the universe |
| Day 5 · Mon, Mar 23 | White |
Maa Skandamata | Purity and divine motherly protection |
| Day 6 · Tue, Mar 24 | Red |
Maa Katyayani | Courage, passion & fierce warrior energy |
| Day 7 · Wed, Mar 25 | Royal Blue |
Maa Kalaratri | Wisdom, depth & removal of darkness |
| Day 8 · Thu, Mar 26 | Pink |
Maa Mahagauri | Durga Ashtami + Sandhi Puja (11:24–12:12 PM) |
| Day 9 · Fri, Mar 27 | Purple |
Maa Siddhidatri | 🎉 Ram Navami — fast broken after 10:06 AM |
🌸 What Makes Chaitra Navratri Special?
- It marks the start of the Hindu New Year — a time of new beginnings and spiritual renewal
- Also called Vasant Navratri — celebrated during spring, symbolising growth and fertility
- Culminates on Ram Navami (Mar 27) — the birth anniversary of Lord Rama
- More inward and devotional — focus on personal puja, fasting, and Durga Saptashati recitation
- Sandhi Puja on March 26 (11:24 AM–12:12 PM) — the most auspicious 48-minute window of the entire festival
- Kanya Pujan is performed on Ashtami (March 26) — young girls are honoured as living forms of the Goddess
- Gudi Padwa (Maharashtra), Ugadi (Andhra/Karnataka) and the Hindu New Year all coincide with this period
🎨 Sharad Navratri 2026 Colour Chart — October 11 to 19
Sharad Navratri — also called Maha Navratri — is the grand autumn festival and the most widely celebrated of the year. This is the Navratri of dandiya nights, garba, Durga Puja pandals, and Dussehra. It honours Maa Durga’s nine-day battle against Mahishasura, symbolising the eternal victory of good over evil.
Each day is linked to a specific colour that resonates with the energy of the Goddess worshipped that day. Wearing the colour of the day is believed to invite the Devi’s blessings and deepen your spiritual connection.
| Day & Date | Colour | Goddess (Devi) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 · Sun, Oct 11 | Yellow |
Maa Shailputri | Happiness, vitality & new beginnings |
| Day 2 · Mon, Oct 12 | Green |
Maa Brahmacharini | Growth, harmony & spiritual peace |
| Day 3 · Tue, Oct 13 | Grey |
Maa Chandraghanta | Calmness, balance & fearlessness |
| Day 4 · Wed, Oct 14 | Orange |
Maa Kushmanda | Creativity, energy & cosmic power |
| Day 5 · Thu, Oct 15 | White |
Maa Skandamata | Purity, serenity & motherly protection |
| Day 6 · Fri, Oct 16 | Red |
Maa Katyayani | Courage, passion & fierce power |
| Day 7 · Sat, Oct 17 | Royal Blue |
Maa Kalaratri | Wisdom, depth & higher consciousness |
| Day 8 · Sun, Oct 18 | Pink |
Maa Mahagauri | Compassion, hope & inner beauty |
| Day 9 · Mon, Oct 19 | Purple |
Maa Siddhidatri | Spiritual growth, wisdom & liberation |
🙏 The 9 Devis of Navratri — Who Are They?
Each of the nine days is dedicated to a distinct form of Goddess Durga, known as Navdurga. Here’s a closer look at each Devi, her colour, and what makes her special:
Day 1 · October 11
Maa Shailputri
Yellow
Daughter of the Himalayas, Maa Shailputri rides a bull and carries a trident. She represents the power of nature and stability. Yellow evokes her radiant, life-giving energy.
Day 2 · October 12
Maa Brahmacharini
Green
The goddess of penance and self-discipline. She walked barefoot for thousands of years in meditation. Green reflects her life force and spiritual perseverance.
Day 3 · October 13
Maa Chandraghanta
Grey
Named for the half-moon on her forehead, she is the warrior goddess who protects against evil. Grey captures her calm yet formidable nature — strong like storm clouds.
Day 4 · October 14
Maa Kushmanda
Orange
The creator of the universe — she is said to have created the cosmos with her divine smile. Orange embodies her radiant warmth and boundless creative energy.
Day 5 · October 15
Maa Skandamata
White
Mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), the commander of the gods. She holds her son on her lap and is the embodiment of pure maternal love. White reflects her serene purity.
Day 6 · October 16
Maa Katyayani
Red
Born of the sage Katyayana’s penance, she is the fiercest form of Durga who slayed the demon Mahishasura. Red is her colour — passion, power, and the fire of protection.
Day 7 · October 17
Maa Kalaratri
Royal Blue
The darkest, most ferocious form of Durga. Despite her fearsome appearance, she brings courage and removes darkness from devotees’ lives. Royal blue represents her infinite depth.
Day 8 · October 18
Maa Mahagauri
Pink
The purest, most beautiful form of Devi — radiant white complexion, gentle demeanour. Kanya Pujan is performed on this day. Pink reflects her grace, compassion, and hope.
Day 9 · October 19
Maa Siddhidatri
Purple
The bestower of all siddhis (supernatural powers and wisdom). She sits on a lotus and is worshipped by gods, demons, and humans alike. Purple embodies the heights of spiritual attainment.
✨ Why Do Navratri Colours Matter?
The tradition of wearing specific colours on each Navratri day is deeply rooted in Hindu symbolism and the belief that colours carry their own vibrational energy (shakti). When you wear the colour of the day, you align yourself with the energy of the Goddess being honoured, inviting her blessings into your life.
The colours also follow the days of the week and their ruling planets — for example, Monday is associated with the Moon and the colour white, Saturday with Saturn and darker hues. Since Navratri 2026 starts on a Sunday (yellow) and progresses through the week, the nine colours follow this cosmic sequence naturally.
How to Celebrate Navratri 2026 in Gurugram
- Wear the colour of the day — even a dupatta, saree, or kurta in that shade counts!
- Begin each morning with a short prayer or aarti to the day’s Devi
- Observe a fast (vrat) — fruit-based or grain-free, as per your tradition
- Offer marigold flowers, dhoop, and prasad during puja
- Perform Kanya Pujan on Ashtami (Oct 18) — invite young girls and offer food as a divine offering
- Recite the Durga Saptashati or chant “Jai Mata Di” with family
- Celebrate Dussehra on October 20 with Ramlila or effigy burning events in Gurugram
🎉 Navratri 2026 in Gurugram — Where to Celebrate
Gurugram comes alive during Navratri with dandiya nights, garba events, and Durga Puja pandals across the city. Here’s what to look out for:
-
🎭Dandiya & Garba Nights DLF CyberHub, Kingdom of Dreams, and various sector clubs host grand dandiya nights. Look for event listings on BookMyShow and Insider.in closer to the date.
-
🏮Community Durga Puja Pandals Bengali community associations in sectors like 14, 31, and South City typically set up beautifully decorated pandals. Open to all.
-
🛍️Ethnic Wear Shopping Sadar Bazaar, Galleria Market, and Ambience Mall are great spots to pick up your Navratri outfits in all nine colours. Shop early for the best selection!
-
🍛Navratri Special Thalis Many restaurants across Gurugram offer vrat-friendly Navratri thalis during the nine days — samak rice, kuttu ki poori, and sabudana dishes are a must-try.
-
🔥Dussehra Mela (Oct 20) Gurugram’s Dussehra celebrations include Ramlila performances and Ravana effigy burning. Watch for announcements from the Gurugram administration on venue and timings.
🛕 Famous Temples in Gurugram for Navratri Puja
Gurugram may be India’s corporate capital, but it holds deep spiritual roots. These temples are the beating heart of Navratri in the city — expect long queues, divine aarti, marigold decorations, and an electric atmosphere of devotion.
🏆
Top 5 Mata Rani Mandir You Must Visit This Navratri in Gurugram
-
1
Shri Sheetla Mata Mandir📍 Sheetla Mata Rd, Sector 6, Gurugram
-
2
Sudarshan Mata Mandir📍 New Colony, Sector 12, Gurugram
-
3
Shri MahaLaxmi Mandir📍 Siddeswar Chowk, Gurugram
-
4
Shri Mata Chintpurni Mandir📍 Old Railway Rd, Sector 4, Gurugram
-
5
Maa Vaishno Devi Mandir📍 Garhi Harsaru, Gurugram
Here’s a closer look at the temples above and more sacred spaces across Gurugram — timings, what makes each one special, and why Navratri is the best time to visit:
Sheetla Mata Mandir
Goddess Sheetla Devi
The most famous and historically significant temple in Gurugram. Maa Sheetla — wife of Guru Dronacharya — is worshipped here as the goddess of healing. During Navratri and Chaitra Mela, the temple transforms into a grand festive ground with thousands of devotees, chants, and colours. A must-visit for any Navratri devotee in Gurgaon.
⭐ Most Crowded During Navratri
ISKCON Temple Gurugram
Lord Krishna & Radha Damodar
A magnificent centre of devotion located on Sohna Road. The temple is famous for its peaceful ambiance, rhythmic Hare Krishna kirtans, spiritual discourses, and the beautiful decoration of the deities. The Sandhya Aarti here during Navratri is a deeply moving experience. Free prasadam is distributed daily.
🎶 Evening Aarti Highlight
Sai Ka Angan
Sai Baba of Shirdi
Often called the Mini Shirdi of North India, this temple beautifully replicates the original Shirdi shrine — complete with Dwarkamai and a sacred Dhuni. The famous Gurusthan neem tree is a cherished spot for meditation. Its open-door policy welcomes devotees of all faiths, making it a truly inclusive spiritual space.
✨ Open to All Faiths
Shree Mahakali Mandir
Goddess Kali (Mahakali)
Dedicated to Maa Kali — the fierce destroyer of evil and symbol of inner transformation — this temple is especially significant during Navratri. Devotees flock here to seek courage, protection, and spiritual awakening. The energy during Navratri nights is powerful and deeply devotional.
🌙 Special Navratri Jagrans
Prachin Shani Mandir
Multi-Deity — Rama, Shiva, Kali, Durga, Hanuman
Probably the only temple in all of Gurugram where you can find idols of Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shani, and Goddess Kali and Durga all under one roof. This makes it an especially powerful Navratri destination for seeking blessings from all the deities in one visit.
🏛️ All Deities Under One Roof
Swaminarayan Temple
Lord Swaminarayan
A symbol of devotion and architectural beauty in Gurugram. Its intricate carvings, spiritual exhibits, and peaceful gardens make it one of the most visually stunning temples in the city. The serene environment offers a calm contrast to the crowded Navratri venues — ideal for quiet prayer and reflection.
🌿 Peaceful Navratri Puja
Damdama Temple
Lord Shiva
Nestled in the scenic Aravalli hills near Damdama Lake, Sohna, this Shiva temple offers a rare blend of nature and spirituality. Surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters, it is a peaceful escape for meditation and prayer. The scenic drive and tranquil setting make this a unique Navratri pilgrimage experience for Gurugram devotees.
🏔️ Scenic Pilgrimage Spot
Sita Ram Mandir
Lord Rama & Sita
One of the most beautiful and architecturally unique temples in Gurugram, located in Ashok Vihar. Its distinctive three-dome structure sets it apart from typical North Indian temples. During Chaitra Navratri, which ends on Ram Navami, this temple is especially vibrant — a wonderful place for the final day’s puja.
🌸 Best for Chaitra Navratri
🛕 Temple Visit Tips During Navratri in Gurugram
- Visit Sheetla Mata Mandir early morning (before 8 AM) on weekdays to avoid very long queues — Navratri days see crowds of thousands
- Dress in the colour of the day — it adds to the festive spirit and many temples appreciate the gesture
- Carry small currency for prasad and offering; most temples don’t have card machines
- Remove footwear respectfully — carry a bag if you are visiting during monsoon (October) as the ground outside can be wet
- For Kanya Pujan (Ashtami, Oct 18 / Mar 26) — many community temples in Gurugram sectors also hold group pujas. Check your RWA notice boards
- The ISKCON Temple’s evening Sandhya Aarti (7:00 PM) during Navratri is a truly magical experience — arrive 15 min early
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many times is Navratri celebrated in 2026?
Navratri is celebrated twice in 2026 — Chaitra Navratri from March 19 to 27, and Sharad (Maha) Navratri from October 11 to 19. Both festivals honour the nine forms of Goddess Durga with nine days of puja, fasting, and devotion.
When is Chaitra Navratri 2026?
Chaitra Navratri 2026 begins on Thursday, March 19 and ends on Friday, March 27, 2026. The ninth day is celebrated as Ram Navami — the birth anniversary of Lord Rama. The Ghatasthapana Muhurat on March 19 is from 6:52 AM to 7:43 AM.
What is the difference between Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri?
Chaitra Navratri (March) marks the start of the Hindu New Year and is observed in spring with a focus on personal puja, fasting, and spiritual discipline. It ends with Ram Navami. Sharad Navratri (October) is the grander, more festive celebration — with garba, dandiya nights, Durga Puja pandals, and Dussehra. Both worship the same nine forms of Maa Durga.
When is Navratri 2026 (Sharad)?
Sharad Navratri 2026 runs from Sunday, October 11 to Monday, October 19, 2026. Vijayadashami (Dussehra) falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
What colour should I wear on Day 1 of Navratri 2026?
Day 1 of both Navratris is Yellow — the colour of Maa Shailputri, representing happiness, vitality, and new beginnings. For Chaitra Navratri, Day 1 is March 19. For Sharad Navratri, Day 1 is October 11.
When is Ram Navami 2026?
Ram Navami 2026 falls on Friday, March 27 — the 9th and final day of Chaitra Navratri. The fast is broken after 10:06 AM on this day.
What colour do I wear on Ashtami (Durga Ashtami) 2026?
The colour for Ashtami is Pink, associated with Maa Mahagauri. In Chaitra Navratri, Durga Ashtami falls on March 26. In Sharad Navratri, it falls on October 18. Kanya Pujan is traditionally performed on this day.
What is the significance of Navratri colours?
Each colour corresponds to the divine energy of the Goddess worshipped that day. Wearing the colour is believed to help devotees connect spiritually with Maa Durga’s specific form and invite her blessings — joy, strength, purity, wisdom, and so on — into their lives.
Are there Navratri events and dandiya nights in Gurugram?
Yes! Gurugram hosts numerous dandiya and garba events during Sharad Navratri (October) at venues like DLF CyberHub, Kingdom of Dreams, and housing society clubs. Chaitra Navratri events are smaller and more devotional. Check BookMyShow and Instagram event pages closer to the dates for confirmed listings.
🙏 Jai Mata Di — Happy Navratri from Gurgaon Diary!
Bookmark this page and share it with your friends and family in Gurugram. Follow Gurgaon Diary for updates on Navratri events, dandiya nights, and Dussehra celebrations in the city.
