Navratri 2026 – When, How & Where to Celebrated In Australia
Navratri is a special Hindu festival celebrated for nine continuous days. During these nine days, people worship all nine forms of Goddess Durga and follow strict fasting rules. Let’s take a look at the Sharad Navratri 2026 October dates, times & events in Australia, so you can mark your calendar for this special festival.
What Is The Meaning Of Navratri Sharad Festival?
The festival of Navratri happens twice a year – once in March-April, called ‘Chaitra’ or ‘Vasant Navratri,’ and the other in September-October, known as ‘Sharad Navratri.’ Among these, Sharad Navratri, which falls in the autumn season, is the most important and celebrated all over the world when we celebrate Durga Puja and Dusshera.
Sharad Navratri 2026 Dates
In 2026, Durga Navratri will be celebrated in Sharad Ritu (Autumn Season) beginning on Thursday, 11th October 2026 and concluding on Wednesday, 19th October. These are the days when devotees come together, dance, sing, and pray, celebrating the victory of good over evil.
Tip – Also For Ganesh Chaturthi 2026, observe the auspicious timings for pooja and rituals and ensure to decorate the idol beautifully.
| Sharad Navratri | Date | Navratri Colour of the Day | Significance of Devi Worship / Puja |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navratri Day 1 (Pratipada) | October 11 (Sunday) | Orange | Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja |
| Navratri Day 2 (Dwitiya) | October 12 (Monday) | White | Chandra Darshan, Brahmacharini Puja |
| Navratri Day 3 (Tritiya) | October 13 (Tuesday) | Red | Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja |
| Navratri Day 4 (Chaturthi) | October 14 (Wednesday) | Royal Blue | Kushmanda Puja, Vinayaka Chaturthi |
| Navratri Day 5 (Panchami) | October 15 (Thursday) | Yellow | Kushmanda Puja |
| Navratri Day 6 (Shashthi) | October 16 (Friday) | Yellow | Upang Lalita Vrat, Skandamata Puja |
| Navratri Day 7 (Saptami) | October 17 (Saturday) | Green | Saraswati Avahan, Katyayani Puja |
| Navratri Day 8 (Ashtami) | October 18 (Sunday) | Grey | Saraswati Puja, Kalaratri Puja |
| Navratri Day 9 (Navami) | October 19, 2026, Monday | Purple | Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja |
Important Timings On Navratri 2026
Sharad Navratri 2026 commences on 11 October at 06:19 AM (Australia timings) with the Ghatasthapana Muhurta and spans over nine nights, concluding on October 12 at 10:12 AM (Australia timings).
History Of Navratri | Why Is Navratri Celebrated?
Navratri commemorates the heroic tale of Goddess Durga and her battle against the formidable demon, Mahishasura.
Story – Mahishasura had gained immortality as a reward for his unwavering devotion to Lord Brahma. However, there was a twist to this blessing – only a female could defeat him. Confident that no woman could match his strength, Mahishasura and his demon army wreaked havoc, causing fear and chaos everywhere.
Even the mighty gods like Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma couldn’t stop him. In response, they united to create Goddess Durga, armed with divine power and determination. For ten intense days, she waged a fierce battle, ultimately defeating Mahishasura.
Message – Navratri celebrates this epic battle and the triumph of good over evil. It’s a time to honour the strength and power of the goddess Durga, who shows us that even the mightiest of challenges can be overcome with courage and determination.
Fasting In Navratri
Fasting holds a special place during Shardiya Navratri, and it carries deep meaning and significance.
Spiritual Purification: By abstaining from certain foods, devotees believe they purify themselves, not just physically, but spiritually too. It’s a way of preparing oneself to connect with the divine energy of Goddess Durga.
Varied Fasting Styles: Fasting isn’t a one-size-fits-all practice during Navratri. It varies from person to person. Some choose a diet of fruits and milk, while others opt for a more rigorous fasting regimen.
Navratri Rituals In India
Navratri is a festival full of vibrant customs and rituals that vary across different regions of India. Here’s a unique glimpse into these traditions:
Durga Puja In Kolkata: Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja, the grandest festival of the year in Kolkata. Enormous pandals (temporary structures) are erected, and illuminated with dazzling lights, and cultural festivities take centre stage. Take part in the grand festival by booking your flights to Kolkata. Explore these popular routes –
- Melbourne to Kolkata Flights
- Sydney to Kolkata Flights
- Brisbane to Kolkata Flights
- Perth to Kolkata Flights
- Adelaide to Kolkata Flights
Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat: Navratri comes alive with the rhythmic beats of Garba and Dandiya dances in Gujarat. People don traditional attire and twirl with dandiya sticks in hand, creating a vibrant spectacle. To witness this, book your flights to Ahmedabad today with these popular routes –
- Melbourne to Ahmedabad Flights
- Sydney to Ahmedabad Flights
- Brisbane to Ahmedabad Flights
- Perth to Ahmedabad Flights
- Adelaide to Ahmedabad Flights
Goa’s Zatras: In Goa, Navratri kicks off special Zatras (festivals), and Saraswat Brahmin temples adorn themselves in all their glory. Devotees lovingly offer sandalwood paste, kumkum, and new clothes and ornaments to the Dasha Maitrikas.
Book your flights to Goa and enjoy these unique celebrations. Here are the famous routes you can choose from –
- Melbourne to Goa Flights
- Sydney to Goa Flights
- Brisbane to Goa Flights
- Perth to Goa Flights
- Adelaide to Goa Flights
Ayudha Puja In Kerala: Kerala observes Ayudha Puja on the ninth day of Navratri, a ceremony to bless all the tools in the household. It’s a unique and important tradition in this southern state. So, reserve your flights to Trivandrum, Kerala to enjoy this tradition. Check out the most famous routes below –
- Melbourne to Trivandrum Flights
- Sydney to Trivandrum Flights
- Brisbane to Trivandrum Flights
- Perth to Trivandrum Flights
- Adelaide to Trivandrum Flights
Best Happy Navratri Wishes
- May Maa Durga bless you with strength and wisdom. Happy Navratri!”
- Dance to the rhythm of Garba and celebrate the victory of good over evil. Happy Navratri!
- May Goddess Durga shower her blessings upon you and your family. Happy Navratri!
- Let the echoes of ‘Jai Mata Di’ resound in your heart. Wishing you a Navratri filled with devotion and bliss. Happy Navratri!
- A very happy Navratri! As the stars twinkle above, may the light of Navratri guide you through life’s darkest moments.
That’s it! Zor se bolo – JAI MATA DI! 🙏
(Know more about Indian festivals celebrated in Australia like Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 here.)
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