Why do the dates change every year?

Both are fixed to a lunar Tithi (Shukla Pratipada) in a specific lunar month, not a Gregorian date — the date drifts year to year, and can shift by nearly a month in a year with an Adhik Maas.

What is Ghatasthapana?

The ritual installation of a sacred pot (kalash) on Day 1 of Navratri, marking the formal start of the observance.

Are there more than 2 Navratris in a year?

Yes — Magha and Ashadha Navratri ('Gupt Navratri') also exist in the Shakta tradition but are far less widely observed; this tool covers the two mainstream ones.

Why does the calculation check the Sun's Rashi as well as the Tithi?

Shukla Pratipada recurs every lunar month, so a Tithi-only search can match the wrong month's occurrence in an Adhik Maas year — checking the Sun's Rashi pins down the correct month for each Navratri.

How accurate is this calculation?

Both dates were verified against real, independently-published 2026 festival-calendar dates before shipping.

Does Sharad Navratri always fall in September or October?

Usually, since Ashwin month typically overlaps that period, but in a year with an Adhik Maas inserted earlier, it can fall notably later.

What follows the 9th day of Sharad Navratri?

Day 10, Dussehra (Vijayadashami), celebrating the goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura (and, in North India, Rama's victory over Ravana).

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Navratri Dates Calculator

The calculated start dates of Sharad and Chaitra Navratri for any Gregorian year.

🔒 Runs entirely in your browser — nothing here is ever uploaded

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Last reviewed 2026-09-07

About the Navratri Dates Calculator

Calculates the start dates of both Sharad (autumn) and Chaitra (spring) Navratri for any Gregorian year.

100% Free Runs in Your Browser No Sign-Up Required

How to use it

Enter a Gregorian year.
Read the calculated start date (Ghatasthapana) for Sharad Navratri.
Read the calculated start date for Chaitra Navratri.

Formula

Both Navratris start on Shukla Pratipada (1st Tithi of Shukla Paksha) — Sharad Navratri in Ashwin month (found via Sun Rashi Kanya/Virgo), Chaitra Navratri in Chaitra month (found via Sun Rashi Meena/Pisces). The Rashi check disambiguates the correct month's occurrence in an Adhik Maas (leap month) year.

Worked example

2026: Chaitra Navratri starts 19 March, Sharad Navratri starts 11 October.

Chaitra vs. Sharad Navratri

Chaitra vs. Sharad Navratri
	Chaitra (Vasant) Navratri	Sharad Navratri
Season	Spring	Autumn
Month	Chaitra	Ashwin
Duration	9 nights	9 nights
Culminates in	Ram Navami (Day 9)	Dussehra/Vijayadashami (Day 10)
Prominence	Widely observed, esp. North India	The larger, more widely celebrated of the two

Interpreting your result

This is a calculated approximation using a fixed India Standard Time midday reference; the real observed date can occasionally differ by a day from a local Panchang's sunrise-based determination.

Recommendations

• A less-common third and fourth Navratri (Magha and Ashadha, the 'Gupt' or hidden Navratris) are observed by some Shakta traditions but are far less widespread — this tool covers the two mainstream observances.

Frequently asked questions

Chaitra (spring) Navratri culminates in Ram Navami; Sharad (autumn) Navratri, the larger and more widely celebrated of the two, culminates in Dussehra/Vijayadashami. Both are 9-night observances honoring the goddess Durga.