Autumn Hindu Festivals 2026: Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali and Kartik Dates

Autumn contains one of the busiest Hindu festival periods. In 2026, the widely observed India dates run from Sharad Navratri in October through Diwali in November and Gita Jayanti in December. Confirm city-specific timings before a fast, ghatasthapana, Lakshmi Puja, or temple visit.

Sharad Navratri and Dussehra

Date	Observance
11 October	Sharad Navratri begins / Ghatasthapana day
19 October	Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami
20 October	Vijayadashami / Dussehra
25 October	Sharad Purnima

Navratri is observed in many forms across India. Use the Navratri puja guide for beginners for a simple home approach, what Navratri means for context, and the nine forms of Durga guide for the nine-day devotional sequence.

Diwali and Kartik 2026

Date	Observance
6 November	Dhanteras
8 November	Diwali / Lakshmi Puja
10 November	Govardhan Puja
11 November	Bhai Dooj
15 November	Chhath Puja
24 November	Kartik Purnima

The Diwali Lakshmi Puja guide and Diwali story and significance can help with a meaningful, uncomplicated observance. Read Kartik Purnima and Dev Diwali for the later Kartik period.

December observances

Gita Jayanti and Mokshada Ekadashi fall on 20 December 2026, followed by Dattatreya Jayanti on 23 December. For background on the former, see Gita Jayanti: meaning and significance.

A date note for 2026

These dates were checked against Drik Panchang’s India 2026 festival listing. A different city or regional calendar can move an observance by a civil day where the required tithi falls around sunrise, sunset, or midnight. Follow the panchang used by your local temple or family for the final timing.

For the whole year, return to the Hindu festival calendar 2026.