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

Autumn contains one of the busiest Hindu festival seasons. In 2026, the widely observed India dates run from Sharad Navratri in October through Diwali and Chhath Puja in November, followed by Gita Jayanti in December. This guide provides a planning overview, not a universal muhurta.

Hindu dates depend on lunar tithis and rules tied to sunrise, sunset, moonrise, or a specified part of the day. Confirm city-specific timings with the panchang used by your family or temple before ghatasthapana, a fast, Lakshmi Puja, Chhath offerings, or travel.

October 2026: Navratri, Dussehra, and Sharad Purnima

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

Sharad Navratri honours the Divine Mother across nine nights, but its expression differs by region. Gujarat is known for garba, West Bengal for Durga Puja, northern India for fasting and Ramlila, and parts of southern India for golu displays. The Navratri puja guide for beginners offers a modest home practice, while the nine forms of Durga explains the Navadurga sequence.

Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of dharma through different narratives and customs: Rama’s victory over Ravana, Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, the conclusion of Durga Puja, the immersion of images, Ramlila, and the beginning of new learning. Follow local guidance for processions, immersion, and fire safety.

Sharad Purnima is the full moon later in the month. It carries devotional associations with Krishna in some Vaishnava traditions and with Lakshmi in others. Customs involving food left under moonlight require ordinary food-safety care; keep preparations covered and observe local weather conditions.

November 2026: Dhanteras through Kartik Purnima

Date	Observance
1 November	Ahoi Ashtami
6 November	Dhanteras
8 November	Diwali / Lakshmi Puja
10 November	Govardhan Puja
11 November	Bhai Dooj
15 November	Chhath Puja, main evening offering
20 November	Dev Uthani (Prabodhini) Ekadashi
21 November	Tulsi Vivah
24 November	Kartik Purnima and Dev Deepawali; Guru Nanak Jayanti

Dhanteras begins the best-known Diwali sequence in many communities. Practices may honour Dhanvantari, Lakshmi, Kubera, household wellbeing, or the purchase and cleaning of useful items. Diwali on 8 November centres on lamps, prayer, hospitality, and renewal, though the stories emphasized differ across Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities.

Use the Diwali Lakshmi Puja guide for a simple sequence and Diwali story and significance for cultural context. Keep diyas away from fabric, supervise children and pets, and observe local firework and air-quality rules.

Govardhan Puja remembers Krishna lifting Govardhan and often includes an annakut, or abundant food offering. Bhai Dooj celebrates sibling bonds. Chhath Puja then honours Surya and Chhathi Maiya through a rigorous multi-day discipline, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and diaspora communities. Beginners should not improvise its fasting requirements; see the Chhath Puja guide and learn from an experienced family or community.

Kartik Purnima closes an important sacred month for many devotees. Bathing, lamps, temple visits, and charitable giving are common, while Varanasi is especially associated with Dev Deepavali. Read Kartik Purnima and Dev Diwali before planning a visit.

December 2026: Gita Jayanti and Dattatreya Jayanti

Gita Jayanti and Mokshada Ekadashi fall on 20 December 2026 in this calendar, followed by Dattatreya Jayanti on 23 December — see who Dattatreya is. Gita Jayanti commemorates Krishna’s teaching to Arjuna and may be observed through recitation, study, discussion, or service. The Gita Jayanti meaning and significance guide provides a thoughtful starting point.

How to plan the festival season respectfully

Create a household calendar early, but add final puja times only after checking the local panchang. If fasting, plan hydration, medication, and nourishing permitted foods; seek medical guidance when pregnancy, diabetes, illness, age, or an eating-disorder history makes restriction unsafe. For crowded events, arrange transport, keep children supervised, respect photography rules, and follow temple or civic safety instructions.

Dates in this article were checked against Drik Panchang’s India festival listing, while recognizing that the site’s own location settings can change a displayed timing. For a broader view, return to the Hindu festival calendar 2026.