Quick take: Navratri 2026 begins Monday, October 12 and concludes with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. For NRIs across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe, these 10 days are among the most joyous, community-heavy periods on the Hindu calendar — welcoming Goddess Durga into the home, chanting mantras, dancing garba, and celebrating good over evil.

Dates for Navratri 2026

  • Day 1 — Shailaputri — Monday, Oct 12
  • Day 2 — Brahmacharini — Tuesday, Oct 13
  • Day 3 — Chandraghanta — Wednesday, Oct 14
  • Day 4 — Kushmanda — Thursday, Oct 15
  • Day 5 — Skandamata — Friday, Oct 16
  • Day 6 — Katyayani — Saturday, Oct 17
  • Day 7 — Kalaratri — Sunday, Oct 18
  • Day 8 (Ashtami) — Maha Gauri — Monday, Oct 19
  • Day 9 (Navami) — Siddhidatri — Tuesday, Oct 20
  • Day 10 — Vijayadashami / Dussehra — Wednesday, Oct 21

Spiritual Significance

Navratri honours Nava Durga — the nine forms of the Divine Mother. Each day worships a different form. Vijayadashami marks Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura, and simultaneously Lord Rama's victory over Ravana.

How NRIs Celebrate Across the World

USA

Major celebrations in NJ (Robbinsville BAPS, Edison), NYC (Flushing), Bay Area, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta. See our NJ/NYC Dussehra Navratri Guide.

UK

London and Leicester host massive garba nights + Durga puja. See our UK Dussehra Guide.

Canada

Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary host Bengali Durga Puja + Gujarati garba nights. See our Toronto Dussehra Guide.

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Australia + Europe

Sydney, Melbourne, Perth in Australia; Germany, Netherlands, France, Ireland in Europe — smaller but heartfelt community + temple celebrations.

Home Rituals for NRI Households

  • Ghatasthapana on Day 1 — install a kalash + sow barley seeds
  • Daily arti + Durga Chalisa recitation
  • Change colour of clothes daily per traditional colour palette (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Grey, Orange, White, Pink, Sky Blue)
  • Fasting or one-meal-a-day observance for those who choose
  • Kanya Puja on Ashtami / Navami — worship 9 young girls as forms of Durga
  • Concluding aarti on Vijayadashami + symbolic Ravana Dahan

Prasad + Fasting Foods

See our detailed 9-Day Navratri Fasting Food Guide: sabudana khichdi, kuttu ka atta paratha, samak rice, fruit + milk based prasad.

Garba + Dandiya Nights

The most fun part of Navratri for many NRIs. See our full Garba + Dandiya Guide.

Key Mantras

  • Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu — Shakti mantra of the Divine Mother
  • Om Sarva Mangala Mangalye — invocation of Durga's auspicious grace
  • Sri Durga Chalisa — 40 verses in praise of Durga

See detailed mantras: Nine Forms of Durga — Mantras Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Dussehra 2026?

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 falls on Wednesday, October 21. The 9-day Navratri leading up to it begins on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, and ends with Vijayadashami puja.

What is the difference between Navratri and Durga Puja?

Navratri is the pan-Indian 9-night worship of Durga's nine forms (celebrated with fasting, garba). Durga Puja is the Bengali-specific 5-day celebration (Sasthi to Dashami) with pandal-hopping and cultural programs.

Which cities have the biggest Dussehra celebrations abroad?

London (Trafalgar Square), Leicester (Golden Mile), Toronto (Nathan Phillips Square, BAPS Etobicoke), New Jersey (BAPS Robbinsville), Sydney (Parramatta), and Melbourne (Federation Square).

Do NRIs fast during Navratri?

Yes — many NRIs observe the 9-day Navratri fast, eating only vrat-friendly foods (kuttu flour, singhare atta, sabudana, potatoes, fruits, dairy). Some fast only on the first + last day.

How is Vijayadashami celebrated abroad?

Vijayadashami includes Ravana Dahan (symbolic effigy burning), Saraswati puja (children begin new learning), Ayudha Puja (worshipping tools/vehicles), and Aparajita puja. Most temples host all four.

Jai Mata Di! Jai Maa Durga!

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May Goddess Durga bless every NRI home with strength, victory over obstacles, and prosperity.

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