Updated 12 October 2026. Shardiya Navratri began on Sunday 11 October in the Dubai and Sharjah Panchang calendars. The nine forms of Maa Durga, collectively called Navdurga, are worshipped across the nine days, with Vijayadashami / Dussehra on Tuesday 20 October. Daily puja customs and colours vary across regions and communities; treat the colour sequence as a commonly published calendar, not a universal religious rule.
The nine forms of Maa Durga in 2026
| Day | Date in 2026 | Form of Durga | Common colour listed for UAE calendar |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunday, 11 October | Shailputri | Orange |
| 2 | Monday, 12 October | Brahmacharini | White |
| 3 | Tuesday, 13 October | Chandraghanta | Red |
| 4 | Wednesday, 14 October | Kushmanda | Royal blue |
| 5 | Thursday, 15 October | Skandamata | Yellow |
| 6 | Friday, 16 October | Katyayani | Green |
| 7 | Saturday, 17 October | Kalaratri | Grey |
| 8 | Sunday, 18 October | Mahagauri | Purple |
| 9 | Monday, 19 October | Siddhidatri | Peacock green |
The dates follow the 2026 Shardiya Navratri calendar for Sharjah. Some communities may observe Ashtami, Navami or colour traditions differently according to their Panchang and custom. Confirm locally when following a temple’s programme.
Drik Panchang — Sharjah Navratri 2026 calendar.
Meaning of the nine forms
1. Shailputri
Shailputri represents steadfastness and a grounded beginning. Devotees often begin Navratri puja by invoking her blessings for strength and clarity.
2. Brahmacharini
Brahmacharini represents discipline, devotion and perseverance. Her worship is associated with patience and commitment to a spiritual path.
3. Chandraghanta
Chandraghanta symbolises courage and readiness to protect good. Devotees pray for confidence and peace amid difficulties.
4. Kushmanda
Kushmanda is associated with creative energy and the sustaining power of the universe. Her worship is often linked to vitality and optimism.
5. Skandamata
Skandamata represents motherly care and protection. Devotees seek blessings for family wellbeing and compassion.
6. Katyayani
Katyayani is associated with courage and the defeat of harmful forces. Her worship represents determination and righteous action.
7. Kalaratri
Kalaratri represents the power that dispels fear and darkness. Devotees pray for protection, resilience and freedom from fear.
8. Mahagauri
Mahagauri symbolises purity, serenity and renewal. Her worship is associated with peace and spiritual cleansing.
9. Siddhidatri
Siddhidatri is associated with spiritual fulfilment and blessings. The ninth day is a time for gratitude and prayers for wisdom and wellbeing.
Simple Navratri puja at home in the UAE
- Set aside a clean and peaceful worship area and gather the items followed by your family tradition.
- Offer flowers, a lamp, fruit or other customary offerings where appropriate.
- Read or recite prayers familiar to your household, or follow the temple’s published puja instructions.
- For fasting, follow your own tradition and any dietary or health needs; there is no single fasting menu followed by every Hindu family.
- Use your local Panchang for muhurat timings instead of copying a time from India or another emirate.
Frequently asked questions
When does Navratri 2026 begin in the UAE?
The local calendars list the first day on 11 October 2026.
Are the Navratri colours the same everywhere?
No. Colours vary by region, calendar and family custom. Check the source used by your community before treating a colour list as definitive.
When is Dussehra in the UAE in 2026?
The Dubai Panchang lists Vijayadashami / Dussehra on Tuesday 20 October 2026.
Related Navratri guides
See the UAE Navratri 2026 date and puja calendar and our UAE community celebration guide.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. This guide gives the commonly listed sequence; local temple instructions take precedence for ritual practice.