Shardiya Navratri in the UK in 2026 begins on Sunday 11 October. The nine main Navratri days run from 11 to Monday 19 October 2026, while Vijayadashami / Dussehra is Tuesday 20 October in the London calendar. Drik Panchang’s London calendar lists Durga Visarjan on Wednesday 21 October. Local temple rituals can follow their own tradition, so verify a local puja timetable before attending.
Shardiya Navratri 2026 UK: key dates
| Date | Day | Observance in London calendar | Common colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 October | Sunday | Day 1 — Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja | Orange |
| 12 October | Monday | Day 2 — Brahmacharini Puja | White |
| 13 October | Tuesday | Day 3 — Chandraghanta Puja | Red |
| 14 October | Wednesday | Day 4 — Kushmanda Puja | Royal blue |
| 15 October | Thursday | Day 5 — Skandamata Puja | Yellow |
| 16 October | Friday | Day 6 — Katyayani Puja / Saraswati Avahan | Green |
| 17 October | Saturday | Day 7 — Kalaratri Puja | Grey |
| 18 October | Sunday | Day 8 — Durga Ashtami / Mahagauri Puja | Purple |
| 19 October | Monday | Day 9 — Maha Navami / Siddhidatri Puja | Peacock green |
| 20 October | Tuesday | Vijayadashami / Dussehra | Tradition varies |
| 21 October | Wednesday | Durga Visarjan in the London calendar | — |
Calendar source: Drik Panchang — 2026 Shardiya Navratri Calendar for London. It shows local UK dates and notes that timings are in London time. Ritual observance can differ by regional tradition.
How to observe Navratri
Many families perform daily puja, read or recite devotional texts, offer flowers or prasad, and attend aarti or community Garba. Some devotees fast on selected days; fasting practices vary according to health, family custom and tradition. Follow guidance that is appropriate to your circumstances and your own religious community.
What about puja timings?
Ghatasthapana, Sandhi Puja and other ritual timings are location-specific and should be taken from a reliable local panchang or the temple’s own programme. Drik Panchang lists a London Sandhi Puja window of 5:57 am–6:45 am on 19 October; confirm that timing with your temple if it follows the same panchang method.
Frequently asked questions
When does Navratri start in the UK in 2026?
The London calendar lists Sunday 11 October 2026 as Day 1.
When is Dussehra in 2026?
Tuesday 20 October in the London calendar.
Are Navratri colours compulsory?
No. Daily colours are a custom followed by many devotees, but traditions vary and wearing a colour is optional.
Local Navratri event guides
Browse our current updates for Birmingham Pragati Mandal, Manchester Navratri Mahotsav and Bristol Dola Re Garba.
UK time and local observance
For time-sensitive rituals, distinguish the date shown on a festival calendar from a temple’s programme. A tithi can begin or end at a clock time that differs from sunrise-based festival-day labelling, and Sandhi Puja may fall just after midnight in local time. The London calendar lists Sandhi Puja from 5:57 am to 6:45 am on 19 October. Use that window only if it matches your family or temple’s chosen panchang method. For Leicester, Birmingham, Manchester or another UK city, open a city-specific calendar and confirm any ritual time with the local mandir.
Last checked: 11 October 2026. The article uses the London calendar for dates; consult your local temple or city-specific panchang if it differs.