When is Navaratri 2024? Festival Date, Calendar, and Event Info

Navaratri is a nine-night Hindu festival that celebrates the goddess Durga in her nine forms. The festival falls between October 4th to 13th in 2024.

While some places dedicate this festival to the goddess Durga and her nine manifestations, other places celebrate Navaratri by worshipping Rama, one of Lord Vishnu's 10 avatars.

Some of the Navaratri festivities include traditional music and dance performances, rituals, and the singing of devotional songs, and the festival culminates on Dussehra — a celebration of the victory of good over evil.

Navaratri Dates and Holiday Calendar

How Long is the Navaratri Festival?

The post-monsoon autumn Sharada Navaratri is the most observed among the four seasonal Navaratri celebrations throughout the year and lasts for nine nights and 10 days. It may also be held for a day more or a day less, depending on the adjustments in sun and moon movements and whether the current year is a leap year.

Explore similar itineraries:

9-Day India Tiger Safari and Golden Triangle Tour

11-Day India and Nepal Tour

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

My husband and I are planning a 3 week… Alisa was a great listener to all the things we wanted to incorporate into our trip. We discussed everything throughly, and when I had questions, she had answers the next day. I really appreciate her responsiveness and detail with me. I feel like we are in the best hands with Alisa and Asia Highlights. More , Mar 2024

Very great experience our driver D was… Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More Rylan Coache, Feb 2024

Excellent guide in Siem Reap Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024

Navaratri Dates Across India

Navaratri celebrations vary by region and the goddess Durga is celebrated in some, while others dedicate the festival to Rama.

Regarded as an optional holiday, many government offices and businesses still operate during Navaratri, though some companies might choose to give their employees time off. Below is a list of all the different Navaratri celebrations across India:

Navaratri is Determined by the Hindu Calendar

Similar to most Hindu festivals, Navaratri follows the Hindu calendar, which is based on a lunisolar system and has been used by the majority of Hindus to mark important festival dates for thousands of years.

The festival celebrated for nine straight nights throughout the Hindu month of Ashvin. Also known as Aswayuja, Ashvin is the seventh month in the Hindu calendar and begins on the new moon following the autumn equinox, typically falling in either September or October on the Gregorian calendar.

Aside from Navaratri, other major Hindu festivals celebrated in Ashvin include Diwali, the festival of lights, Kali Puja, dedicated to goddess Kali, and Durga Puja, a festival celebrating the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

14-Day Rajasthan Tour Package for Westners Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur

Navaratri Dates: 1990 to 2030

b

How to Celebrate Navaratri

There are a few ways travelers can celebrate Navaratri, including:

Cleansing the Mind

The purpose of Navaratri is to cleanse yourself of negative feelings like hatred, jealousy, anger, and violence. The best thing to do on Navaratri is to keep your mind and thoughts pure and avoid negative thoughts about other people.

Treating Women with Great Respect

Since the goddess Durga is said to be represented by young girls, a common way Navaratri is celebrated is by offering gifts like sweets, traditional food, and fruit to young girls during the festival. This also applies to married women, who are to be treated with the utmost respect.

Engaging in Spiritual Deepening

Navaratri is all about spiritual deepening. Try meditating for at least 15 minutes a day throughout the entire nine-day festival. If you want to take it a step further, join the local devotees on their fast by only eating fruit and drinking milk, or restrict yourself to one vegetarian meal a day.

7-Day Off the Beaten Path South India Tour Aurangabad - Mumbai - Hampi

Celebrate Navaratri With Asia Highlights

Navaratri is one of India's biggest festivals. Connect with Asia Highlights today to start planning your trip and experience this incredible festival firsthand. We'll help tailor your bookings and organize trips that allow you to enjoy Navaratri to the fullest.