Navratri and Durga Puja traditions explained

Shardiya Navratri and Durga Puja are two distinct but related Hindu traditions centered on the worship of the Goddess. While both share roots in autumnal worship, they differ in duration and regional customs.

Navratri is a nine-night pan-Indian tradition dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Shakti. In northern India, rituals often include Ghatasthapana, fasting, and Kanya Pujan. In contrast, Durga Puja is a prominent five-day regional celebration in West Bengal, specifically observed from Shashthi to Dashami. Kolkata’s Durga Puja was recognized as a UNESCO heritage site in 2021.

For the 2026 season, Shardiya Navratri is scheduled to begin on October 11, culminating in Dussehra on the tenth day. The festival involves the worship of various forms of the Goddess, including Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, and Siddhidatri, across the nine-day period.