Sharad Navratri 2026: Dates, Celebrations, Muhurat & Travel Guide from Canada

Last Updated on Sep 3rd, 2026 by Neha Sharma, Leave a Comment

In case of families who happen to be a part of Hindu society in Canada, Sharad Navratri can provide them with an excellent opportunity for a return trip to India. The celebration will start on Sunday, October 11, 2026, while Vijayadashami will be held on Tuesday, October 20.

The purpose of travelling may not necessarily include visiting the festival; some people may travel to attend prayers, visit temples, Garba and Dandiya night celebrations, or Dussehra with their families after having celebrated in Canada for several years.

While choosing your destination for travelling to India to celebrate Navratri, it can become an extremely important factor. Garba is famous in Ahmedabad and Vadodara, but the approach to the celebration season is different in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.

Sharad Navratri 2026 Dates

When is Sharad Navratri in 2026?

Sharad Navratri, also called Shardiya Navratri, begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and the nine-day observance leads into Vijayadashami on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The Toronto Panchang confirms the same day-by-day calendar for the festival.

The exact observances associated with each day can vary by regional tradition & Panchang. For travellers, the key point is that October 11 marks Day 1 and October 20 is Vijayadashami in the 2026 Toronto calendar.

Check here more about the dates and tithi 

What Is Sharad Navratri?

Autumn Navratri takes place during the Hindu month of Ashwin and is also known as Shardiya Navratri. This festival marks the worship of different forms of Goddess Durga.

On this occasion, people pray to the nine different forms of Goddess Durga through various religious practices.

The manner in which Shardiya Navratri is celebrated varies greatly between regions in India. In Gujarat, the festival is known for Garba and Dandiya Raas; in West Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated. In Northern India, there is an association between Navratri and devotional practices followed by Dussehra celebrations.

This difference in celebration style becomes significant in planning a travel itinerary. The festival experience for a tourist flying to Ahmedabad for Garba will be vastly different from that of one travelling to Kolkata for Durga Puja.

How To Celebrate Sharad Navratri? 

Navratri combines religious observances with community celebrations, and the experience changes from one region to another.

Common traditions include:

• Ghatasthapana: Ceremonial initiation of the festival of Navratri on the first day.
• Fasting: Most people fast or follow certain diets during Navratri, so you can also fast during this time. 
• Puja: Conduct puja regularly at their own places or in temples. 
• Garba: You may attend garba functions in your city. 
• Dandiya Raas: You may attend the Dandiya Raas functions. 
• Durga Puja: Durga Puja is especially important in West Bengal and many other parts of eastern India.
• Kanya Puja: After all the days, you have to do Kanya Pujan. 
• Vijayadashami: The festival ends with Vijayadashami/Dussehra.

Travellers should check local event schedules rather than assuming that every city follows the same program.

Where to Celebrate Navratri in Canada?

You can experience Sharad Navratri in various cities across Canada, particularly in cities where there are vibrant Indian and Gujarati communities.

• Toronto, Mississauga & Brampton: Garba and Dandiya functions usually take place in the GTA.
• Vancouver & Surrey: Garba nights, Dandiya, and community functions happen here.
• Calgary: Various Gujarati community groups organize Garba and Navratri functions.
• Edmonton: Various Gujarati and community groups conduct Garba and cultural functions.
• Ottawa: Various Gujarati and Indian community groups conduct Navratri events and Garba functions.

Sharad Navratri 2026 Muhurat for Canadians

For Mississauga, Ontario, the current location-specific Panchang lists Ghatasthapana on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 7:28 AM to 11:13 AM local time. It also lists an Abhijit Muhurat from 12:43 PM to 1:27 PM.

The timing is not identical across Ontario. For example, the current Panchang lists 7:14 AM to 10:57 AM for Ottawa on the same date, showing why one Canadian city’s Muhurat should not be presented as a nationwide timing.

Montreal muhurat, from 7:06 AM to 10:49 AM local time.

What Is The Best City In India To Celebrate Navratri?

The answer depends on the type of experience you want.

• Ahmedabad is a natural choice for travellers whose priority is Garba. The city has a strong connection with Gujarat’s Navratri traditions & attracts people specifically for the festival.
• Vadodara is another major Gujarat destination, with a long association with large Garba celebrations.
• Mumbai offers an urban festival experience with Garba and Dandiya events across the city.
• Delhi is better suited for travellers interested in northern Indian Navratri and Dussehra traditions.
• Kolkata is different again. Its major autumn celebration is Durga Puja, so it should not be presented as the same type of Garba destination as Ahmedabad.

Book Canada to India Flights for Navratri with MyTicketsToIndia

This time if you’re planning to celebrate Navratri in India, you can consider MyTicketsToIndia for your flight bookings. Festival travel usually involves several decisions at once: your dates, destination, airline, baggage, and connections. 

MyTicketsToIndia lets Canadian travellers explore flights to India from multiple departure cities and destinations. Explore Canada to India flight options below with MyTicketsToIndia and choose a route that fits your dates, destination, and travel plans.

• Canada To Ahmedabad Flights
• Canada To Amritsar Flights
• Canada To Bangalore Flights
• Canada To Chennai Flights
• Canada To Cochin Flights
• Canada To Coimbatore Flights
• Canada To Delhi Flights
• Canada To Goa Flights
• Canada To Hyderabad Flights
• Canada To Kolkata Flights
• Canada To Mumbai Flights
• Canada To Pune Flights

*Disclaimer: All brand names and trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners and are used for educational purposes only. We do not promote, endorse, or criticise any brands. Their use is solely for reference and informational context.

About Neha Sharma | View Posts

Neha Sharma, a passionate travel blogger with more than 2 years and 6 months of experience, captures the beauty of the world through her words. With her adventurous spirit and a keen eye for detail, Neha takes her readers on mesmerizing journeys to exotic destinations. Her vivid descriptions and insightful tips make her the go-to guide for wanderlust seekers. Join Neha as she explores the globe, sharing her love for travel and inspiring others to go on their unforgettable adventures.