Navratri, Dussehra and Sharad Purnima Gifts That Show You Noticed
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October and ends on Monday, 19 October, followed by Dussehra on Tuesday, 20 October. The most personal gift for these festivals is proof you paid attention to a detail, like the colour she wears each day or the kheer prepared for Sharad Purnima on 25 October.
How we researched this
We checked festival dates on Drik Panchang and Indian news sites, the 2026 colour list on Economic Times, and Kanya Pujan gift guides from Jagran, Prabhat Khabar and Hindustan.
Last verified: 5 October 2026. We update this page when ratings, prices or hours change.
At a glance
- Navratri 2026 datesSharad Navratri runs from 11 to 19 October 2026. Source: drikpanchang.com
- Dussehra 2026 dateVijayadashami falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. Source: panchang.now
- Sharad Purnima 2026Observed on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Source: indiatv.in
- myguldasta in LucknowSend fresh flowers or a cake with a printed letter for these festivals.
What are the Navratri colours for 2026?
The Navratri colours for 2026, from 11 to 19 October, are Orange, White, Red, Royal Blue, Yellow, Green, Grey, Purple, and Peacock Green in that order. These colours correspond to each day of the festival and the goddess worshipped, as reported by major news sources. Choosing a gift in the day's colour shows you noticed her observance.
Notice which colour she wears on a specific day. A gift in that same shade shows you saw her observance. For example, on the first day for Shailputri, the colour is orange. A panchang guide notes this day is paired with pure ghee as bhog, linking colour to ritual.
| Day | Goddess | Colour | A gift idea in that colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 · Sun 11 Oct | Shailputri | Orange | A small terracotta pot with a plant |
| Day 2 · Mon 12 Oct | Brahmacharini | White | A set of cotton napkins |
| Day 3 · Tue 13 Oct | Chandraghanta | Red | A puja thali with a red cloth |
| Day 4 · Wed 14 Oct | Kushmanda | Royal Blue | A blue glass water bottle |
| Day 5 · Thu 15 Oct | Skandamata | Yellow | A box of turmeric soap |
| Day 6 · Fri 16 Oct | Katyayani | Green | A packet of tulsi seeds |
| Day 7 · Sat 17 Oct | Kalaratri | Grey | A stone paperweight |
| Day 8 · Sun 18 Oct | Mahagauri | Purple | A lavender sachet |
| Day 9 · Mon 19 Oct | Maha Navami | Peacock Green | A peacock feather bookmark |
Dates and goddesses: Drik Panchang. Colours: Economic Times, September 2026. Gift ideas are suggestions.
What are good Dussehra gift ideas?
Dussehra, on 20 October 2026, celebrates the victory of good. This date is confirmed by multiple panchang and news sources. Gifts can reflect this theme of triumph and new beginnings, aligning with the day's significance as Vijayadashami. Consider items that honour the conclusion of the nine-day Navratri festival.
Observing the festival's timeline can guide a gift. Navratri concludes on 19 October 2026 with Maha Navami. Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, follows on 20 October. A present for this separate day acknowledges the distinct celebration of victory that comes after the nine nights.
After the festivals
The festive season continues with Sharad Purnima on 25 October.
What to gift for Kanya Pujan?
Kanya Pujan involves honouring young girls. Published suggestions from regional sources include a small plate-and-glass set, a red chunri, floral hairbands, laddoos, barfi, dry-fruit packets, chocolates, or fruit jelly. These items are considered auspicious and practical for young girls during the ritual.
Published lists show a range of items, from sweets like laddoos and barfi to practical items like a small plate-and-glass set or a red chunri. These are examples of what can be given, based on regional suggestions and lifestyle features.
How is Sharad Purnima celebrated?
Sharad Purnima in 2026 is on 25 October. A common custom is to place kheer under direct moonlight overnight so it absorbs lunar rays, before consuming it the next day, as verified by sources on the tradition. The full moon night has its own rituals in the festive season.
The custom involves preparing kheer and placing it under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima night. The tithi for this observance in 2026 begins on 25 October at 11:55 AM and ends on 26 October at 9:11 AM, according to one panchang-based source.
When is Dussehra in 2026?
Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. This date is confirmed by multiple panchang and news sources for the year, with some noting a Vijay Muhurat in the afternoon. Marking this date is the first step in aligning a gift with the festival's timeline.
Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. This date is confirmed by multiple panchang sources and major Indian news coverage. It follows the nine days of Sharad Navratri, which run from 11 to 19 October, marking a separate and significant observance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send gifts for Sharad Purnima?
A verified source confirming whether gifting is a common Sharad Purnima practice in North India was not found in the collected results. The festival is known for the custom of placing kheer under moonlight. Gifts would likely align with local and family traditions for the full moon night.
Are sweets common Dussehra gifts?
A verified source confirming whether gifting sweets is a common Dussehra practice in North India was not found in the collected results. Gifts often align with local and family traditions for Vijayadashami. The day itself marks the victory celebrated at the end of Navratri.
What are simple Kanya Pujan gifts?
Simple Kanya Pujan gifts based on published lists include a red chunri, floral elastic hairbands, or a packet of dry fruits. These items are considered auspicious and practical for young girls, as mentioned in a regional gift guide. Other suggestions are laddoos, barfi, chocolates, or fruit jelly.
Is there a standard list for Kanya Pujan?
A standardized, authoritative national list of Kanya Pujan gifts was not found. The available sources only show examples and suggestions from regional publications, such as a small plate-and-glass set or festive sweets. These lists serve as inspiration rather than a fixed protocol.
What flowers are offered during Navratri?
The gathered information does not include a verified, authoritative list of specific flowers for Durga puja or the reasons for offering them. For accurate ritual details, consulting a temple priest or a trusted panchang source for the year 2026 is recommended.
before the moon rises
The detail matters
The dates for Sharad Navratri 2026 are 11 to 19 October, Dussehra is on 20 October, and Sharad Purnima is observed on 25 October.
Sources: dekhopanchang.com (2026-09-23) · economictimes.indiatimes.com (2026-09-30) · economictimes.indiatimes.com (2026-09-30) · economictimes.indiatimes.com (2026-09-20) · panchangbodh.com (2026-09-07) · timesofindia.indiatimes.com (2026-10-02) · drikpanchang.com (2026-09-04) · hindutone.com (2026-08-08) · indiatv.in (2026-10-04) · jagran.com (2026-09-29) · livehindustan.com (2026-09-23) · panchang.now (2026-10-04)
Published 5 October 2026. Last verified 5 October 2026.