Navratri & Garba 2026 in Bareilly: Events, Puja & Where to Celebrate

TL;DR: Navratri 2026 begins on 11 October and runs through Dussehra on 20 October. Bareilly's main temples — Trivati Nath Mandir, Alakhnath Temple, and Dhopeshwar Nath Temple — host puja and celebrations throughout the nine nights. Garba and dandiya events take place at community grounds and temples across the city.

Bareilly, one of Uttar Pradesh's major cities, celebrates Navratri with the full nine-night intensity characteristic of North India. Temples come alive with daily arati and puja, community grounds host garba and dandiya nights, and the city's energy builds to a crescendo at Dussehra with Ravan dahan events. Here's what you need to know to plan your Navratri in Bareilly.

Key Navratri Dates for Bareilly in 2026

According to DrikPanchang, here are the confirmed dates for Navratri and the surrounding festival season:

• Navratri 2026: 11 October (Day 1) – 19 October (Durga Ashtami)
• Durga Ashtami 2026: 19 October
• Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026: 20 October
• Karva Chauth 2026: 29 October
• Dhanteras 2026: 6 November
• Diwali 2026: 8 November
• Chhath Puja 2026: 15 November

This run from mid-October through mid-November is the most festive stretch of the year in Bareilly, with the city remaining in a near-continuous state of celebration.

Where to Celebrate: Temples and Puja Venues

Trivati Nath Mandir is one of the most prominent temples in Bareilly, located on Baba Trivati Nath Mandir Marg in Gandhi Nagar (Uttar Pradesh 243003). The temple is known for its grand Navratri puja arrangements and draws large congregations throughout the nine nights. For information about Navratri schedules and special aarti timings, visit the official website at trivatinathmandir.org or call +91 5812540667.

Alakhnath Temple, located on State Highway 37 in Phool Bagh, Quilla Chhawni, is another major spiritual centre in Bareilly. The temple has historical significance in the city's religious landscape and observes Navratri with traditional puja rituals. Phone: +91 8929175340. While the temple doesn't have an official website, it is widely referenced and easily findable in the Phool Bagh area.

Dhopeshwar Nath Temple at the end of Dhopa Road in Sadar Bazar is a third prominent temple where Navratri puja takes place. The Sadar Bazar location makes it easily accessible for residents of that part of the city.

Garba and Dandiya Raas Events

Navratri garba in Bareilly is primarily organised at community grounds, school maydans, and open areas near residential mohallas. Unlike Mumbai or Ahmedabad where large ticketed garba events are the norm, Bareilly's celebration style tends toward more community-led, neighbourhood-based events where participation is open.

Key points for garba seekers in Bareilly:

• Community grounds: Watch for announcements at your local temple or housing society. Most garba in Bareilly is announced through local word of mouth, loudspeaker announcements, and neighbourhood WhatsApp groups.
• Main market areas: The area around Collectorganj and the Civil Lines region often sees large-scale Navratri celebrations with music and dancing.
• Temple courtyards: Trivati Nath Mandir and Alakhnath Temple typically hold either garba events or allow community gatherings in their premises during Navratri evenings.

For couples and families, attending garba at a neighbourhood event is more accessible than seeking ticketed commercial venues — most neighbourhood events are free or involve a small donation.

Insider Tip: The best Ravan dahan in Bareilly during Dussehra (20 October 2026) is typically at the large open grounds in the Civil Lines area and near Ram Leela committees that have been active in the city for decades. Arrive early — Ravan dahan crowds in Bareilly are substantial.

Planning Navratri Puja at Home

For households observing the nine-day fast and home puja, here's a brief checklist:

• Day 1 (11 Oct): Kalash sthapana, begin fasting
• Days 2–7: Daily puja with fresh flowers and offerings
• Day 8 (19 Oct): Durga Ashtami — kanya puja (worship of young girls) is traditional
• Day 9: Navami — final day of Navratri
• Day 10 (20 Oct): Dussehra — Sindoor khela and Ravan dahan

Flowers, red chunri, and sweet offerings (puri-halwa-chana) are standard across most Navratri puja traditions in Bareilly.

FAQ

Q: When does Navratri 2026 start in Bareilly? A: 11 October 2026, based on the DrikPanchang calendar. Ghatasthapana (kalash sthapana) is performed on Day 1.

Q: Where is garba happening in Bareilly during Navratri? A: Garba events are primarily community-organised. Watch for local announcements at temples, housing societies, and neighbourhood groups. Trivati Nath Mandir and surrounding areas typically host events.

Q: What is the best time to visit Trivati Nath Mandir during Navratri? A: Early morning arati (around 5–6 AM) and evening arati (6–8 PM) are the main puja times. Evening arati during Navratri tends to draw large crowds.

Q: Is Dussehra celebrated with Ravan dahan in Bareilly? A: Yes. Dussehra is 20 October 2026 and is celebrated with Ravan dahan events at multiple grounds across the city.

Bottom Line

Navratri 2026 in Bareilly runs from 11 to 20 October, with the city's temples — Trivati Nath Mandir, Alakhnath Temple, and Dhopeshwar Nath Temple — serving as the primary centres of celebration. For garba and dandiya, neighbourhood community events are the main format. Karva Chauth (29 Oct), Diwali (8 Nov), and Chhath Puja (15 Nov) follow closely, making this a full six-week festive stretch for Bareilly residents.