Jaffna · Festivals & culture
Navarathiri 2026 in Jaffna: calendar and observances
நவராத்திரி
Jaffna’s 2026 Tamil calendar lists Navarathiri beginning on 11 October, Saraswathi Poojai, Ayutha Poojai and Vijayadashami on 20 October, and Vidyarambham on 21 October.
Festival programme
This page covers the calendar observances from the opening day through Vidyarambham; it does not claim eleven nights of Navarathiri worship. Drik Panchang’s Jaffna Tamil calendar is the reference. Temple practice and regional calendars can differ. Ask your chosen temple about pooja times and access. The University of Jaffna reported its own departmental observance on 14 October, which does not establish a public event timetable.
A verified programme has not been published. Dates and ceremony times will appear here when they are supported by the relevant announcement.
Sources and date verification
- Existing TourJaffna Navarathiri announcement
TourJaffna · background · superseded
Earlier Tour Jaffna reporting retained for context. The independently cited sources support the guide and its published annual editions.
- Navarathri Festival Celebration — 2026
University of Jaffna, Department of Financial Management · background · verified · Reviewed 18 October 2026
Documents a 2026 university observance as an example of local practice, not a public-access announcement.
- Navarathri Festival: worship and cultural traditions
Parliament of Sri Lanka · background · verified · Reviewed 18 October 2026
Background reference for the traditions, location or visitor guidance described above. Annual dates are supported separately.
- 2026 Tamil festival calendar for Jaffna
Drik Panchang · dates · verified · Reviewed 18 October 2026
Jaffna Tamil calendar: 11 October opening, 20 October Poojai/Vijayadashami, and 21 October Vidyarambham. Calendar observances only; no local service times.