Navratri Starts Oct 11: Why Festive Property Sales Shift

Mumbai: If it feels like the festive season has not started yet, you are right. In 2026, Shardiya Navratri begins on October 11, Dussehra falls on October 20 and Diwali on November 8. Pitru Paksha (the Shraddh period) runs until October 10.

Last year looked very different. In 2025 Navratri ran from September 22 to October 1. Knight Frank recorded 6,238 property registrations in Mumbai city during those ten days, up 20% from 5,199 the year before, with about Rs 587 crore in revenue. During the Shraddh stretch just before it (September 7-21, 2025) there were only 3,368.

 

What that means for this year's numbers

Mumbai's September 2026 registrations hit 12,622, a 14-year high for the month, and the Ganesh Chaturthi window alone brought 5,379. But the Navratri bump has not happened yet. It will fall in October, so September and October figures are not directly comparable with last year's. Expect Knight Frank's October numbers to tell the festive story, though no one can promise how high they will go.

What builders will likely do

Developers typically roll out festive offers such as payment plans, waived fees and discounts. With the RBI's decision due October 7, some may hold launches until after the rate call. That is a guess based on how timing usually works, not an announcement.

A practical tip

Do not buy on a date alone. Check RERA registration, compare the final price after offers, and confirm your loan sanction before the festive rush.