In this guide
Navratri and Dussehra open the festive season in India. In 2026, Sharad Navratri runs from 11 to 19 October and Dussehra (Vijayadashami) falls on Tuesday, 20 October. For teams in Gujarat, Bengal, Karnataka, Mysuru, Delhi and much of north India, this is as big a moment as Diwali, and a thoughtful gift at the right time is noticed.
This guide covers corporate gift ideas for Navratri, Durga Puja, Ayudha Puja and Dussehra, how to budget, and how to make it work with Diwali just 19 days later. Prices are per piece from our corporate gift store, before branding and GST.
How the festival is celebrated across your offices
- Gujarat and Mumbai. Nine nights of garba and dandiya. Offices often hold a dress-colour day for each night.
- West Bengal, Assam and Odisha. Durga Puja, from Maha Saptami to Vijaya Dashami (about 17–20 October 2026), is the biggest festival of the year. Many offices close.
- Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Ayudha Puja on Maha Navami (19 October 2026) honours the tools of one's trade. Offices and factories clean and decorate machines, vehicles and equipment.
- North India. Ramlila performances build up to Dussehra, when Ravana effigies are burned to mark the victory of good over evil.
If your teams span these regions, one national gift sent to arrive before 16 October reaches everyone before their main celebration.
Navratri and Dussehra gift ideas by budget
Under ₹500
- Pen and keychain set (₹180–₹375). A metal pen and keychain in a black gift box. See pen and keychain sets.
- A5 diary and pen set (from ₹390). Tan and red finishes look festive. See diary and pen sets.
- Insulated mug (from ₹360). Double-wall steel with a lid. See tumblers and mugs.
₹500–₹1,100
- Premium diary and pen set (₹585–₹765). The teal MF-02 has a contrast tan flap; the mandala-embossed TD-02 suits the festival.
- Diary, pen and card holder set (₹765–₹1,140). The mandala-embossed TD-04 at ₹1,080 is a strong Dussehra gift for managers. See diary, pen and card holder sets.
- Tumbler with cork base (₹510). A modern desk and commute tumbler.
₹1,100 and above
- Bottle, diary and pen set (₹930–₹1,530). See bottle, diary and pen sets.
- Bottle 5-in-1 hamper (₹1,350–₹2,400) for leadership and clients. See bottle 5-in-1 sets.
Diary, Pen & Card HolderDiary, Pen & Card Holder TD-04Mandala-embossed diary, card holder, keychain and pen.₹1,080 per piece incl. GST
Diary & Pen SetsDiary & Pen Set MF-02Teal diary with a contrast tan flap and pen.₹705 per piece incl. GST
Diary & Pen SetsDiary & Pen Set TD-02Tan diary with an embossed mandala and snap closure.₹645 per piece incl. GST
Tumblers & MugsInsulated Tumbler M-11White steel tumbler with cork base and lid.₹510 per piece incl. GST
Store prices per piece, GST included, before branding · September 2026
Ayudha Puja gifts: honour the tools of the trade
Ayudha Puja is a natural fit for corporate gifting, because the festival is literally about the tools people work with. Gifts that are working tools carry the right meaning:
- A quality pen or pen set for everyone. See pens.
- A diary and desk calendar set for the year ahead. See desk calendar sets.
- A tech set with a power bank, wireless mouse and pendrive for engineering and operations teams. See electronics.
- A laptop sleeve or bag for teams that travel. See travel and laptop bags.
Dussehra or Diwali? How to split the budget
Dussehra (20 October) and Diwali (8 November) are less than three weeks apart in 2026. Buying two separate gifts for the same people can stretch a budget. Three approaches work:
| Approach | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| One gift, at Diwali | Full budget goes to Diwali | Most national companies |
| Small + main | ₹200–₹400 at Dussehra, main gift at Diwali | Teams in Gujarat, Karnataka, Bengal |
| Regional choice | Each office gifts at its main festival | Large regional teams |
If you choose one gift at Diwali, our Diwali gifts for employees under ₹1000 guide lists 15 options. Ordering both at once from one supplier also saves on mock-ups, since the same logo files and approvals cover both orders.
Order timeline for Navratri and Dussehra 2026
With Navratri starting on 11 October, timelines are short. Confirm branded orders as early as possible:
| By | Action |
|---|---|
| 25 September | Confirm gift, quantity and logo files |
| 29 September | Approve branding mock-up |
| 9 October | Dispatch to offices |
| 16 October | Gifts in hand before Durga Puja and Dussehra |
If you are too late for branded gifts before Dussehra, gift at Diwali instead and use the extra weeks to order something better.
Keep the gift inclusive
Navratri, Durga Puja and Dussehra are Hindu festivals, and your teams will include people of many faiths and none. Frame the gift as a festive season thank-you, keep the message warm and general, and choose useful items such as stationery and drinkware that work for everyone.
For the rest of the year's festivals, see the India corporate gifting calendar 2026–27, and for the big one, the Diwali corporate gifts guide.
Browse the full corporate gifting range or request festive pricing.
Frequently asked questions
When are Navratri and Dussehra in 2026?
Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami fall on 19 October and Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
What are good Dussehra gifts for employees?
Diary and pen sets in festive colours, diary and card holder sets, insulated mugs and tumblers, and pen and keychain sets. They cost ₹240–₹1,100 per piece, take a logo cleanly and are used long after the festival.
What should we gift for Ayudha Puja?
Ayudha Puja honours the tools of one's work, so gifts that are working tools fit well: a good pen, a diary, a desk calendar or a tech set with a power bank and wireless mouse.
Should we give gifts at both Dussehra and Diwali?
Only if the budget allows both to feel meaningful. Dussehra and Diwali are under three weeks apart in 2026. Most companies give one main gift at Diwali and, if they gift at Dussehra, keep it small, such as a pen set or mug.
