Navratri is the celebration of 9 nights dedicated to Goddess Shakti but in 2012 there are only 8 nights in traditional Hindu calendar. Navratri 2012 begins on October 16 and ends on October 24, 2012. So why is that in 2011 it is 8 days not the usual 9 days. This is because two tithi falls on a single day in all Hindu calendars.
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala and Tamil Nadu – Navratri day 3 and 4 are marked on the same date – October 18, 2012. Dwitiya and Tritiya falls on the same date.
In North India, Navratri day 5 and day 6 falls on the same date – October 20, 2012. – Panchami and Sashti falls on the same day.
In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka – Navratri 5 and 6 are marked on the same date – October 20, 2012. Panchami and Sashti falls on the same day.
The auspicious and important festival dates remain the same in all regions.