Shardiya Navratri

Shardiya Navratri 2026 is a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. In 2026, it falls on October 11, when devotees dedicate their time to prayers, meditation, reading sacred texts, visiting temples, and embracing the power of the divine feminine. It is also the time when families and communities come together to participate in Garba and enjoy food, drinks, and togetherness. However, why is Navratri celebrated? When will it fall in 2026? Ghatasthapana or Navratri kanya pujan: if you want to know more about it, the following sections provide detailed insights. 

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Date, Day, and Tithi 

Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, and it falls on Pratipada Tithi. Each of the 9 days is dedicated to a form of Goddess Durga and holds religious significance. Sharad Navratri culminates on Vijayadashami on October 20.

For New Delhi, the Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2026 begins at 6:19 AM and remains until 10:12 AM on October 11. However, this timing is location-specific and differs based on where you live. 

Event	Date	Day	Tithi / Observance
Ghatasthapana & Day 1	October 11, 2026	Sunday	Pratipada
Navratri Day 2	October 12, 2026	Monday	Dwitiya
Navratri Day 3	October 13, 2026	Tuesday	Tritiya
Navratri Day 4	October 14, 2026	Wednesday	Chaturthi
Navratri Day 5	October 15, 2026	Thursday	Panchami
Navratri Day 6	October 16, 2026	Friday	Shashthi
Navratri Day 7	October 17, 2026	Saturday	Saptami
Navratri Day 8	October 18, 2026	Sunday	Ashtami-related observances
Navratri Day 9	October 19, 2026	Monday	Ashtami/Navami observances
Vijayadashami	October 20, 2026	Tuesday	Dashami

What is Shardiya Navratri and Its Significance? 

Shardiya Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, the divine feminine energy. The word “Navratri” refers to nine nights, during which devotees happily worship forms of Goddess Durga. 

As Navratri comes in the Sharad season, it is known as Shardiya Navratri. It falls between September and October. During these nine days, devotees fast, pray, chant mantras, and spiritually incline themselves towards the nine forms of Goddess Durga. As the nine days end, the 10th day culminates with Vijayadashami, which symbolises the victory over evil. 

Significance of Shardiya Navratri

The significance of Shardiya Navratri goes beyond performing rituals and celebrations; it is about becoming spiritually inclined and worshipping the divine feminine energy. 

Victory of Good Over Evil

One of the main themes associated with the celebration of Navratri is the victory of good over evil, Mahishasura. The day marks the celebration of always doing good in whatever situation you are in, and in the end you will be the one who will win. Over these nine days, the devotees would gradually realise how negative energy comes to an end, giving one courage, wisdom, and inner power.

Worship of Shakti

Navratri, or "nine nights," is dedicated to Shakti, the divine feminine energy. During these days, devotees worship Goddess Durga in her different forms: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Worshipping each one helps one seek different blessings in one's life: courage, knowledge, compassion, strength, and spiritual wisdom.

Spiritual Discipline

Many devotees observe fasting during Navratri. Along with what to eat, devotees also start focusing on prayer, meditation, reading sacred texts, and minimising distractions. This helps to build spiritual discipline, and one realises how important it is to connect with god or divine energy. 

Community and Cultural Significance

Shardiya Navratri is also popular for community and cultural gatherings. These 9 days are celebrated through community gatherings and cultural traditions. In India, Garba, Dandiya, and Durga Puja are celebrated on a grand scale. It is because of these gatherings that people enjoy food, music, and the vibe together. 

Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2026

Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Shardiya Navratri. It involves establishing the sacred Kalash and invoking Goddess Shakti at the beginning of the nine-day worship period.

Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2026 begins at 6:19 AM on October 11, 2026, and remains until 10:12 AM. This timing is for New Delhi; however, timings vary by location. 

The Ghatasthapana Muhurat falls during Pratipada Tithi. Traditional Panchang guidance prefers performing Ghatasthapana during the first part of the day, while Pratipada is prevailing. If the preferred period is unavailable, Abhijit Muhurat is also a good option. 

Ghatasthapana Vidhi: How to Perform Kalash Sthapana? 

The exact Ghatasthapana procedure varies as per family and regional traditions. However, here is the common procedure, which is generally accepted by all. 

Step 1: Clean the Puja Area

Where you want to establish the kalash, clean the room or area. The puja area should be clean, and more than that, the clothes you wear and your personal hygiene matter a lot. 

Step 2: Prepare the Sacred Soil and Barley

Once you establish the kalash, fill it with clean soil, barley, and traditional grains, as your family has done for years. Remember, the more the grains grow, the more it is related to devotion, prosperity, and auspiciousness of these nine days. 

Step 3: Prepare the Kalash

After you sow barley and the kalash is established, fill it with clean water and decorate it with mango leaves, sacred thread, flowers, and other puja material as per your family tradition. 

Step 4: Invoke Goddess Durga

You have now physically invoked the presence of Goddess Durga; however, for her spiritual presence, start reciting Durga mantras, Devi Suktam, Durga Kavach, as per your family tradition.

Step 5: Light the Diya

After you have established the kalash and invoked Goddess Durga's presence, now light a diya and incense stick. Also, make sure that the diya does not go out, as it symbolises devotion and prosperity. You can cover the object on which you place the diya. 

Step 6: Begin the Nine-Day Worship

Once the Ghatasthapana is done, you can now continue doing daily Navratri Puja. Ensure you maintain cleanliness in the puja area at all times and also keep your mind pure. Avoid the colour black when doing puja for all nine days. 

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day-Wise Calendar and Colours to Wear 

The days of Navratri are dedicated to different forms of Goddess Durga. Want to know which goddess these days are dedicated to or what colour you should wear on these days? If so, here is a table to provide clarity. 

Navratri Day	Date	Goddess	Main Observance	Color
Day 1	October 11	Maa Shailputri	Ghatasthapana	Orange
Day 2	October 12	Maa Brahmacharini	Brahmacharini Puja	White
Day 3	October 13	Maa Chandraghanta	Chandraghanta Puja	Red
Day 4	October 14	Maa Kushmanda	Kushmanda Puja	Royal Blue
Day 5	October 15	Maa Skandamata	Skandamata Puja	Yellow
Day 6	October 16	Maa Katyayani	Katyayani Puja	Green
Day 7	October 17	Maa Kalaratri	Kalaratri Puja	Grey
Day 8	October 18	Maa Mahagauri	Ashtami observances	Purple
Day 9	October 19	Maa Siddhidatri	Durga Ashtami/Maha Navami observances	Peacock Green
Day 10	October 20	—	Vijayadashami	—

The 2026 calendar lists the first seven days, dedicated to worship of Shailputri through Kalaratri. However, the most important days considered during Navratri are Ashtami and Navami. Get to know about all these days in detail. 

1st Day of Navratri – Maa Shailputri

The 1st day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, the first form of Navadurga. She is depicted riding a bull and holding a lotus. 

Day 1 of Navratri marks the beginning of the Navratri Puja, with Ghatasthapana taking place. On this day, devotees establish Kalash, worship Maa Shailputri, and begin their nine-day spiritual observance. 

Navratri Day 1 falls on October 11. 

2nd Day of Navratri – Maa Brahmacharini

The 2nd day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini. Her spiritual inclination includes determination and discipline. 

Devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini to seek strength, determination, and perseverance in their lives. 

Navratri Day 2 falls on October 12. 

3rd Day of Navratri – Maa Chandraghanta

The 3rd day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta. She is associated with the crescent moon on her forehead.

She is a representation of power, courage, and strength. Devotees pray on the 3rd day of Navratri to gain protection and peace of mind in life. 

Navratri Day 3 falls on October 13.

4th Day of Navratri – Maa Kushmanda

The 4th day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda. She is traditionally associated with creation and cosmic energy.

Devotees worship her to gain strength, live a happy, positive life, and achieve success. Also, Chaturthi falls on this day according to the local calendar. 

Navratri Day 4 falls on October 14. 

5th Day of Navratri – Maa Skandamata

The 5th day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, who was the mother of Lord Kartikeya. 

She is worshipped as a nurturer and a form of Shakti. Observing a fast on this day blesses devotees with peace, strength, and well-being. 

Day 5 falls on October 15, 2026.

6th Day of Navratri – Maa Katyayani

The 6th day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Katyayani. She embodies warrior energy and is one of the Goddess's forms. Devotees worship her to gain courage and protection. Any negative energy is said to be eliminated with her blessings. 

Day 6 falls on October 16.

7th Day of Navratri – Maa Kalaratri

The 7th day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kalaratri. She is one of the fierce forms of Goddess Durga.

Despite her fierce appearance, she is one of Shakti's fierce forms. Devotees worship her for protection and to ward off negative energies. 

Day 7 falls on October 17, 2026.

8th Day of Navratri – Maa Mahagauri

The 8th day of Navratri is associated with Maa Mahagauri. She is a representation of purity, peace, and serenity.

Ashtami is one of the important days of Navratri. On this day, many families observe Kanya Pujan and perform special Durga Puja rituals. 

Day 8 falls on October 18, 2026 

9th Day of Navratri – Maa Siddhidatri

The 9th day of Navratri is associated with Maa Siddhidatri. She is the ninth form of Navadurga. Devotees worship her to gain spiritual wisdom and for the accomplishment of their unfulfilled tasks.

It is the last day of Navratri, and devotees perform kanya pujan and a special puja. 

Day 9 falls on October 19, 2026

Navratri Kanya Pujan

Navratri Kanya Pujan is a traditional practice in which young girls are worshipped in the form of Goddess Durga. This specifically occurs on Ashtami and Navami. It depends entirely on what has been carried out in your family for a long time. 

The ritual involves respectfully welcoming young girls into the home, serving them food, offering gifts, and performing puja with them. In a nutshell, it is not only about feeding or performing rituals but also about embracing the divine feminine and its energy. 

Navratri Kanya Pujan Rituals

The basic Navratri Kanya Pujan includes these rituals:

1. Invite the Kanyas: Invite 9 kanyas (young girls) to your home. 
2. Welcome Them: Welcome the young girls and make them sit respectfully near the puja area. 
3. Wash Their Feet: Have their feet washed, as it is a gesture of respect for the divine feminine. 
4. Apply Tilak: After washing their feet, apply tilak and kumkum on the young girls' foreheads. 
5. Serve Food: Prepare and serve a traditional meal or Prasad.
6. Offer Gifts: Give useful gifts, such as fruit, sweets, clothes, or other items, according to one's capacity.
7. Seek Blessings: Seek their blessings before they leave.

The exact number of girls and accompanying rituals can vary according to family and regional practice.

Navratri Fasting Rules

Most believers keep a fast during the festival of Navratri as a sign of devotion and austerity.

The mode of fasting varies greatly from one person to another and according to traditions.

Some people keep a total fast, whereas others maintain a fruit or partial fast. Some typical food items consumed during fasting include fruits, milk, nuts, potatoes, Samak rice, Sabudana, Kuttu flour, Singhara flour, and food cooked with Sendha Namak, depending on the tradition.

Some common food items avoided during Navratri vrat include rice, wheat, cereals, pulses, and beans.

Navratri Dos and Don'ts

What to Do During Navratri? 

• Keep the Puja area clean.
• Take a bath before daily worship.
• Wear clean clothes.
• Follow your family's fasting tradition.
• Offer prayers to Goddess Durga.
• Practise charity and kindness.
• Read or listen to devotional texts.
• Maintain a peaceful and respectful environment at home.

What to Avoid During Navratri

• Avoid foods prohibited by your fasting tradition.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco during religious observance.
• Avoid unnecessary arguments and negative behaviour.
• Do not leave an Akhand Jyoti unattended.
• Do not perform rituals mechanically; maintain a respectful mindset.
• Avoid strict fasting if it could negatively affect your health.

These practices can vary between communities, so family tradition and guidance from a knowledgeable priest may be followed where appropriate.