Sharadiya Navratri 2026 will commence on October 11, marking nine days of devotion to Goddess Durga, culminating in Dussehra on October 20.
Sharadiya Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with great fervor across India. This nine-day festival is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Devotees engage in fasting, daily puja, and the installation of a Kalash at home during this sacred period. In 2026, the festival will begin in October, starting with Ghatasthapana, and will conclude with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra.
According to the 2026 calendar, Sharadiya Navratri will begin on Sunday, October 11. The first day, known as Pratipada Tithi, is dedicated to Maa Shailputri. Ghatasthapana, which marks the formal commencement of Navratri worship, will also take place on this day. The nine-day celebration will feature special prayers, fasting, and rituals conducted both at homes and temples.
Ghatasthapana in 2026 will be performed on October 11. This ritual, also referred to as Kalash Sthapana, signifies the beginning of the Navratri puja. For the Delhi region, the auspicious time for this ceremony is approximately between 6:19 AM and 10:12 AM. However, exact timings may vary slightly based on the city and local Panchang.
Durga Ashtami, a key day in the Navratri celebrations, will be observed on October 19, 2026. This day is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, and many devotees participate in Kanya Pujan and havan as part of the Ashtami rituals. The timings for these observances may differ according to local calendars.
Mahanavami will also be celebrated on October 19, 2026. On this day, devotees worship the ninth form of Goddess Durga, Maa Siddhidatri. Special prayers and havans are performed as the nine-day observance draws to a close.
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, will take place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. This festival commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. In various regions of India, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghnad are burned during public celebrations. Additionally, Ramlila performances and other religious programs are organized to mark this occasion.
The day-wise puja calendar for Navratri 2026 is as follows:
October 11: Ghatasthapana, Maa Shailputri Puja
October 12: Maa Brahmacharini Puja
October 13: Maa Chandraghanta Puja
October 14: Maa Kushmanda Puja
October 15: Maa Skandamata Puja
October 16: Maa Katyayani Puja
October 17: Maa Kaalratri Puja
October 18: Maa Mahagauri Puja preparations, eighth day of Navratri
October 19: Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami
October 20: Vijayadashami, Dussehra
As devotees prepare for this auspicious time, the spirit of devotion and celebration will fill homes and communities alike, honoring the divine feminine through rituals and prayers. For more details on the festival, refer to The Sunday Guardian.