Shardiya Navratri 2026 Begins Tomorrow: Dates and Puja Details

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Begins Tomorrow: Dates and Puja Details

New Delhi, October 10, 2026: Shardiya Navratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga, will begin on Sunday, October 11, across India. The nine-day festival brings together millions of devotees for prayers, fasting, temple visits and traditional celebrations. Preparations for Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana, are underway in many households ahead of the festival.

According to the Hindu calendar, the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin begins on the night of October 10 and ends on the night of October 11. The festival begins on October 11, following the traditional observance of the prevailing lunar date at sunrise.

When Does Shardiya Navratri 2026 Begin and End?

Shardiya Navratri will begin on October 11 and conclude with Vijayadashami, popularly known as Dussehra, on October 20. During the festival, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navdurga.

The festival is celebrated in different ways across India. West Bengal is known for its elaborate Durga Puja celebrations, Gujarat hosts traditional Garba and Dandiya events, while temples and households across northern India organise special prayers and devotional ceremonies.

Ghatasthapana Muhurat for Navratri 2026

Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Navratri worship and is considered an important ritual on the first day of the festival. Devotees traditionally establish a sacred pot, or kalash, and begin their daily prayers.

For Delhi, the morning Ghatasthapana muhurat is reported to be approximately 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM on October 11. The Abhijit Muhurat is approximately 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM. Timings can differ according to the city and the Panchang followed, so devotees should confirm the exact local muhurat before performing the ritual.

Common puja essentials include a clean worship space, a kalash filled with water, soil, barley seeds, a coconut, leaves, flowers, roli, rice grains and a diya. Specific requirements may vary according to regional and family traditions.

Navratri 2026: Day-Wise Puja Calendar

The festival's traditional worship schedule is as follows:

• October 11: Ghatasthapana and 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 Kalaratri Puja
• October 18: Eighth day of Navratri; the local Panchang lists Saptami Tithi
• October 19: Mahashtami and Mahanavami-related observances, including worship of Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri
• October 20: Vijayadashami and Dussehra

The lunar dates overlap this year, which affects the placement of some observances. Devotees should consult their local Panchang for the precise dates and timings of Ashtami, Navami, Kanya Pujan and other rituals.

Fasting and Puja Preparations

Many devotees observe fasts during Navratri and follow a sattvic diet. Those planning to fast should consider their health and nutritional needs, stay adequately hydrated and choose an approach suitable for their individual circumstances.

Families commonly prepare their prayer areas, arrange puja materials and perform daily aarti during the festival. Devotees visiting temples should follow local arrangements and instructions issued by temple authorities, particularly during busy periods.

Why Is Shardiya Navratri Celebrated?

Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and symbolises the victory of good over evil. The nine forms of the goddess represent different aspects of divine feminine power, devotion and courage.

Beyond its religious significance, Navratri is an important cultural occasion in India. Traditional music, Garba, Dandiya, Durga Puja pandals and community gatherings form an integral part of the celebrations in different regions.

Conclusion

Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, with Ghatasthapana and prayers dedicated to Maa Shailputri. The celebrations will culminate in Vijayadashami on October 20. Devotees preparing for the festival should arrange their puja essentials in advance and verify local Panchang timings for the rituals they plan to observe.