One of the major Hindu festivals celebrated in honor of Durga Maa and her nine avatars is known as Navratri. It is called Navratri because “nav” means nine. There are nine days of Navratri, during which devotees worship various avatars of goddess Durga, observe fasts and celebrate culturally.
Navratri in 2026 will be significant for those devotees who are interested in finding out dates of Navratri, Ghatasthapana muhurat, Navratri colors, avatars of Goddess Durga and rituals. Sharad Navratri starts from October 11, 2026.
Navratri 2026: When Does Sharad Navratri Begin and End?
Sharad Navratri, otherwise termed Shardiya Navratri, is observed in the Ashwin month of the Hindu calendar. The first day of Sharad Navratri would be October 11, Sunday, in 2026.
The first day of the festival is celebrated with the Ghatasthapana ritual and Maa Shailputri worship. The concluding part of the celebration includes various important rituals like Durga Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami.
The timing of some of the rituals may differ depending upon the place because the Hindu Panchang timing depends upon the local sunrise and other related things. Hence, people must check their Panchang timings before performing the ritual.
Navratri 2026 Dates at a Glance
| Day | Date | Main Observance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | October 11, 2026 | Ghatasthapana, Maa Shailputri |
| Day 2 | October 12, 2026 | Maa Brahmacharini |
| Day 3 | October 13, 2026 | Maa Chandraghanta |
| Day 4 | October 14, 2026 | Maa Kushmanda |
| Day 5 | October 15, 2026 | Maa Skandamata |
| Day 6 | October 16, 2026 | Maa Katyayani |
| Day 7 | October 17, 2026 | Maa Kalaratri |
| Day 8 | October 18–19, 2026* | Maa Mahagauri / Ashtami observance |
| Day 9 | October 19, 2026* | Maa Siddhidatri / Navami-related observance |
| Vijayadashami | October 20, 2026 | Dussehra / Vijayadashami |
*The way Ashtami and Navami are observed can depend on the local Panchang and tithi. For this reason, readers should check their city-specific calendar before planning rituals.
Ghatasthapana 2026: Date, Muhurat and Puja Timing
Ghatasthapana is one of the key rituals which is observed during Navratri. It heralds the beginning of Navratri and is associated with worshipping Goddess Shakti.
According to Navratri 2026 calendar, Ghatasthapana will occur on October 11, 2026. Muhurat varies from place to place. For instance, according to Panchang calculations, there are different timings for Vijayawada, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the local Panchang rather than following a common time for all cities.
How to Perform Ghatasthapana During Navratri 2026?
Some of the basic procedures in a traditional manner include:
Clean the location at which puja will be conducted.
Put down the clean wooden platform for conducting the puja or make the puja area ready.
Cover some soil in a proper container and sow barley seeds if it is according to your family traditions.
Position the Kalash following the traditional method of puja.
Decorate the puja area with flowers and other items of puja.
Worship Mother Durga and get blessings from her.
Maintain the Kalash in the designated puja area during the entire festival according to the traditions of your family.
It is advisable to follow the instructions from Panchang of your family or the local priest.
Navratri 2026: 9 Days, 9 Goddesses and Their Significance
One of the most special parts of Navratri 2026 is the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. These forms are commonly known as Navdurga.
| Day | Goddess | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Maa Shailputri | Represents strength and stability |
| Day 2 | Maa Brahmacharini | Represents devotion and determination |
| Day 3 | Maa Chandraghanta | Represents courage and peace |
| Day 4 | Maa Kushmanda | Associated with energy and creation |
| Day 5 | Maa Skandamata | Represents motherhood and care |
| Day 6 | Maa Katyayani | Represents courage and power |
| Day 7 | Maa Kalaratri | Associated with protection and the removal of fear |
| Day 8 | Maa Mahagauri | Represents purity and peace |
| Day 9 | Maa Siddhidatri | Associated with spiritual knowledge and blessings |
Day 1: Maa Shailputri
Maa Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navaratri. The idol of Maa Shailputri has been represented riding a bull, holding a trident and lotus in her hands.
Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini
Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day. She is the goddess of dedication, perseverance, and determination. People pray to her for inner strength.
Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta
Third day, Maa Chandraghanta is worshiped. The word “Chandraghanta” has been derived from the crescent moon shape that marks her forehead. She is related to valor and calmness.
Day 4: Maa Kushmanda
Maa Kushmanda is revered on the fourth day. She is considered to be the embodiment of creativity and life-force energy.
Day 5: Maa Skandamata
The fifth day is dedicated to Maa Skandamata. She represents motherhood, care and protection.
Day 6: Maa Katyayani
Maa Katyayani is celebrated on the sixth day. She is generally considered a form of Goddess Durga who symbolizes strength and bravery.
Day 7: Maa Kalaratri
The seventh day is that of Maa Kalaratri. She symbolizes protection and courage. People pray to her to ward off fear and negative thoughts.
Day 8: Maa Mahagauri
The Goddess Maa Mahagauri is invoked on the eighth day. She symbolizes purity, peace and tranquility.
Day 9: Maa Siddhidatri
Form number nine is Maa Siddhidatri. She represents spirituality and wisdom and is known for her divine grace.
Navratri 2026 Colours: Day-Wise Colour List
It is a common practice in many parts of India to wear different colours on Navratri days. The list of colours may differ according to region and calendar; hence readers need to follow their local colour traditions.
The colour sequence in one of the calendars published for 2026 is as follows: orange, white, red, royal blue, yellow, green, grey, purple and peacock green.
| Day | Date | Colour |
|---|
| Day 1 | October 11 | Orange |
| Day 2 | October 12 | White |
| Day 3 | October 13 | Red |
| Day 4 | October 14 | Royal Blue |
| Day 5 | October 15 | Yellow |
| Day 6 | October 16 | Green |
| Day 7 | October 17 | Grey |
| Day 8 | October 18 | Purple |
| Day 9 | October 19 | Peacock Green |
Navratri 2026 Puja Vidhi: How to Perform Navratri Puja at Home
Navratri Puja can take many forms according to the family traditions and regional culture. A basic puja at home may be done in this way – it starts with cleaning the puja space and praying for some time.
Here are the basic instructions that you can use:
Cleaning the puja space.
Placing an idol or picture of Goddess Durga.
Liting the diya.
Offering the flowers and appropriate prasad.
Doing the puja according to your family tradition.
Reciting prayers concerning Durga.
Doing aarti.
Being in a good mood.
The most important thing during the festival is worshiping the God. It is not necessary to complicate the process.
Navratri Puja Samagri List 2026
Common puja items may include:
- Kalash
- Clean water
- Coconut
- Mango leaves, where traditionally used
- Flowers
- Diya and oil or ghee
- Incense
- Kumkum
- Rice
- Fruits
- Prasad
- Durga idol or picture
The exact items can differ according to regional and family traditions.
Navratri 2026 Vrat: Fasting Rules and Food Guide
Navratri fasting is done by many devotees. The process of fasting differs from individual to individual. While some people refrain from taking grains and specific types of food, others go on a simple vegetarian fast.
The following can be some common foods included in Navratri fasting – fruits, milk, curd, potato, some flours allowed and other types of food acceptable according to family traditions.
While fasting, one should choose food that suits their health condition and follow their family traditions.
What to Eat and Avoid During Navratri Vrat?
| Commonly Chosen Foods | Foods Often Avoided During Vrat |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Regular grains |
| Milk | Foods not permitted by the family tradition |
| Curd | Certain pulses |
| Potatoes | Meat and eggs |
| Sabudana | Foods containing prohibited ingredients |
| Vrat-friendly flour | Regular wheat-based foods |
Fasting rules are not exactly the same everywhere, so it is better to follow the tradition practiced in your family or region
Navratri 2026 Ashtami and Navami: Dates and Significance
Ashtami and Navami are the most significant tithis of Navratri. There may be special pujas, bhog, and Kanya Pujan during Ashtami and Navami.
The observances of tithis may vary from one place to another in some calendars. In the calendar of 2026, there will be special tithis of Durga Ashtami and Navami on October 19, followed by Vijayadashami on October 20.
This is why one needs to consult a specific place’s Panchang before fixing the date for any ritual.