Navratri 2026: Dates, 9 Days, Colours, Puja Vidhi and Significance
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





