Shardiya Navratri 2026 Date: Shardiya Navratri holds special religious significance in Hinduism. This nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga begins on Sunday, October 11, this year; Shardiya Navratri traditionally commences on the *Pratipada Tithi* (first day) of the bright fortnight (*Shukla Paksha*) of the Ashwin month. On the first day of Navratri, *Ghatsthapana* (the ritual installation of the sacred pot) will be performed alongside the worship of Goddess Shailputri, marking the beginning of the nine-day fast.

During Shardiya Navratri, the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped with prescribed rituals, and religious observances such as *Kalash Sthapana*, *Akhand Jyoti* (perpetual sacred flame), *Kanya Pujan* (worship of young girls), and the recitation of *Durga Saptashati* are conducted in homes and temples. According to the *Devi Bhagavata Purana*, worshipping Goddess Durga and observing the fast during Navratri liberates one from all afflictions and the malefic effects of planets, while also bestowing the Mother Goddess's blessings. Let us find out the duration of the Navratri worship this year...

Shardiya Navratri 2026
Start of *Pratipada Tithi* of Ashwin month – October 10 (Sunday) at 9:19 PM

Conclusion of *Pratipada Tithi* of Ashwin month – October 11 (Monday) at 9:30 PM

Based on the *Udayatithi* (sunrise date) convention, Shardiya Navratri will commence on Monday, October 11.

The Goddess's Arrival on an Elephant
Shardiya Navratri is set to begin on Sunday, October 11; thus, *Ghatsthapana* will be performed on this auspicious day. The worship associated with *Navami Tithi* will take place on October 19, and the festival of Dussehra will be celebrated on October 20. According to religious belief, when Navratri begins on a Sunday, Goddess Durga is said to arrive riding an elephant. This is considered a sign of happiness, prosperity, and auspiciousness. During Navratri, the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Devotees observe a fast for nine days, recite the *Durga Saptashati*, and worship the Goddess according to scriptural rites. It is believed that worshipping *Shakti* (Divine Power) during Navratri dispels negativity and infuses life with positive energy. This festival is also considered a symbol of the victory of good over evil and righteousness over unrighteousness.

**Sharadiya Navratri 2026: Kalash Sthapana Muhurat**
The auspicious time (*Muhurat*) for *Kalash Sthapana* is from 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM. You will have a window of 3 hours and 52 minutes in the morning to perform *Ghatsthapana*.

**Abhijit Muhurat:** From 11:20 AM to 12:07 PM. If, for any reason, you are unable to perform the *Kalash Sthapana* and worship in the morning, you can perform the rituals and *Ghatsthapana* during this *Muhurat*.

**Special Confluence of Ashtami and Navami**
This year, a special confluence of Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami will occur on Monday, October 19, during Navratri. According to the *Panchang* (almanac), rituals associated with Navami, alongside the worship of Goddess Mahagauri, will be performed on this day. Subsequently, on October 20, the festival of Vijayadashami will be celebrated, featuring the Navami *Havan*, *Ayudha Puja*, and *Navratri Paran* (conclusion of the fast). There may be slight variations in worship procedures depending on the specific timings of the *tithi* (lunar day) in different regions' almanacs.

**Why do Ashtami and Navami fall on the same day?**
During the Sharadiya Navratri of 2026, the worship for both Ashtami and Navami *tithis* will take place on the same day—Monday, October 19. According to the *Panchang*, Ashtami *tithi* begins at 8:27 AM on October 18 and continues until 10:51 AM on October 19. Navami *tithi* commences immediately after 10:51 AM on October 19. Consequently, based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the *tithi* prevailing at sunrise), the worship of Ashtami (*Mahagauri Puja*), *Kanya Pujan*, and all religious rituals associated with Navami will be performed on October 19. 

Key Dates for Sharadiya Navratri 2026
11 October – Pratipada, Ghatasthapana, Worship of Maa Shailaputri
12 October – Dwitiya, Worship of Maa Brahmacharini
13 October – Tritiya, Worship of Maa Chandraghanta
14 October – Chaturthi, Worship of Maa Kushmanda
15 October – Panchami, Worship of Maa Skandamata
16 October – Shashthi, Worship of Maa Katyayani
17 October – Saptami, Worship of Maa Kalaratri
18 October – Special worship according to Saptami Tithi
19 October – Confluence of Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami
20 October – Navami Havan, Navratri Paran, and Vijayadashami

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