Sharadiya Navratri 2026: The auspicious festival of Sharadiya Navratri begins this year on Sunday, October 11. Every year, Sharadiya Navratri commences on the *Pratipada Tithi* (first day) of the bright fortnight (*Shukla Paksha*) of the *Ashwin* month and concludes on the *Navami Tithi* (ninth day). During this period, nine distinct forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped over nine days. Devotees observe fasts, worship the Goddess with prescribed rituals, and pray for the happiness and peace of their families. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a specific form of the Goddess, and each form holds its own unique religious significance. Let us learn which Goddess is worshipped on which day and understand the significance of the nine forms of Goddess Durga...

On the first day of Navratri, Goddess Shailputri is worshipped; this day also marks the beginning of the festival. This year, the worship of Goddess Shailputri will take place on Sunday, October 11. Goddess Shailputri is considered the daughter of the King of Mountains, Himalaya. According to religious belief, worshipping her blesses devotees with strength, stability, and self-confidence. Devotees begin Navratri by worshipping Goddess Shailputri.

On the second day, Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped; this year, the worship of this second form of the Goddess will take place on Monday, October 12. This form of Goddess Brahmacharini is regarded as a symbol of penance, sacrifice, and self-restraint. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Brahmacharini grants a person patience, inner strength, and the fortitude to face difficult situations.

On the third day of Navratri, Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped; this year, the worship of this third form of the Goddess will take place on Tuesday, October 13. She is called Chandraghanta because a crescent moon adorns her forehead. In religious belief, this form of the Goddess is associated with courage and power. Worshipping her brings relief from fear and troubles. On the fourth day, Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped; this year, the worship of this fourth manifestation of the Goddess will take place on Wednesday, October 14. Goddess Kushmanda is regarded as the embodiment of energy and the power of creation. It is believed that worshipping her brings happiness, prosperity, well-being, and positive energy to the home.

On the fifth day of Navratri, Goddess Skandamata is worshipped; this year, the worship of this fifth manifestation will take place on Thursday, October 15. Skandamata is revered as the mother of Lord Kartikeya. Devotees pray to her for wisdom, peace, and the joy of having children. This form of the Goddess is also considered a symbol of maternal love and affection.

On the sixth day of Navratri, Goddess Katyayani is worshipped; the worship of this sixth manifestation will take place on Friday, October 16. Goddess Katyayani is regarded as the embodiment of power and courage. According to religious belief, worshipping her brings happiness and peace to married life and grants the fulfillment of one's wishes.

On the seventh day of Navratri, Goddess Kalaratri is worshipped; the worship of this seventh manifestation will take place on October 17 and 18, as the *Saptami Tithi* (seventh lunar day) spans two days this year. Although this form of the Goddess appears fierce, she is benevolent towards her devotees. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Kalaratri dispels fear and instills courage in the devotee.

On *Ashtami* (the eighth day), Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped; this year, the worship of this eighth manifestation will take place on Monday, October 19. Goddess Mahagauri is considered the embodiment of peace, purity, and serenity. On this day, *Kanya Pujan* (worship of young girls) is also performed in many households. Devotees pray to the Goddess for happiness, peace, and prosperity for their families. 

Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth and final day of Navratri; this year, the worship of this ninth form of the Mother Goddess will take place on Monday, October 19, as the *Ashtami* and *Navami* *tithis* (lunar days) fall on the same day. Goddess Siddhidatri is revered as the bestower of all forms of *Siddhis* (spiritual powers).

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