Sharad Navratri 2026 – Nine Days of Goddess Durga Worship
Date: 11 October 2026
Full Date
11 October 2026 Morning 6:19 AM – 20 October 2026 Afternoon 4:30 PM
Muhurat Timings in India
Ghatasthapana & Shailputri Puja
Ghatasthapana, the installation of the sacred Kalash, and the worship of Maa Shailputri occurs on the morning of October 11, 2026, initiating Navratri’s first day.
11 October 2026 6:19 AM – 11 October 2026 10:12 AM
Durga Ashtami & Maha Navami
Major Navratri events include Durga Ashtami (Oct 18) and Maha Navami (Oct 19), marked by grand puja and kanya pujan ceremonies in homes and temples.
18 October 2026 Morning 6:00 AM – 19 October 2026 Afternoon 4:00 PM
Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
Sharad Navratri culminates on Oct 20, 2026, with Vijayadashami—celebrated as Durga’s victory over evil and the symbolic burning of Ravana effigies.
20 October 2026 Afternoon 1:00 PM – 20 October 2026 4:30 PM
Introduction
Sharad Navratri, also called Maha Navratri, is the most important Navratras dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga’s nine forms over nine nights. The festival falls in autumn (Ashwin lunar month) with celebrations ranging from pujas to music, dance, and fasting across India.
Other Names
Maha Navratri, Durga Puja, Navaratra, Ashwin Navratri
Pooja Vidhi
- Clean the puja area and install a Kalash with sacred water and barley seeds.
- Place Goddess Durga’s image or idol and decorate with flowers and garlands.
- Offer kumkum, rice, coconut, and fruits daily.
- Perform aarti and sing Durga bhajans each morning and evening.
- On Ashtami/Navami, offer special bhog and organize kanya puja (worship of young girls).
Rituals
- Ghatasthapana (Kalash installation) marks the festival’s beginning on day one.
- Each day is dedicated to a unique form of Durga (Navadurga) such as Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, and others.
- Devotees keep fasts, perform daily Durga aarti, and recite Durga Saptashati.
- Traditional offerings and festive prasad change each day.
- Homes and temples are decorated with lights, flowers, and rangoli.
Regional Highlights
- Bengal’s Durga Puja adds dramatic processions, ‘pandals’, and cultural celebrations.
- Gujarat and Maharashtra mark Navratri with daily Garba and Dandiya Raas dance nights.
- Southern India organizes Kolu (doll displays) and vibrant community events.
- Many states host fairs, spiritual discourses, and community feasts for nine days.
History
Legend holds that Goddess Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasura during Navratri, restoring peace and dharma. Both Ramayana and Mahabharata reference intense recitation and worship of Durga before epic battles. Sharad Navratri’s culmination is celebrated as Vijayadashami, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Additional Information
- Sharad Navratri is considered the most powerful of the five annual Navratris.
- Each day is associated with a unique color and prasad, especially in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- Fasting during Navratri is said to promote health, discipline, and spiritual progress.