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Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on October 11 and ends with Vijayadashami on October 20. This nine-day festival celebrates Maa Durga and her nine divine forms through prayers, fasting and vibrant festivities.
As homes fill with the fragrance of marigold flowers, diyas illuminate the puja rooms and Garba nights bring communities together, devotees prepare to welcome the Divine Mother. From the Ghatasthapana Muhurat and Navratri colours to Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami and the significance of each goddess, here is everything you need to know about Navratri 2026.
| Occasion | Date |
| Mahalaya Amavasya | October 10, Saturday |
| Navratri begins | October 11, Sunday |
| Ghatasthapana | October 11, Sunday |
| Durga Ashtami | October 19, Monday, in commonly followed observances |
| Maha Navami | October 19, Monday, in commonly followed observances |
| Navami Homa and Parana | October 20, Tuesday, in some local calendars |
| Vijayadashami or Dussehra | October 20, Tuesday |
The festival begins on October 11 because Pratipada Tithi starts on the night of October 10 and continues into the following day. The closing rituals require a little more care because Ashtami and Navami observances can differ by location and family tradition.
If you plan to perform Kanya Pujan, Havan or Parana, check the date and timing followed in your city.
Every day of Navratri has its own devotional significance. The traditional sequence honours the nine forms of Maa Durga, while the popular colour tradition gives each day a distinctive festive identity.
Here is the date-wise colour list for 2026.
| Date | Navratri day | Colour | Goddess |
| October 11 | Day 1 | Orange | Maa Shailputri |
| October 12 | Day 2 | White | Maa Brahmacharini |
| October 13 | Day 3 | Red | Maa Chandraghanta |
| October 14 | Day 4 | Royal blue | Maa Kushmanda |
| October 15 | Day 5 | Yellow | Maa Skandamata |
| October 16 | Day 6 | Green | Maa Katyayani |
| October 17 | Day 7 | Grey | Maa Kalaratri |
| October 18 | Day 8 | Purple | Maa Mahagauri |
| October 19 | Day 9 | Peacock green | Maa Siddhidatri |
The nine-colour calendar and the tithi-based worship schedule do not always align exactly. Saptami Tithi is observed across October 17 and 18 in some local calendars. Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami may also be observed together on October 19, while certain concluding rituals fall on October 20.
The colour list helps you plan your outfits and festive decorations. For religious rituals, follow the tithi and timing prescribed by your local Panchang.
Ghatasthapana marks the formal beginning of Navratri. A sacred Kalash is installed in the puja area, and devotees begin the nine-day observance with prayers to Maa Durga.
For Delhi, the auspicious timings on October 11 are:
These timings are specific to Delhi. If you live elsewhere, check the Muhurat for your city before performing the ritual.
Preparing for Navratri becomes easier when the puja area and materials are arranged the previous evening.
Many households also light an Akhand Jyoti and keep it burning throughout Navratri. If you follow this practice, place the lamp on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from curtains and other combustible materials.
What makes Navratri meaningful is the story behind each form of the goddess. Together, the nine forms, known as Navdurga, represent different aspects of divine strength, devotion and spiritual growth.
Maa Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains, represents stability and devotion. Her worship opens Navratri with a reminder to stay grounded in faith and begin the festival with a sincere heart.
Maa Brahmacharini represents penance, patience and discipline. Her story reflects the determination needed to remain committed to a purpose, even when the path requires sacrifice.
Maa Chandraghanta symbolises courage and protection. Her worship reminds devotees that facing difficulties with determination is an important part of personal and spiritual growth.
Maa Kushmanda is associated with the creation and sustaining energy of the universe. She represents vitality, creative power and the life-giving force of the Divine Mother.
Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda, embodies compassion and protective strength. Her worship honours the care and courage involved in nurturing others.
Maa Katyayani is a warrior form of the goddess, associated with courage and the destruction of negative forces. She represents the determination to stand up for what is right.
Maa Kalaratri is the fierce form associated with the destruction of darkness and fear. Though her appearance is formidable, she is worshipped as a protective force.
Maa Mahagauri represents purity, peace and renewal. Her worship reflects the hope of moving beyond past burdens and approaching life with greater clarity.
Maa Siddhidatri is associated with spiritual fulfilment and wisdom. Her worship completes the traditional sequence of Navdurga and marks the culmination of the nine-form devotional journey.
The goddess sequence is traditional, but the dates assigned to specific rituals can vary when tithis overlap. Check the local calendar for Ashtami Puja, Navami Puja and Kanya Pujan.
One of the joys of Navratri is choosing what to wear each morning. From a simple dupatta to a festive saree or kurta, the day’s colour often becomes part of family celebrations, office festivities and evening Garba gatherings.
Here is the traditional symbolism associated with the nine colours.
Orange: Associated with energy, enthusiasm and warmth, orange brings a bright start to the festival.
White: Represents peace, purity and simplicity. It is often associated with calmness and devotion.
Red: Symbolises strength, vitality and devotion. Red is also widely used in the chunri offered to Maa Durga.
Royal blue: Associated with depth, richness and tranquillity.
Yellow: Represents joy, optimism and brightness.
Green: Symbolises growth, nature and renewal.
Grey: Reflects balance, steadiness and a grounded outlook.
Purple: Associated with dignity, grandeur and nobility.
Peacock green: Combines blue and green tones and is commonly associated with freshness and individuality.
The first colour follows the weekday on which Navratri begins. Since the festival starts on a Sunday in 2026, orange comes first, followed by the remaining colours in the traditional sequence.
There is no need to worry if you do not have the exact shade for a particular day. Wearing these colours is a popular festive custom, not a compulsory condition for worship.
A little preparation can make the first morning calmer, especially when Ghatasthapana is performed early.
The exact list varies across regions and households. Follow the customs observed by your family rather than assuming that every item is compulsory.
For many devotees, fasting is an important part of Navratri. Some observe a vrat for all nine days, while others fast on selected days, particularly Ashtami or Navami.
Fasting foods commonly include fruits, milk, sabudana, potatoes, kuttu flour and singhare ka atta. The foods permitted during the fast depend on your household’s tradition.
Before beginning, choose a fasting practice that suits your circumstances. People with medical conditions, those who are pregnant and anyone taking medicines that require food should seek appropriate medical advice before undertaking a prolonged fast.
Daily prayer, keeping the puja area clean and setting aside time for mantra recitation are also part of Navratri observance in many homes.
Durga Ashtami is one of the most important observances towards the end of Navratri. Devotees offer special prayers to Maa Durga, and many families perform Kanya Pujan on this day.
Sandhi Puja is another important ritual associated with the transition between Ashtami and Navami Tithi. It has a specific timing, which depends on the local Panchang.
In 2026, Ashtami and Navami observances overlap in several regional calendars. Families planning Sandhi Puja, Havan or Kanya Pujan should confirm the local timing rather than rely on a date alone.
Maha Navami marks an important stage in the completion of Navratri worship. Depending on regional practice, devotees perform special prayers, Havan and Kanya Pujan before concluding their fast.
Kanya Pujan, also known as Kanjak Puja in many North Indian households, involves welcoming young girls as manifestations of the goddess. Puri, kala chana and halwa are among the traditional offerings.
Some families perform Kanya Pujan on Ashtami, while others choose Navami. Since the tithis overlap this year, check the calendar followed in your city before arranging the ritual.
Vijayadashami, popularly known as Dussehra, falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
For Delhi, the Vijay Muhurat is 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM. These timings are location-specific, so check the appropriate Muhurat for your city if you plan a ritual or auspicious beginning.
Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of good over evil. In the Ramayana tradition, the day marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. It is also associated with Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
The festival is celebrated in different ways throughout India. Ramlila performances and Ravana Dahan are popular in many North Indian cities. Other traditions include Durga Visarjan, Shami Puja and the worship of tools, books or instruments.
For many families, Dussehra is also a time to begin something new, return to an unfinished goal or make a fresh commitment.
Shardiya Navratri falls during the Hindu month of Ashwin and honours Maa Durga in her nine forms. One of its central stories describes the goddess’s victory over Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of divine strength over destructive forces.
The festival also invites devotees to reflect on qualities such as courage, patience, compassion and discipline. The stories of the nine goddesses offer different ways to understand strength, from Maa Brahmacharini’s perseverance to Maa Kalaratri’s fearlessness.
Navratri celebrations have their own character across India. Gujarat comes alive with Garba and Dandiya Raas, while West Bengal is known for Durga Puja pandals and elaborate artistic displays. In many North Indian homes, the nine days revolve around daily puja, fasting and Kanya Pujan.
These customs differ, but devotion to the Divine Mother connects the celebrations.
As Navratri begins, every diya lit, every prayer offered and every moment spent with family becomes part of the celebration. Whether you welcome Maa Durga through Ghatasthapana, observe a vrat, join the Garba celebrations or offer a quiet prayer at home, the festival is an opportunity to reconnect with your faith and embrace a new beginning.
With the important dates and puja preparations in place, you can make the most of these nine days and celebrate according to the traditions that matter to you. May this Navratri bring peace to your home, strength to your heart and renewed hope for the days ahead.
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1. What Happens If You Accidentally Break Your Navratri Fast?
If you accidentally break your Navratri fast, do not panic. Follow your family’s religious tradition, offer a prayer if that is customary, and resume your observance according to your health and circumstances.
2. Can You Cut Your Hair or Nails During Navratri?
Many devotees avoid cutting their hair or nails during Navratri as part of traditional fasting practices. However, this is a matter of religious custom, and observances differ between households.
3. Can You Keep Navratri Vrat During Periods?
Many women choose to observe Navratri fasts during menstruation, depending on their health, comfort and personal beliefs. Ritual practices around formal puja vary between families and traditions.
4. Can You Perform Navratri Puja Without Kalash Sthapana?
Yes, many devotees perform simple Navratri worship at home without a formal Kalash Sthapana. You can offer prayers, flowers and a diya to Maa Durga according to your family’s customs.
5. What Should You Do If the Kalash Falls During Navratri?
If the Kalash falls accidentally, carefully clean the area and restore the puja arrangement when it is safe to do so. Religious customs for such situations vary, so follow your household tradition rather than assuming that the incident is a bad omen.
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