Quick Answer - Sharad Navratri 2026
Sharad Navratri 2026, also called Shardiya Navratri, begins on Sunday, 11 October 2026, with Ghatasthapana, and continues for nine nights through Monday, 19 October 2026. Vijayadashami (Dussehra) follows on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. The festival is dedicated to Maa Durga and her nine forms, known as Navdurga. Each of the nine days honours one form of the goddess, moving from Shailputri on Day 1 to Siddhidatri on Day 9. Devotees observe Vrat, daily Puja, Mantra Japa and Aarti, culminating in Ashtami and Navami worship, Kanya Puja and, in many families, a Havan.
Sharad Navratri 2026 Dates at a Glance
Sharad Navratri 2026 Quick Facts
Start date: 11 October 2026 (Ghatasthapana)
End date: 19 October 2026 (Navami)
Ghatasthapana: Morning of 11 October 2026, exact Muhurat varies by city
Nine forms worshipped: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri
Ashtami: 18 October 2026
Navami: 19 October 2026
Vijayadashami: 20 October 2026
Main purpose: worship of Maa Durga and Shakti, marking the victory of good over evil
You can see the full day by day breakdown, along with dedicated Puja guidance for each form, on the site's Navratri 2026 hub.
What Is Sharad Navratri?
Sharad Navratri is the most widely observed of the four Navratris in the Hindu calendar. It falls in the lunar month of Ashwin, during the Sharad or post-monsoon season, which is where the name comes from. "Sharad" refers to the season and "Navratri" means nine nights.
There are four Navratris in a year: Chaitra Navratri in spring, two Gupt Navratris observed mainly by tantric practitioners, and Sharad Navratri in autumn. Sharad Navratri is also called Maha Navratri because it is celebrated most widely across India, with public Durga Puja pandals, Garba and Dandiya nights, and Ram Lila performances leading up to Dussehra.
Devotees traditionally believe that during these nine nights, Maa Durga's energy is especially accessible, and many practitioners consider this period suitable for beginning new spiritual practices, Sadhana or Anushthan.
Sharad Navratri 2026: 9 Days and 9 Forms of Maa Durga
Each day of Navratri is associated with one form of Maa Durga, collectively called the Navdurga. The table below gives a quick reference, and the site's dedicated Day pages go into the Puja Vidhi, Mantra and story for each form in more depth.
Day 1 - Maa Shailputri
Maa Shailputri, daughter of the Himalayas, is worshipped on the first day, alongside Ghatasthapana. She represents stability and the beginning of the spiritual journey through the nine nights. Devotees often start their Vrat and daily Sankalp on this day. A detailed Puja guide for this day, including Mantra and worship steps, is available on the Navratri Day 1 - Maa Shailputri page.
Day 2 - Maa Brahmacharini
Maa Brahmacharini symbolises penance, discipline and unwavering devotion. Her worship is associated with strengthening willpower and patience, qualities many devotees seek to cultivate during the nine days of fasting and prayer. See the Navratri Day 2 - Maa Brahmacharini page for the specific worship steps.
Day 3 - Maa Chandraghanta
Named after the crescent moon on her forehead, Maa Chandraghanta represents courage and grace in equal measure. Her worship is traditionally associated with removing fear and instilling fearlessness. Full details are on the Navratri Day 3 - Maa Chandraghanta page.
Day 4 - Maa Kushmanda
Maa Kushmanda is considered the creator of the universe with her divine smile, associated with cosmic energy and vitality. Many devotees offer Malpua or seasonal fruits on this day. Read more on the Navratri Day 4 - Maa Kushmanda page.
Day 5 - Maa Skandamata
As the mother of Kartikeya, Maa Skandamata represents motherhood, nurturing and protection of family. Her worship on the fifth day is often centred on family wellbeing. Details are available on the Navratri Day 5 - Maa Skandamata page.
Day 6 - Maa Katyayani
Maa Katyayani is worshipped as a warrior form of the goddess, associated with strength, confidence and protection from obstacles. This day carries special importance for devotees seeking courage in difficult situations. See the Navratri Day 6 - Maa Katyayani page for the worship method.
Day 7 - Maa Kalaratri
Considered the fiercest form of Durga, Maa Kalaratri is traditionally associated with the destruction of darkness and negative energy. Many devotees consider this an important day for protection oriented Puja. Full guidance is on the Navratri Day 7 - Maa Kalaratri page.
Day 8 - Maa Mahagauri
Maa Mahagauri, worshipped on Durga Ashtami, represents purity, compassion and peace. This day is widely observed with special Puja and, in many families, Kanya Pujan. See the Navratri Day 8 - Maa Mahagauri page for the Ashtami rituals.
Day 9 - Maa Siddhidatri
The ninth and final form, Maa Siddhidatri, represents the attainment of perfection and fulfilment. Maha Navami is marked with Havan, Kanya Pujan and concluding prayers in many households. Complete Navami worship steps are covered on the Navratri Day 9 - Maa Siddhidatri page.
If you would like to follow along day by day with personalised Sankalp guidance, the Navratri 2026 hub has each day's Puja option listed together.
Ghatasthapana 2026 - Date, Muhurat and Puja Vidhi
Ghatasthapana, when is Navratri Kalash Sthapana performed in 2026? Ghatasthapana falls on Sunday, 11 October 2026, the first day of Sharad Navratri. It marks the formal beginning of the nine day worship of Maa Durga.
Ghatasthapana means the installation of a sacred Kalash, which represents the presence of the goddess for the duration of Navratri. The basic steps commonly followed are:
Clean the Puja area and place a layer of soil in a wide vessel.
Sow barley (Jau) seeds in the soil, which sprout over the nine days and are considered auspicious.
Place a Kalash filled with water, topped with mango leaves and a coconut, near or on the soil vessel.
Light a Diya and invoke Maa Durga with a Sankalp, stating your name, family lineage and intention.
Jau or barley holds particular significance in this ritual. Its sprouting over the nine days is traditionally seen as a sign of growth, prosperity and the fulfilment of the devotee's wishes.
The exact Ghatasthapana Muhurat for 2026 depends on sunrise time and the prevailing Tithi in your city, so the timing can differ from one location to another. Rather than following a single fixed time nationwide, it is best to check your local Panchang or consult a knowledgeable Acharya before performing Ghatasthapana.
Navratri Puja Vidhi - Step-by-Step
A traditional Navratri Puja Vidhi generally follows these steps, whether performed simply at home or in an elaborate form with a priest.
Clean the Puja space and the idol or picture of Maa Durga.
Prepare the Kalash with water, mango leaves and a coconut.
Perform Ghatasthapana on Day 1 with the appropriate Sankalp.
Invoke Maa Durga by lighting a Diya and offering initial prayers.
Offer flowers, Roli, Akshat and other Puja items to the deity.
Recite the day's specific Mantra or Durga Saptashati verses, according to your tradition.
Perform Aarti, ideally at both morning and evening.
Offer Bhog or Prasad, commonly fruits, sweets or Satvik food.
Repeat the daily worship for all nine days, adjusting focus for the day's Devi form.
Conclude with Ashtami or Navami Puja, Kanya Pujan and, where customary, a Havan.
A simple home Puja generally covers steps 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 performed by a family member. More elaborate rituals, including a full Havan, Durga Saptashati Path or a multi-day Anushthan, are typically performed with the guidance of an experienced Acharya, since they involve additional Sankalp, Samagri and precise Vedic procedure.
How to Perform Navratri Puja at Home
You do not need a priest to observe a meaningful Navratri Puja at home. A realistic beginner friendly routine looks like this:
Set up a small, clean altar with an image or idol of Maa Durga.
Light a Diya each morning and, if possible, each evening.
Offer fresh flowers and a few drops of water, along with Roli and Akshat.
Recite a short prayer, the Durga Chalisa, or a simple Mantra that you are comfortable with.
Keep the space clean and avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol in the household during the nine days, if this is your family's tradition.
On Ashtami or Navami, perform a simple Kanya Pujan if your family observes this custom.
There is no requirement to perform an elaborate ritual for the Puja to hold meaning. According to Hindu tradition, sincere devotion matters more than the scale of the ritual.
Navratri Puja Samagri Checklist
The exact Samagri list can vary depending on family tradition, region and whether a simple Puja or an elaborate Anushthan is planned, so treat this as a general reference rather than a fixed requirement.
Navratri Fasting Rules
Many devotees observe a Vrat during Sharad Navratri, though the strictness varies widely by family and region.
Commonly followed practices include:
Eating Satvik food, prepared without onion, garlic or regular table salt, often replaced with Sendha Namak (rock salt).
Consuming fruits, milk, curd and nuts through the day.
Using Kuttu (buckwheat), Singhara (water chestnut) or Rajgira flour for rotis and snacks instead of wheat or rice.
Avoiding non-vegetarian food and alcohol.
Staying well hydrated with water, coconut water or fruit juices.
Some devotees keep a full nine-day fast, others fast only on the first and last day, and many simply eat Satvik meals without a strict fast. All of these are accepted variations rather than one fixed rule.
People with diabetes, low blood pressure, pregnancy or any other medical condition should follow the advice of their doctor rather than undertaking a restrictive fast without professional guidance. Fasting is a personal spiritual practice and should never come at the cost of your health.
Navratri Colours 2026
Wearing a specific colour associated with each day is a popular custom in many parts of India, though it is a cultural and regional practice rather than a scriptural requirement.
This colour sequence is widely followed but can vary between regions, communities and even individual calendars. Treat it as a fun, customary addition to your Navratri observance rather than a fixed rule.
Why Is Sharad Navratri Celebrated?
At its core, Sharad Navratri is a celebration of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, worshipped in the form of Maa Durga. According to Hindu tradition, the festival commemorates Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
Beyond the mythological narrative, the nine days are also seen as a period of:
Devotion, through daily Puja, Mantra Japa and Aarti.
Self-discipline, through fasting and simplified living.
Community worship, seen in Durga Puja pandals, Garba and Dandiya gatherings.
Spiritual reflection, as many devotees use this period to set intentions or begin new practices.
Chaitra Navratri, observed in spring, follows a similar structure of nine days and nine forms, but Sharad Navratri is generally considered the larger, more widely celebrated of the two, culminating in Dussehra.
Ashtami and Navami During Sharad Navratri
Durga Ashtami falls on 18 October 2026, and Maha Navami falls on 19 October 2026 this year. These two days are considered especially significant within the nine day observance.
On Ashtami, many households perform a special Puja to Maa Mahagauri, and this is also a common day for Kanya Pujan in several regions. On Navami, worship of Maa Siddhidatri is combined with Havan and concluding rituals in many traditions.
Some families observe Kanya Pujan on Ashtami, others on Navami, and this varies by region and personal or family custom rather than following one single rule across India.
Navratri Kanya Pujan - Vidhi and Significance
Kanya Pujan, sometimes called Kanjak Puja, involves inviting young girls, typically believed to represent forms of Devi before puberty, to be honoured as living representations of the goddess.
A common, simple version of this practice includes:
Inviting a small number of young girls, often nine, to the home.
Washing their feet as a gesture of respect, where this is customary in the family.
Applying Tilak on their foreheads.
Offering a meal, commonly Puri, Chana and Halwa.
Giving small gifts, such as clothing, stationery or a token amount of money.
Seeking their blessings before they leave.
Kanya Pujan practices vary considerably between regions and communities, and not every family that observes Navratri performs this ritual in the same way, or at all. Treat the steps above as one common approach rather than a universal requirement.
Navratri Mantras and Prayers
A few widely used Mantras and prayers associated with Navratri include the Durga Beej Mantra, "Om Dum Durgayei Namah", chanted for invoking the goddess's protective energy, and verses from the Durga Saptashati, recited by many devotees during the nine days according to their family tradition.
Devotees who also worship Maa Baglamukhi, one of the Dash Mahavidyas, as part of their personal Sadhana may include her Mantra in their daily practice during this period. The full Mantra, its meaning and correct chanting method are explained on the Baglamukhi Mantra page, while those specifically interested in her Beej Mantra can refer to the Baglamukhi Beej Mantra guide.
Mantra chanting is traditionally considered most effective when done with correct pronunciation and consistency rather than sporadically, and many devotees prefer guidance from an experienced Acharya when starting a new Mantra practice.
Navratri Dos and Don'ts
Navratri 2026: Maa Baglamukhi Puja at Nalkheda Siddha Peeth
Navratri is widely regarded as an auspicious period for Shakti worship, and some devotees choose to extend their Navratri Sadhana toward a specific form of the goddess for a particular purpose. Maa Baglamukhi, one of the ten Mahavidyas in the Dash Mahavidya tradition, is one such form that many devotees turn to during this period.
According to devotional tradition, Maa Baglamukhi is associated with stambhan shakti, the power to still or restrain negative forces, legal obstacles, and hidden opposition. Devotees traditionally seek her blessings for protection, mental clarity and support during difficult situations, alongside their regular Navratri Durga worship.
A general Navratri Puja, focused on the nine Navdurga forms, is different in scope and procedure from a specialised Baglamukhi Puja or Havan, which follows its own Sankalp, Mantra and ritual sequence within the broader Tantra tradition. Because of this specialised nature, such rituals are typically performed by an experienced Acharya rather than as a simple home ritual, especially when a Havan or multi-day Anushthan is involved.
Nalkheda, in Madhya Pradesh, is recognised as one of the principal Siddha Peeths associated with Maa Baglamukhi. Devotees who wish to arrange a Navratri period Baglamukhi Puja or Havan at this Siddha Peeth, but are unable to travel, may enquire about the online Puja option, where the Sankalp is taken with the devotee's name and Gotra and the ritual is performed at the temple on their behalf.
If you are interested in a Navratri period Puja focused specifically on Maa Baglamukhi, you can book a Navratri Special Maa Baglamukhi Puja or speak with an Acharya first to understand which type of ritual, whether a simple Puja, a Havan or a longer Anushthan, would suit your situation. Devotional tradition holds that such rituals may offer spiritual support and a sense of protection, though no specific outcome, financial, legal or otherwise, can be guaranteed by any ritual.
Maa Baglamukhi and Navratri - Is Baglamukhi One of the 9 Navdurga?
No, Maa Baglamukhi is not one of the nine Navdurga forms worshipped during the nine days of Sharad Navratri. The Navdurga are a distinct group of nine forms, Shailputri through Siddhidatri, each associated with one specific day.
Maa Baglamukhi instead belongs to a separate group known as the Dash Mahavidya, the ten Mahavidyas of Shakti worship within the wider Tantra tradition, which also includes forms such as Kali, Tara and Tripura Sundari. The Navdurga and the Dash Mahavidya are both expressions of Devi worship, but they belong to distinct classifications within Hindu tradition, worshipped according to different Puja Vidhi and Sankalp.
Some Baglamukhi centres, including certain Siddha Peeths, do offer a special Baglamukhi themed Puja or Anushthan alongside the main nine day Navratri period, sometimes described informally as an additional or tenth day of worship. This is a devotional and commercial addition specific to that tradition or temple, and should not be understood as Maa Baglamukhi being counted among the classical Navdurga. You can read more about her place within this wider tradition on the About Maa Baglamukhi page.
Can Navratri Puja Be Performed Without a Priest?
Yes, a simple Navratri Puja can be performed at home without a priest. Daily worship involving a Diya, flowers, Roli, Akshat and a short prayer or Mantra is well within the ability of any devotee, and does not require specialised Vedic training.
Priest guidance becomes more relevant for elaborate rituals, such as a full Durga Saptashati Path with correct Sanskrit pronunciation, a Havan involving precise Ahuti procedures, or a specialised Anushthan meant to run continuously across the nine days. These rituals involve specific Sankalp language, timing and sequencing that an experienced Acharya is trained to handle correctly. If you are unsure whether your planned observance needs a priest, it is reasonable to start with a simple home Puja and consult an Acharya only if you wish to add a Havan or a more structured Anushthan, such as through the Baglamukhi Anushthan service.
What Should You Eat During Navratri?
These are general patterns rather than medical guidance. If you are managing diabetes, low blood sugar, pregnancy or any other health condition, plan your Navratri diet with your doctor rather than following fasting customs strictly.
FAQs
When does Sharad Navratri 2026 start? Sharad Navratri 2026 starts on Sunday, 11 October 2026, with Ghatasthapana marking the beginning of the nine day observance.
When is Navratri 2026? Navratri 2026, referring to Sharad Navratri, runs from 11 October to 19 October 2026, followed by Vijayadashami on 20 October 2026.
When is Ghatasthapana in 2026? Ghatasthapana for Sharad Navratri 2026 falls on 11 October 2026. The exact auspicious Muhurat depends on your city, so check your local Panchang.
How many days is Sharad Navratri? Sharad Navratri is observed over nine nights and days, followed by Vijayadashami on the tenth day.
What are the 9 days of Navratri in 2026? The nine days run from 11 October (Day 1, Shailputri) through 19 October 2026 (Day 9, Siddhidatri), with Ashtami on 18 October and Navami on 19 October.
What are the 9 forms of Maa Durga? The nine forms, known as Navdurga, are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.
Which colour should be worn on each day of Navratri 2026? The commonly followed 2026 sequence is Orange, White, Red, Royal Blue, Yellow, Green, Grey, Purple and Peacock Green for Days 1 through 9, though this can vary by region.
What is Ghatasthapana? Ghatasthapana is the ritual installation of a sacred Kalash on the first day of Navratri, marking the formal beginning of Durga worship for the nine days.
Can Navratri Puja be performed at home? Yes. A simple daily Puja with a Diya, flowers and a short prayer or Mantra can be performed at home without a priest, while more elaborate rituals may benefit from an Acharya's guidance.
What Samagri is needed for Navratri Puja? Common items include a Kalash, coconut, mango leaves, Roli, Akshat, flowers, incense, a Diya, ghee, fruits, Prasad and barley for Ghatasthapana, though the exact list varies by family tradition.
What are the rules for Navratri fasting? Fasting rules vary, but commonly involve Satvik food without onion, garlic or regular salt, avoiding non-vegetarian food and alcohol, and using specific flours such as Kuttu or Singhara.
What should be avoided during Navratri? Many devotees avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and, on Vrat days, regular grains, onion and garlic, though the extent of these restrictions differs by family.
When is Ashtami in Navratri 2026? Durga Ashtami in Sharad Navratri 2026 falls on 18 October 2026.
When is Navami in Navratri 2026? Maha Navami in Sharad Navratri 2026 falls on 19 October 2026.
When is Kanya Puja performed? Kanya Puja is commonly performed on Ashtami or Navami, depending on family and regional tradition, most often on 18 or 19 October 2026 this year.
What is the significance of Sharad Navratri? Sharad Navratri celebrates the victory of Maa Durga over evil and is observed as a period of Shakti worship, self-discipline, fasting and community celebration.
Is Sharad Navratri different from Chaitra Navratri? Yes. Both follow a nine day, nine form structure, but Sharad Navratri falls in autumn and is the larger, more widely celebrated festival, while Chaitra Navratri falls in spring.
Is Maa Baglamukhi one of the nine forms of Durga? No. Maa Baglamukhi belongs to the separate Dash Mahavidya tradition and is not one of the nine Navdurga worshipped during Navratri's daily cycle.
Can Maa Baglamukhi Puja be performed during Navratri? Yes, some devotees choose to perform a specialised Baglamukhi Puja or Havan during Navratri alongside their regular Durga worship, typically with the guidance of an experienced Acharya.
Can Baglamukhi Puja be booked online from outside India? Devotees living outside India can enquire about online Baglamukhi Puja booking at Nalkheda, where the Sankalp is taken with the devotee's name and Gotra for the ritual performed at the Siddha Peeth.
