October 10 – October 18, 2026 • Saturday to Sunday
Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Navami
Date
October 10 – October 18, 2026
Tithi
Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Navami
Muhurat
Ghatasthapana Muhurat: October 10, 6:15 AM – 7:45 AM (IST)
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on October 10th (Saturday) with Ghatasthapana and concludes on October 18th (Navami). Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) falls on October 19th. These nine sacred nights are dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga — Navadurga. Devotees fast, perform garba, observe Kanya Puja on Ashtami, and conclude with Havan on Navami. Navratri is one of the most widely observed Hindu festivals across India.
Ghatasthapana puja. Install Kalash. Worship Goddess Shailputri — daughter of the mountains. Colour of the day: Grey.
Goddess of penance and devotion. Colour: Orange.
Goddess who brings peace. Her half-moon on forehead emits divine light. Colour: White.
Creator of the universe with her divine smile. Colour: Red.
Mother of Lord Kartikeya. Colour: Royal Blue.
The warrior goddess, fierce form of Durga. Colour: Yellow.
Most powerful night — destroy evil forces. Colour: Green.
Kanya Puja — feed 9 young girls as divine manifestations. Colour: Peacock Green.
Havan, completion of vrat. Break fast. Colour: Purple.
Sharad Navratri 2026 starts October 10th (Saturday) and ends October 18th (Navami). Vijaya Dashami falls on October 19th.
Day 1: Grey, Day 2: Orange, Day 3: White, Day 4: Red, Day 5: Royal Blue, Day 6: Yellow, Day 7: Green, Day 8: Peacock Green, Day 9: Purple.
Ghatasthapana muhurat is October 10, 2026 between 6:15 AM and 7:45 AM IST. This is when the sacred Kalash is installed to begin the 9-day puja.
Sabudana, kuttu atta, singhara atta, sama rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, fruits, milk, nuts, and curd. Use only sendha namak (rock salt). Avoid wheat, rice, dal, regular salt, onion, and garlic.
Kanya Puja is performed on Ashtami (October 17) or Navami (October 18). Nine young girls (kanya) below puberty are invited, worshipped as manifestations of the Goddess, fed a meal (puri, halwa, chana), and given gifts.
Ask Pandit Shivananda for puja guidance and spiritual advice.