Navratri 2026 is one of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to Maa Durga and her nine forms, known as Navdurga. Shardiya Navratri will begin on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and the nine-day celebration will continue through Monday, October 19. Vijayadashami (Dussehra) will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Drikpanchang
During Navratri, devotees worship different forms of Goddess Durga, observe vrat, perform puja, recite prayers and visit temples. The festival is also celebrated through Garba, Dandiya and Durga Puja in different parts of India.
In this complete guide, you will find the Navratri 2026 calendar, day-wise Maa Durga forms, puja vidhi, Ghatasthapana, vrat information, Navratri colours and the significance of the festival.
Navratri 2026 Quick Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Shardiya Navratri 2026 |
| Start Date | October 11, 2026 |
| End Date | October 19, 2026 |
| Duration | 9 days |
| Vijayadashami | October 20, 2026 |
| First Day | Maa Shailputri |
| Last Day | Maa Siddhidatri |
| Main Deity | Maa Durga |
Note: Hindu festival timings and muhurtas can vary according to location. Always check a local Panchang for exact puja timings.
What Is Navratri?
The word Navratri means “nine nights.” The festival is dedicated to Shakti, the divine feminine power worshipped in the form of Maa Durga.
During the nine days of Shardiya Navratri, devotees worship nine different forms of Goddess Durga. These forms are collectively known as Navdurga.
Navratri is celebrated differently across India. Gujarat is famous for Garba and Dandiya, while West Bengal celebrates Durga Puja on a grand scale. In many North Indian homes, devotees observe fasting and perform daily Durga puja.
The festival represents the victory of good over evil and is associated with devotion, courage, spiritual discipline and the power of Shakti.
Navratri 2026 Dates and Day-Wise Calendar
Shardiya Navratri begins on October 11, 2026. The day-wise calendar is as follows: Drikpanchang
| Day | Date | Goddess Worshipped |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | October 11 | Maa Shailputri |
| Day 2 | October 12 | Maa Brahmacharini |
| Day 3 | October 13 | Maa Chandraghanta |
| Day 4 | October 14 | Maa Kushmanda |
| Day 5 | October 15 | Maa Skandamata |
| Day 6 | October 16 | Maa Katyayani |
| Day 7 | October 17 | Maa Kalaratri |
| Day 8 | October 18 | Maa Mahagauri |
| Day 9 | October 19 | Maa Siddhidatri |
| Vijayadashami | October 20 | Dussehra |
9 Forms of Maa Durga During Navratri
Each day of Navratri is traditionally associated with a different form of Goddess Durga.
Day 1 — Maa Shailputri
Date: October 11, 2026
Maa Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. She is traditionally described as the daughter of the Himalayas.
The first day also marks the beginning of Ghatasthapana and Navratri worship.
Navratri colour: Orange
Day 2 — Maa Brahmacharini
Date: October 12, 2026
Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day. Her form represents devotion, determination, penance and spiritual discipline.
Navratri colour: White
Day 3 — Maa Chandraghanta
Date: October 13, 2026
Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day. Her name is associated with the crescent moon on her forehead.
She is traditionally associated with courage, peace and protection.
Navratri colour: Red
Day 4 — Maa Kushmanda
Date: October 14, 2026
Maa Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri.
She is traditionally associated with creation, energy and divine power.
Navratri colour: Royal Blue
Day 5 — Maa Skandamata
Date: October 15, 2026
Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda or Kartikeya, is worshipped on the fifth day.
Devotees seek her blessings for peace, strength and prosperity.
Navratri colour: Yellow
Day 6 — Maa Katyayani
Date: October 16, 2026
Maa Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day.
She is regarded as a powerful form of Goddess Durga and is associated with courage and the destruction of evil.
Navratri colour: Green
Day 7 — Maa Kalaratri
Date: October 17, 2026
Maa Kalaratri is worshipped on the seventh day.
Her fierce form represents the destruction of darkness and evil and is associated with protection and courage.
Navratri colour: Grey
Day 8 — Maa Mahagauri
Date: October 18, 2026
Maa Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day.
She is traditionally associated with purity, peace and compassion.
Navratri colour: Purple
Day 9 — Maa Siddhidatri
Date: October 19, 2026
Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth and final day of Navratri.
Devotees seek her blessings for spiritual knowledge, wisdom and divine grace.
Navratri colour: Peacock Green
The day-wise dates and colours above follow the 2026 Navratri calendar for Indian locations; regional traditions may differ. Drikpanchang
Ghatasthapana 2026
Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana marks the beginning of Navratri worship.
In this ritual, a sacred kalash is established as part of the worship of Shakti. Barley or other grains may also be sown according to regional and family traditions.
Ghatasthapana will take place on October 11, 2026. The exact auspicious time depends on the location. For example, the Panchang calculation for Varanasi gives a Ghatasthapana muhurat of 5:54 AM to 9:48 AM, while other cities have different timings. Drikpanchang
Important: Do not use a Varanasi or Delhi muhurat as a universal time for all of India. Always check the Panchang for your city.
Navratri Puja Vidhi
The exact puja procedure varies between regions and families, but a simple Navratri worship routine can include:
- Clean the puja area.
- Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Prepare the puja space.
- Perform Ghatasthapana on the first day according to your tradition.
- Light a diya.
- Offer flowers, fruits and other appropriate offerings.
- Worship the form of Maa Durga associated with that day.
- Recite Durga mantras, Durga Chalisa or other prayers.
- Perform aarti.
- Offer prasad to family members and devotees.
For detailed instructions, we can create a separate article:
[Navratri Puja Vidhi 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide]
Navratri Vrat: What Do Devotees Eat?
Many devotees observe a fast during Navratri. However, fasting traditions differ from one family and region to another.
Foods commonly eaten during Navratri fasting may include:
- Fruits
- Milk and dairy products
- Sabudana
- Makhana
- Kuttu flour
- Singhara flour
- Rajgira
- Potatoes
- Certain permitted vegetables
Foods avoided during many fasting traditions include regular grains, certain pulses, meat and other foods restricted by the individual’s tradition.
Important
Fasting is a religious practice and is not the same for everyone. People with medical conditions, children, older adults and people taking regular medication should take appropriate medical advice before following a restrictive fast.
Why Is Navratri Celebrated?
Navratri is associated with the worship of Shakti and the victory of good over evil.
One of the most well-known traditions connected with Goddess Durga is her battle with Mahishasura, a powerful demon who represents arrogance and destructive forces.
According to Hindu tradition, Maa Durga fought Mahishasura and defeated him after a fierce battle.
The story is remembered as a symbol of the victory of righteousness and divine power over evil.
Navratri therefore represents more than nine days of worship. For devotees, it can also be a period of prayer, discipline, devotion and spiritual reflection.
Navratri Colours 2026
The traditional Navratri colours commonly associated with the nine days are:
| Date | Day | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| October 11 | Day 1 | Orange |
| October 12 | Day 2 | White |
| October 13 | Day 3 | Red |
| October 14 | Day 4 | Royal Blue |
| October 15 | Day 5 | Yellow |
| October 16 | Day 6 | Green |
| October 17 | Day 7 | Grey |
| October 18 | Day 8 | Purple |
| October 19 | Day 9 | Peacock Green |
Navratri colours can vary between calendars and regional traditions, so readers should treat them as a traditional guide rather than a universal religious rule. Drikpanchang
Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami 2026
The final days of Navratri are particularly significant.
Durga Ashtami is observed on October 18, while Maha Navami is observed on October 19 in the 2026 calendar. Drikpanchang
Many devotees perform special prayers, havan, kanya pujan or other rituals according to their family and regional traditions.
The exact observances can differ considerably across India.
Vijayadashami 2026
After the nine days of Navratri, Vijayadashami or Dussehra will be celebrated on October 20, 2026.
The day is associated with the victory of good over evil. In many parts of India, it is connected with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, while other traditions connect Vijayadashami with Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
Dussehra celebrations vary widely across different regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Navratri 2026 start?
Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on October 11, 2026.
When does Navratri 2026 end?
The nine-day Navratri observance ends on October 19, 2026. Vijayadashami is on October 20.
Which Goddess is worshipped on Day 1?
Maa Shailputri is worshipped on the first day.
How many forms of Maa Durga are worshipped during Navratri?
Nine forms, collectively known as Navdurga, are traditionally worshipped.
Is fasting compulsory during Navratri?
No. Fasting practices vary according to individual, family and regional traditions.
When is Ghatasthapana in 2026?
Ghatasthapana is on October 11, 2026. The exact muhurat varies by location.
When is Dussehra in 2026?
Vijayadashami/Dussehra is on October 20, 2026.
Final Thoughts
Navratri is a celebration of Shakti, devotion and the victory of good over evil. Across India, people celebrate these nine days in different ways—from traditional puja and fasting to Garba, Dandiya and Durga Puja.
With Navratri 2026 beginning on October 11, now is a good time to understand the nine forms of Maa Durga, prepare for the festival and learn about the traditions followed by different communities.
India Ka Guide will continue publishing detailed guides about Indian festivals, mythology, puja vidhi, vrat katha and traditional celebrations.