Navratri 2026: Dates, Timings & Significance

Navratri is one of the most celebrated and spiritually powerful festivals in India. It’s a season when loved ones gather, hearts open in prayer, and communities come together through music, fasting and devotion. In 2026, Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday, 11 October, and concludes on Monday, 19 October. The celebrations end with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

These nine days are more than rituals. They are a journey of devotion, discipline and spiritual awakening. Each day is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, with its own colour, mantra and fasting customs.

Navratri 2025 Start and End Dates

Navratri 2026 begins on the morning of 11 October, the day of Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana). From then on, the divine energy of Goddess Durga is invoked in homes and temples. The festival runs until 19 October, when Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami are observed together, and Vijayadashami follows on 20 October.

A note for 2026: Navratri follows the lunar tithi, not the calendar date, and this year the tithis are compressed near the end. Ashtami is present at sunrise on 19 October but ends mid-morning (around 10:53 AM), after which Navami takes over for the rest of the day. So Maha Ashtami, Sandhi Puja and Maha Navami all fall on 19 October. Timings vary slightly by city, so confirm with your local panchang.

Ghatasthapana Muhurat for Navratri 2026

The most important ritual on the first day is Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana. In 2026 it takes place on Sunday, 11 October.

The Pratipada morning window runs from about 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM (New Delhi). However, Chitra nakshatra and Vaidhriti yoga both extend across that morning, and both are traditionally avoided for Kalash Sthapana. For this reason, the Abhijit Muhurat around noon is considered the safer choice:

• Delhi: 11:44 AM – 12:30 PM
• Mumbai: 12:01 PM – 12:48 PM

Performing Kalash Sthapana at the right time matters because it marks the beginning of the puja. The Kalash is filled with holy water, topped with mango leaves and a coconut, and placed on a bed of soil or rice where barley seeds are sown. Once placed, it is believed to embody the presence of Maa Durga and remains the centre of devotion throughout Navratri.

Day-Wise Navratri 2026 Goddess Worship and Significance

Each day is a chance to connect with a distinct form of Maa Durga. Let’s go through all nine days.

(The colours below are a popular regional custom that follows the weekday and changes every year. They are not scripture, and some lists vary on the last two days.)

Day 1 – 11 October 2026 (Sunday): Maa Shailputri

The festival begins by honoring Maa Shailputri, the Himalayan princess of divinity, depicted atop a bull with a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other. Her presence symbolizes strength, stability, and grounding.

• Color of the Day: Orange – energy, enthusiasm and determination
• Mantra: Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah

Worshipping Maa Shailputri builds a strong spiritual foundation and removes fear. Lighting a ghee lamp and offering pure ghee is a cherished ritual. She is associated with the Muladhara Chakra (root chakra).

Day 2 – 12 October 2026 (Monday): Maa Brahmacharini

On the second day, devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini, the goddess of penance, devotion, and wisdom. She is seen holding a rosary in one hand and a kamandal (water pot) in the other.

• Color of the Day: White – symbolizing purity, peace, and inner calm.
• Mantra: Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah

Maa Brahmacharini blesses her devotees with strength, patience, and wisdom. Fasting on this day is believed to bring peace and harmony. She represents the Swadhisthana Chakra (sacral chakra), which governs emotions, creativity, and balance. Offerings of sugar and fruits are considered auspicious.

Day 3 – 13 October 2026 (Tuesday): Maa Chandraghanta

The third day of Navratri is devoted to Maa Chandraghanta, the fierce warrior Goddess who embodies courage and offers protection to her devotees. She rides a lion and wears a bell-shaped crescent moon on her forehead, which gives her the name “Chandraghanta.”

• Color of the Day: Red – symbolizing power, passion, and fearlessness.
• Mantra: Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah

Chanting her mantra helps devotees remove obstacles, overcome fear, and protect themselves from negative forces. Maa Chandraghanta is associated with the Manipura Chakra (solar plexus chakra), which governs willpower and confidence. Devotees often prepare kheer or milk-based sweets as offerings on this day.

Day 4 – 14 October 2026 (Wednesday): Maa Kushmanda

On the fourth day, devotees worship Maa Kushmanda, who is believed to have created the universe with her radiant smile. She is the source of light, vitality, and positivity.

• Color of the Day: Royal Blue – representing calmness, prosperity, and stability.
• Mantra: Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah

Maa Kushmanda showers her devotees with health, prosperity, and happiness. Her worship is connected to the heart chakra, nurturing love, compassion, and positivity. Offering pumpkin and green vegetables is considered auspicious.

Day 5 – 15 October 2026 (Thursday): Maa Skandamata

The fifth day is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya (also known as Skanda). She is a symbol of motherly love, compassion, and wisdom.

• Color of the Day: Yellow – associated with knowledge, positivity, and joy.
• Mantra: Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah

Her worship brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Maa Skandamata represents the Vishuddha Chakra (throat chakra), which governs truth and communication. Devotees usually offer bananas and yellow-colored sweets to the Goddess.

Day 6 – 16 October 2026 (Friday): Maa Katyayani

The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, the warrior form of Durga. She is known to destroy evil and protect her devotees. Many unmarried girls also worship her to find a good life partner.

• Color of the Day: Green – representing growth, harmony, and prosperity.
• Mantra: Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah

Chanting this mantra helps devotees remove obstacles, attract blessings, and fulfill desires. Maa Katyayani is linked with the Ajna Chakra, or third eye chakra, which guides intuition and deep spiritual insight. Honey and sweets are offered to her.

Day 7 – 17 October 2026 (Saturday): Maa Kalaratri

On the seventh day, devotees worship Maa Kalaratri, the fiercest form of Goddess Durga. Despite her terrifying appearance, she is believed to be the destroyer of negativity, ignorance, and fear.

• Color of the Day: Grey – symbolizing strength, transformation, and balance.
• Mantra: Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah

Worshipping her removes obstacles, enemies, and negative influences. She represents the Sahasrara Chakra (crown chakra), guiding devotees toward ultimate liberation. As part of the rituals, devotees present jaggery and sesame seeds to the Goddess to invite her grace and protection.

Day 8 – 18 October 2026 (Sunday): Maa Mahagauri

The eighth day, also known as Durga Ashtami, is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri. She is known for her radiant beauty, purity, and calm nature. Devotees believe that worshipping her washes away sins and blesses them with peace.

• Color of the Day: Purple – representing spirituality, devotion, and dignity.
• Mantra: Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah

On this day, many devotees perform Kanya Pujan, where young girls are worshipped as manifestations of Goddess Durga. Coconut, sweets, and flowers are offered. Maa Mahagauri is associated with the Sahasrara Chakra, symbolizing divine knowledge.

Day 9 – 19 October 2026 (Monday): Maa Siddhidatri

The ninth day, known as Navami, is devoted to Maa Siddhidatri, the Goddess who grants perfection and divine powers (siddhis) to her devotees. She completes the Navratri worship by granting wisdom and fulfillment.

• Color of the Day: Peacock Green – symbolizing prosperity, vitality, and balance.
• Mantra: Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah

Her worship is believed to fulfill wishes and guide devotees toward enlightenment. She governs all chakras, representing ultimate perfection. Devotees usually offer sesame seeds, fruits, and flowers.

Navratri Puja Vidhi and Rituals

Navratri puja rituals are deeply symbolic and bring families together in devotion.

• Ghatasthapana: The festival begins by establishing the Kalash on Day 1, ideally in the Abhijit Muhurat this year.
• Daily Durga Puja: Light diyas, recite Durga mantras, and offer fresh flowers and fruits. Many families keep an akhand jyoti (unbroken lamp) lit through all nine days.
• Fasting Rules: Many devotees eat fruits, milk or simple sattvic vrat food. Some fast for all nine days, others only on the first and last. Anyone who is pregnant, unwell or elderly should follow a doctor’s advice.
• Kanya Pujan: On Ashtami or Navami (both fall on 19 October this year), young girls are worshipped as living embodiments of the Goddess and offered food, gifts and blessings.
• Havan / Homa: On the final day, a sacred fire ritual concludes the puja and seeks blessings for the family’s well-being.

Spiritual Significance of Navratri

More than a cultural event, Navratri is a time for reflection, devotion and inner growth. It marks the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, a reminder that good triumphs over evil. Each day teaches a lesson in courage, devotion, balance and wisdom.

Every region brings its own traditions. In Gujarat, people gather every night for Garba and Dandiya Raas. In West Bengal, Navratri merges with grand Durga Puja pandals. In North India, Ramlila performances retell the story of Lord Rama, ending with the burning of Ravana’s effigy on Dussehra. This diversity makes Navratri not just religious but a festival that unites people across India.

Embracing the Spirit of Navratri

Navratri 2026, from 11 to 19 October, brings nine days of devotion, fasting, colour and joy, followed by Dussehra on 20 October. By following the daily rituals, wearing the colours and chanting the mantras, devotees can invite positivity, protection and prosperity into their lives.