Navratri 2026: Dates, Durga Puja Timings, 9 Forms of Maa Durga & Complete Guide

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Sharad Navratri 2026 is one of the most spiritually significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Maa Durga and the divine feminine power of Shakti. The nine-day festival is observed with devotion, fasting, prayers, Durga Puja, chanting, meditation and traditional celebrations across India.

In 2026, Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday, 11 October 2026, with Ghatasthapana and Maa Shailputri Puja. The nine-day worship culminates with Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami on 19 October 2026, followed by Vijayadashami/Dussehra on 20 October 2026 in Delhi and many parts of North India.

This complete Navratri 2026 guide explains the festival dates, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, nine forms of Maa Durga, day-wise worship, Navratri vrat rules, puja vidhi, important rituals, spiritual significance and frequently asked questions.

Navratri 2026: Important Dates at a Glance


The 2026 calendar places Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami on 19 October, while Vijayadashami is observed on 20 October in Delhi.

Note: Hindu festival timings are location-sensitive. If you are performing an important ritual such as Ghatasthapana, always check the Panchang for your city.

What is Navratri and Why is It Celebrated?

Navratri literally means “nine nights.” The festival is dedicated to the worship of Shakti, the divine feminine energy represented through different forms of Maa Durga.

Sharad Navratri is observed during the Hindu month of Ashwin and is associated with the victory of divine power over negative and destructive forces.

The festival symbolises:

  • Victory of good over evil
  • Removal of negativity
  • Spiritual purification
  • Strength and courage
  • Devotion and faith
  • Inner transformation
  • Prosperity and wellbeing
  • Divine protection

For devotees, Navratri is not only a festival but also an opportunity to slow down, pray, reflect and reconnect with spiritual values. 

When is Navratri 2026?

Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October 2026.

The first day is marked by Ghatasthapana, followed by the worship of Maa Shailputri.

According to the New Delhi Panchang, Pratipada Tithi begins on the night of 10 October and ends on 11 October, making 11 October the first day of Sharad Navratri.

The nine forms of Maa Durga are worshipped throughout the nine-day period.

Ghatasthapana 2026: Date & Muhurat

Ghatasthapana Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026

For Delhi, the published Panchang gives the following Ghatasthapana Muhurat:

Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 06:19 AM – 10:12 AM

Abhijit Muhurat: 11:44 AM – 12:31 PM

The Pratipada Tithi begins at 9:19 PM on 10 October and ends at 9:30 PM on 11 October for Delhi.

Because Muhurat can vary by city, devotees outside Delhi should check their local Panchang before performing Ghatasthapana.

What is Ghatasthapana?

Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Navratri worship.

During the ritual, a sacred Kalash is established and Maa Durga is invoked. Barley or other traditional grains may also be sown as part of the ritual, depending on family and regional traditions.

A typical Ghatasthapana setup may include:

  • Kalash
  • Clean water
  • Mango leaves
  • Coconut
  • Sacred thread
  • Akshat
  • Roli and kumkum
  • Flowers
  • Durva or other traditional items
  • Barley seeds
  • Diya
  • Maa Durga image or idol

The exact ritual procedure can differ according to family tradition and regional practice.

The 9 Forms of Maa Durga During Navratri 2026



Navratri 2026 Day-Wise Puja Calendar



 

Durga Ashtami 2026

Durga Ashtami will be observed on Monday, 19 October 2026 in the Delhi calendar.

Ashtami is one of the most important days of Navratri. Many devotees perform special Maa Durga Puja, prayers, havan and Kanya Pujan according to their family traditions.

In some traditions, Ashtami and Navami observances overlap because of the prevailing tithi.

Maha Navami 2026

Maha Navami: 19 October 2026

Maha Navami marks the culmination of the principal nine-day worship of Maa Durga.

Devotees may perform:

  • Maa Siddhidatri Puja
  • Durga Saptashati Path
  • Havan
  • Kanya Pujan
  • Aarti
  • Bhog
  • Charity and seva

The exact practices vary between regions and families.

Kanya Pujan During Navratri

Kanya Pujan, also known as Kanjak Puja in several North Indian traditions, is performed especially around Ashtami or Navami.

Young girls are traditionally honoured as manifestations of the divine feminine.

A traditional Kanya Pujan may include:


The ritual is performed with devotion and respect rather than as a mere formal practice.

Navratri Puja Vidhi: Simple Daily Routine

A simple daily Navratri worship routine can include:

Step 1: Clean the Puja Area

Keep the worship area clean and peaceful.

Step 2: Light a Diya

Light a ghee or oil diya before Maa Durga.

Step 3: Offer Flowers

Offer fresh flowers according to your family tradition.

Step 4: Offer Bhog

Prepare a simple sattvic offering.

Step 5: Chant Maa Durga Mantras

You may recite Durga mantras, Durga Chalisa, Argala Stotram or other prayers according to your tradition.

Step 6: Read Durga Saptashati

Devotees who follow this tradition may perform Durga Saptashati or selected chapters under proper guidance.

Step 7: Perform Aarti

Conclude the daily worship with Maa Durga Aarti.




Navratri Vrat Rules: What Can You Eat?

Many devotees observe Navratri fasting according to their personal health, family and religious traditions.

Common vrat foods include:

  • Fruits
  • Milk
  • Curd
  • Makhana
  • Sabudana
  • Singhara flour
  • Kuttu flour
  • Rajgira
  • Potatoes
  • Rock salt
  • Selected nuts and dry fruits

During vrat, many devotees avoid:

  • Regular grains
  • Wheat
  • Rice
  • Regular pulses
  • Onion and garlic
  • Meat and eggs
  • Alcohol

Important: Fasting rules differ among communities. People with medical conditions, pregnancy, medication requirements or dietary restrictions should follow appropriate professional advice rather than fasting unsafely.

Navratri Colours 2026

Navratri colours are a popular tradition, particularly in western and northern parts of India.

A commonly followed weekday-based colour sequence for the 2026 festival is:


The colour tradition can vary by region and calendar system, so it is best treated as a devotional/customary practice rather than a universal rule.

Navratri Mantras for Daily Prayer

Devotees may chant simple prayers according to their spiritual tradition.

A widely known mantra is:

“ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः”

Om Dum Durgayai Namah

The mantra is traditionally associated with Maa Durga and is often used during devotional practice.

You can also include:

  • Durga Chalisa
  • Durga Saptashati
  • Devi Kavach
  • Argala Stotram
  • Devi Aarti
  • Navadurga prayers

What Should You Do During Navratri?

Navratri can be used as a period for spiritual discipline and positive habits.

Recommended Practices

  • Keep your surroundings clean
  • Maintain a peaceful mindset
  • Offer daily prayers
  • Practice meditation
  • Read spiritual texts
  • Help people in need
  • Donate food
  • Respect elders
  • Avoid unnecessary arguments
  • Practice self-control
  • Maintain a sattvic lifestyle according to your tradition

What Should You Avoid During Navratri?

Depending on personal and family traditions, devotees may avoid:

  • Non-vegetarian food
  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco
  • Excessive indulgence
  • Negative or abusive speech
  • Unnecessary conflict
  • Harmful habits
  • Disrespect toward others

The deeper purpose of Navratri is not simply restriction but self-discipline, awareness and spiritual purification.

Navratri, Durga Puja and Dussehra: What is the Difference?

Although these celebrations are closely connected, they have different ritual and regional expressions.

Navratri focuses on the nine-day worship of Shakti and the nine forms of Maa Durga.

Durga Puja is especially prominent in Bengal and eastern India, where elaborate idols, pandals and rituals are performed.

Dussehra/Vijayadashami marks the tenth-day culmination and is widely associated with the victory of good over evil.

In Delhi, Vijayadashami 2026 falls on 20 October, with the listed Vijay Muhurat from 1:59 PM to 2:45 PM.

Navratri 2026 and the Spiritual Meaning of Shakti

The deeper message of Navratri is about recognising and strengthening the positive qualities within us.

The nine forms of Maa Durga can be understood as a spiritual journey through:

Strength → Discipline → Courage → Energy → Compassion → Determination → Fearlessness → Purity → Wisdom

This makes Navratri relevant not only as a religious celebration but also as a period of personal reflection and inner growth.

Navratri Puja for Peace, Prosperity and Protection

Many devotees perform special prayers during Navratri for:

  • Family harmony
  • Career growth
  • Business stability
  • Marriage and relationships
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Financial stability
  • Removal of obstacles
  • Spiritual growth
  • Protection from negativity

For personalised spiritual practices, the appropriate puja or remedy can depend on an individual's beliefs, family tradition and, where applicable, their birth chart.

Frequently Asked Questions About Navratri 2026

When does Navratri start in 2026?

Sharad Navratri begins on 11 October 2026 in Delhi/New Delhi.

When is Ghatasthapana in 2026?

Ghatasthapana is on 11 October 2026. For Delhi, the listed Muhurat is 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM.

When is Durga Ashtami in 2026?

Durga Ashtami is observed on 19 October 2026 in the Delhi calendar.

When is Maha Navami in 2026?

Maha Navami is also observed on 19 October 2026 in the Delhi calendar.

When is Dussehra in 2026?

Vijayadashami/Dussehra is 20 October 2026 in Delhi.

What are the nine forms of Maa Durga?

The nine forms are:

  1. Maa Shailputri
  2. Maa Brahmacharini
  3. Maa Chandraghanta
  4. Maa Kushmanda
  5. Maa Skandamata
  6. Maa Katyayani
  7. Maa Kalaratri
  8. Maa Mahagauri
  9. Maa Siddhidatri

Can Navratri be observed without fasting?

Yes. Devotion does not necessarily require fasting. Individuals can follow suitable prayers and spiritual practices according to their health, beliefs and family traditions.

Navratri 2026 offers nine sacred days to reconnect with faith, discipline, courage and inner strength. From Ghatasthapana on 11 October to Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami on 19 October and Vijayadashami on 20 October, each day carries its own devotional significance.

Rather than observing Navratri only as a festival, devotees can use these nine days to cultivate positive habits, offer prayers, help others and seek a deeper connection with Maa Durga.

May Maa Durga bless you and your family with strength, peace, prosperity and happiness.

Jai Mata Di!


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