Sharad Navratri 2026: Nine Nights, Nine Forms of Durga, and Dussehra
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins with Ghatasthapana on 11 October and runs through nine nights to Maha Navami on 19 October, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) the following day, 20 October. Here is the full nine day breakdown: which form of the Goddess is honoured each night, what Ghatasthapana involves, and how the festival closes with Dussehra.
The nine nights of Navratri
Ghatasthapana & Shailaputri
Sunday, 11 October 2026, Pratipada TithiNavratri begins with Ghatasthapana, the ritual installation of a kalash representing Goddess Durga's energy, along with sowing barley seeds (jwara) that are watched through the nine days. The first form worshipped is Shailaputri, daughter of the mountains, representing the Goddess in her most grounded, primal form.
Brahmacharini
Monday, 12 October 2026, Dwitiya TithiThe second day honours Brahmacharini, the unmarried, austere form of the Goddess who performed severe penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband. She represents discipline, patience and the strength that comes from restraint.
Chandraghanta
Tuesday, 13 October 2026, Tritiya TithiChandraghanta, named for the half moon she wears on her forehead, is worshipped on the third day. She is the married, warrior form of the Goddess, and her grace is said to bring courage and protection from fear.
Kushmanda
Wednesday, 14 October 2026, Chaturthi TithiKushmanda, believed to have created the universe with her smile, is worshipped on the fourth day. She resides at the core of the sun and is invoked for health, vitality and inner radiance.
Skandamata
Thursday, 15 October 2026, Panchami TithiThe fifth day belongs to Skandamata, mother of the warrior god Skanda (Kartikeya). Devotees pray to her for the wellbeing and protection of their children.
Katyayani
Friday, 16 October 2026, Shashthi TithiKatyayani, the fierce warrior form born to sage Katyayana, is worshipped on the sixth day. She is closely associated with strength in the face of injustice, and with finding the right life partner.
Kalaratri
Saturday, 17 October 2026, Saptami TithiThe seventh day honours Kalaratri, the most fierce form of the Goddess, dark as night and destroyer of ignorance and negativity. Though her appearance is terrifying, she is considered the most protective and benevolent toward her devotees.
Mahagauri (Durga Ashtami)★ major day
Sunday, 18 October 2026, Ashtami TithiDurga Ashtami is one of the two most significant days of Navratri. The Goddess is worshipped as Mahagauri, radiant and fair, symbolising purity and peace after penance. Kanya Pujan, honouring young girls as living forms of the Goddess, is commonly performed on this day.
Siddhidatri (Maha Navami)★ major day
Monday, 19 October 2026, Navami TithiThe ninth and final night of worship honours Siddhidatri, who grants all forms of siddhi, or supernatural accomplishment. Havan and Kanya Pujan are performed, marking the completion of the nine day sadhana.
Vijayadashami (Dussehra)★ major day
Tuesday, 20 October 2026, Dashami TithiNavratri closes with Vijayadashami, celebrating Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Effigies of Ravana are burned across North India in the evening, and Shami tree worship and Ayudha Puja are performed in many regions.
Ghatasthapana: what it involves and when to perform it
Ghatasthapana, also called Kalash Sthapana, marks the formal start of Navratri. A copper or clay kalash filled with water is installed and treated as a seat for Goddess Shakti for the nine days, often placed alongside a small bed of soil where barley seeds are sown and watered daily. Their growth over the nine days is watched closely, since fuller, greener sprouts are considered a good sign for the year ahead.
The ritual should ideally be performed during Pratipada tithi, within the Abhijit Muhurat around midday, while avoiding Rahu Kaal. If Pratipada tithi ends before sunrise the next day in a particular year, some traditions permit Ghatasthapana to extend slightly into the following tithi, so it is worth checking local panchang guidance rather than assuming the same rule applies everywhere.
Important: the exact Ghatasthapana muhurat depends on your city's sunrise and local tithi timings, so it is not the same everywhere in India. Rather than following one nationwide time you may see quoted online, use our Panchang tool to calculate the precise Ghatasthapana window for your own location.
Preparing for Navratri
- Clean the home and the space for the kalash before the Ghatasthapana morning, since this is considered the Goddess's seat for nine days.
- Fasting during Navratri is common but personal. Many observe a full nine day vrat, others fast only on Ashtami and Navami, and some do not fast at all. There is no single mandatory rule.
- Garba and Dandiya are widely celebrated in the evenings, especially in Gujarat and across western India, as a form of devotional dance to the Goddess.
- Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami is optional but widely practiced. Keep it simple and personal rather than following any single fixed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Chaitra and Sharad Navratri?
Navratri is observed four times a year in the Vedic calendar, but only two are widely celebrated. Chaitra Navratri falls in spring, around March to April, and ends with Ram Navami. Sharad Navratri falls in autumn, around September to October, and ends with Vijayadashami, and it is the larger, more widely celebrated of the two across India.
How is the Ghatasthapana muhurat decided?
Ghatasthapana is ideally performed during Pratipada tithi, within the Abhijit Muhurat, the auspicious window around midday, while avoiding Rahu Kaal. Because sunrise and tithi timings shift with location, the exact clock time is different for every city, so a single nationwide time does not apply everywhere.
What is Kanya Pujan and when is it performed?
Kanya Pujan involves inviting young girls, usually up to around age ten, into the home, washing their feet, and honouring them as living forms of the Goddess with food and gifts. It is most commonly performed on Ashtami or Navami, the eighth or ninth day of Navratri.
Where can I find my exact Ghatasthapana muhurat?
The precise auspicious window depends on your city's sunrise time and local tithi timings, so it varies by location. Use our Panchang tool to get a Ghatasthapana muhurat calculated specifically for your city.
Want your exact city-wise Ghatasthapana muhurat? Check the Panchang or generate your free Kundli.
Disclaimer: Astrological guidance is for reflection and general information. For decisions about health, finance, legal or relationship matters, please also consult a qualified professional. Exact festival and muhurat dates can vary by region and local tradition, so please confirm locally before finalising plans.