Shardiya Navratri 2026 dates and auspicious muhurat announced

Shardiya Navratri 2026 is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 11, and will conclude on October 20 with the celebration of Vijayadashami (Dussehra). The festival involves nine days of worship dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

According to Drik Panchang, the Pratipada Tithi begins on the night of October 10 at 9:19 PM and ends on October 11 at 9:30 PM. Consequently, Ghatasthapana (the installation of the sacred pot) will be performed on October 11. The auspicious morning muhurat for Ghatasthapana is from 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM, with an additional Abhijit Muhurat available from 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM.

Key dates for the festival include Maha Ashtami on October 18 and Maha Navami on October 19. In regions like Mumbai and Maharashtra, the festival is characterized by religious rituals alongside large-scale Garba and Dandiya celebrations. Traditions also include wearing specific colors for each of the nine days, starting with orange for Maa Shailputri on October 11.