Shardiya Navratri 2026 festival details

Shardiya Navratri 2026 is scheduled to begin on 11 October, following the Ashwina Shukla Pratipada tithi. Astrological observations suggest the arrival of Goddess Durga on an elephant, which is considered an auspicious sign.

Ritual preparations include spiritual cleansing of the home, such as removing broken idols or damaged items to create a positive atmosphere. The festival involves nine days of worship dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, beginning with the worship of Maa Shailputri. On the first day, devotees perform Kalash Sthapana (the installation of a sacred pot), with specific auspicious timings identified for the ritual.

According to Drik Panchang, the Pratipada Tithi begins on the night of 10 October at 9:19 PM and ends on 11 October at 9:30 PM. Consequently, Ghatasthapana will be performed on 11 October. 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. Traditions also include wearing specific colors for each of the nine days, starting with orange for Maa Shailputri on 11 October.

Traditional practices throughout the period include lighting an Akhand Jyot (eternal flame), sowing barley seeds, and observing various fasts. The observance includes significant dates such as Durga Ashtami, which falls on 18 or 19 October, and concludes with Mahanavami and Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on 20 October. In regions like Mumbai and Maharashtra, the festival is characterized by religious rituals alongside large-scale Garba and Dandiya celebrations.