Shardiya Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of different forms of Maa Durga. Each day of Navratri is associated with a particular form of the Goddess, and devotees perform special prayers and rituals throughout the festival.
In 2026, the Navratri celebrations will begin with Ghatasthapana on October 11 and conclude with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, on October 20. The festival will include the worship of the nine forms of Maa Durga along with the important occasions of Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami.
Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day-Wise Dates
October 11 – Ghatasthapana and Maa Shailputri Puja
Navratri begins on October 11 with Ghatasthapana. The first day is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, regarded as the first form of Maa Durga worshipped during Navratri.
October 12 – Maa Brahmacharini Puja
The second day falls on October 12. Devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini, the second form of Maa Durga, and offer prayers as part of the Navratri rituals.
October 13 – Maa Chandraghanta Puja
October 13 marks the third day of Navratri. On this day, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta.
October 14 – Maa Kushmanda Puja
The fourth day will be observed on October 14. Devotees will worship Maa Kushmanda and perform traditional prayers.
October 15 – Maa Skandamata Puja
October 15 marks the fifth day of Navratri, dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Maa Durga.
October 16 – Maa Katyayani Puja
The sixth day of Navratri falls on October 16. Devotees worship Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of the Goddess.
October 17 – Maa Kalaratri Puja
October 17 marks the seventh day of Navratri. Maa Kalaratri is worshipped by devotees on this day.
October 18 – Maa Mahagauri Puja
The eighth day of the Navratri observance falls on October 18 and is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri. Preparations and rituals associated with the eighth day are also observed.
Durga Ashtami, Mahanavami and Dussehra 2026
October 19 – Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami
October 19 will be observed as Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami. The day has special importance during Navratri, with devotees performing prayers and rituals associated with both occasions.
October 20 – Vijayadashami or Dussehra
The Navratri festivities will conclude on October 20 with Vijayadashami, popularly known as Dussehra. It marks the end of the festive period.
Shardiya Navratri 2026 Calendar
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| October 11 | Ghatasthapana, Maa Shailputri Puja |
| October 12 | Maa Brahmacharini Puja |
| October 13 | Maa Chandraghanta Puja |
| October 14 | Maa Kushmanda Puja |
| October 15 | Maa Skandamata Puja |
| October 16 | Maa Katyayani Puja |
| October 17 | Maa Kalaratri Puja |
| October 18 | Maa Mahagauri Puja, eighth-day preparations |
| October 19 | Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami |
| October 20 | Vijayadashami, Dussehra |
Disclaimer
The dates, rituals and descriptions mentioned in this article are based on religious traditions and commonly followed beliefs. These practices are matters of faith and tradition and are not presented as scientifically established facts. Readers may refer to their local religious calendar or family traditions for specific observances.