Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Shardiya Navratri 2026: Dates, Muhurat, Rituals And Significance
Shardiya Navratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga.
In 2026, it will begin on October 11 and end on October 20.
People celebrate it for nine days.
Many devotees fast, pray, perform puja, and light lamps.
The festival begins with the first lunar day, called Pratipada, in the Ashwin month.
Each day is connected with one form of Goddess Durga.
These nine forms are called the Navdurga.
The festival remembers the story of Goddess Durga defeating the demon Mahishashura.
It also takes place during the harvest season, when people express gratitude for nature’s abundance.
Shardiya Navratri 2026 will be observed from October 11 through October 20.
The festival begins during the Ashwin month on Shukla Paksha Pratipada and continues until Navami.
The Pratipada Tithi begins at 12:49 a.m. on October 11 and ends at 1:00 a.m. on October 12.
Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, perform puja, and light lamps during the nine-day festival.
The nine forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri are collectively called the Navdurga.
- Who
- Devotees of Goddess Durga and millions of Hindus worldwide.
- What
- The nine-day observance of Shardiya Navratri, including fasting, prayers, puja, and lamp-lighting.
- When
- October 11 to October 20, 2026; Pratipada Tithi begins at 12:49 a.m. on October 11 and ends at 1:00 a.m. on October 12.
- Where
- The festival is celebrated by Hindus worldwide.
- Why
- It honors Goddess Durga and commemorates, according to legend, her victory over the demon Mahishashura.
- Festival
- Shardiya Navratri
- 2026 dates
- October 11–20, 2026
- Lunar month
- Ashwin
- Beginning
- Shukla Paksha Pratipada
- Pratipada begins
- 12:49 a.m. on October 11, 2026
- Pratipada ends
- 1:00 a.m. on October 12, 2026
- Worship
- The nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as the Navdurga