Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Navratri 2026 Begins October 11 With Shailputri Worship
Sharad Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her forms.
In 2026, it begins on October 11.
The first day honours Maa Shailputri and starts with a ritual called Ghatasthapana, in which a sacred pot is established.
One article lists the morning Ghatasthapana time as 6:31 to 10:27.
Orange is the traditional colour for the first day, and devotees may offer desi ghee.
Durga Ashtami is observed on October 18, followed by Maha Navami on October 19.
The festival ends on October 20 with Vijayadashami, also called Dussehra.
Dates and rituals can differ according to location and family traditions.
Sharad Navratri begins Sunday, October 11, with Ghatasthapana and worship of Maa Shailputri.
The reported Ghatasthapana muhurat is 6:31 a.m. to 10:27 a.m.; an Abhijit muhurat is also listed from 12:01 p.m. to 12:49 p.m.
Day 1’s traditional colour is orange, and desi ghee is associated with the bhog offering.
Durga Ashtami is listed for October 18, and Maha Navami for October 19; observances can vary by location and tradition.
Navratri concludes with Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, on October 20.
- Who
- Devotees observing Sharad Navratri and worshipping Goddess Durga and her forms, including Maa Shailputri.
- What
- The 2026 Navratri festival begins with Ghatasthapana and first-day worship of Maa Shailputri.
- When
- October 11–20, 2026; the first day is October 11.
- Where
- The articles describe observances in households and places of worship; one calendar is specific to Delhi.
- Why
- Devotees worship Goddess Durga and seek blessings; Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Navratri worship.
- Festival
- Sharad Navratri, also called Shardiya Navratri
- Start
- Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Day 1 deity
- Maa Shailputri, the first form of Navdurga
- Ghatasthapana muhurat
- 6:31 a.m.–10:27 a.m.; Abhijit muhurat: 12:01 p.m.–12:49 p.m.
- Day 1 colour and offering
- Orange; desi ghee is traditionally offered as bhog
- Durga Ashtami
- October 18, 2026
- Maha Navami
- October 19, 2026
- Vijayadashami / Dussehra
- October 20, 2026
