Shardiya Navratri begins on Sunday, 11 October 2026. A location-based 2026 calendar lists the sequence through Vijayadashami on Tuesday, 20 October. Tithi overlap means Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami observances can be grouped differently by region.
Key 2026 dates
- 11 October: Day 1, Ghatasthapana and Shailaputri Puja.
- 12–18 October: Days 2–8 according to the local Navratri sequence.
- 19 October: Day 9; location-based calendars may list Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja and Maha Navami around this period.
- 20 October: Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan and Vijayadashami in the referenced 2026 calendar.
Use your city and community calendar before publishing an exact Ghatasthapana or Sandhi Puja clock time.
The Navadurga sequence
- Shailaputri
- Brahmacharini
- Chandraghanta
- Kushmanda
- Skandamata
- Katyayani
- Kalaratri
- Mahagauri
- Siddhidatri
These are the nine forms commonly used in the Navadurga tradition. Repeated Tithis can make the civil-date sequence look different from a simple one-form-per-date table.
Simple daily worship
- Keep the prayer area and diya placement safe.
- Read a short Durga prayer, Chalisa or Aarti.
- Choose food rules suitable for your health and family tradition.
- Use community schedules for Garba, Kanya Puja and temple events.
Readers can use the complete Durga Saptashati, Durga Chalisa and Durga Aarti collections.
Fasting safety
Navratri food customs differ. Children, pregnant people, older adults and anyone with diabetes, medication requirements or another health condition should follow appropriate medical advice.
Note: Interpretations in this article describe traditional beliefs. Dates and observance times can differ by location, calendar and family tradition. Important decisions should rely on relevant facts and qualified advice.
Editorial sources
Date-sensitive details were checked against the references below. Local observance and Panchang conventions can vary.