Shardiya Navratri, or Maha Navratri, is the most significant and most popular of all the Navratris. The devotees wait for this Navratri every year with much zeal and enthusiasm. They celebrate this festival in honor of Maa Durga and worship her nine forms each day.
Navratri comprises two words – “Nav” means nine and “Ratri” means night. This auspicious festival is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Shakti, who is associated with Power, and Strength. This festival comprises nine days of festivities that end on the tenth day with Dussehra or Vijay Dashmi.
If you have been wondering when Shardiya Navratri 2026 will fall, then let us discuss its date and Kalash Sthapana Muhurta. Please stay on the page to gain helpful insights.
When is Shardiya Navratri 2026? Date and Kalash Sthapana Muhurta
According to the English Calendar, this festival is observed in September or October. However, it falls during the Sharad Ritu in the lunar month of Ashwin. That is why it is called Shardiya Navratri.
This year, in 2026, it will start on 11th October, Sunday, and will end with Dussehra on 20th October, Tuesday. On the first day of Maha Navratri, there is a ritual of establishing the Kalash. Thus, Kalash Sthapana Muhurta is from 06:19 AM to 10:13 AM.
The Durga Ashtami will be observed on 19th October, 2026, Monday, and the Maha Navami will also be observed on 19th October, 2026, Monday.
In West Bengal, Durga Puja or Durgotsava will start on 16th October, 2026, and will end on 20th October, 2026. However, Durga Visarjan or immersion will fall on 21st October, 2026, Wednesday.
Shardiya Navratri 2026: Goddess to Worship and Day-wise Colors to Wear
Along with following the daily rituals and Puja schedules, the devotees also wear the traditional Navratri colors as a symbol of good energy and positivity.
Let us shed some light on the Goddess to worship and the color to wear during each day of Navratri.
1. Navratri Day 1: 11th October, 2026: Maa Shailputri – Color: Orange
2. Navratri Day 2: 12th October, 2026: Maa Brahmacharini – Color: White
3. Navratri Day 3: 13th October, 2026: Maa Chandraghanta – Color: Red
4. Navratri Day 4: 14th October, 2026: Maa Kushmanda – Color: Royal Blue
5. Navratri Day 5: 15th October, 2026: Maa Skandamata – Color: Yellow
6. Navratri Day 6: 16th October, 2026: Maa Katyayani – Color: Green
7. Navratri Day 7: 17th October, 2026: Maa Kalaratri – Color: Grey
8. Navratri Day 8: 18th October, 2026: Maa Mahagauri – Color: Purple
9. Navratri Day 9: 19th October, 2026: Maa Siddhidatri – Color: Peacock Green
10. Navratri Day 10: 20th October, 2026: Vijay Dashami – Color: All Colors
Rituals, Significance, and Celebrations of Shardiya Navratri 2026
The Kalash Sthapana on the first day of Navratri will mark the beginning of this sacred festival. This ritual should be performed during the auspicious Muhurta. Some devotees observe two fasts or keep a fast during all nine days. They prepare Kuttu Ki Poori and other Satvik food items. Some devotees celebrate Durga Ashtami, and some celebrate Maha Navami. There is a ritual of “Kanjak Pujan” on these two days.
The significance of Navratri is that it signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. It is believed that worshipping Maa Durga during these nine days brings courage, strength, wisdom, and positivity. Fasting on these nine days helps gain spiritual discipline.
These nine days are best for cultural gatherings as Dandiya and Garba are performed in many states in India. There are special arrangements in temples also across the nation.
According to the best Vedic astrologer in Delhi/ NCR, devotees should worship Maa Durga with greater devotion, as these days are best to ward off negative energies and invite and attract positivity and good vibrations.
We wish everyone a very Happy Shardiya Navratri 2026! May Maa Durga shower her divine blessings on everyone for wisdom, good health, success, and prosperity!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will Shardiya Navratri start in 2026?
A1. The Shardiya Navratri will start on 11th October 2026.
Q2. When is Dussehra in 2026?
A2. Dussehra, or Vijay Dashami, will fall on 20th October 2026.