Shardiya Navratri 2026: Date, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Puja Vidhi & 9 Days of Maa Durga

Updated: 9 September 2026

Shardiya Navratri is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Maa Durga and divine Shakti. In 2026, Shardiya Navratri begins on Sunday, 11 October and continues through 20 October. Devotees begin the festival with Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana and worship Maa Shailputri. Therefore, families can use this guide to plan Navratri puja, fasting, devotional reading and temple visits.

In addition, this Navratri 2026 guide covers Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Kalash Sthapana, Nav Durga, Navratri puja vidhi, vrat rules, Maa Durga offerings, Durga Saptashati reading and important FAQs.

*The Ghatasthapana time shown above is for New Delhi and is included as a reference. Muhurat varies by location, sunrise and local Panchang calculations. For New Delhi, Drik Panchang lists 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM on 11 October 2026, with an Abhijit Muhurat of 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM. citeturn0search5

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Date and Festival Calendar

Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on 11 October 2026. During these sacred days, devotees worship Maa Durga and the nine forms of Durga. The festival includes Ghatasthapana 2026, daily Navratri puja, fasting, devotional prayers and Vijayadashami celebrations.

According to current 2026 festival calendars, Shardiya Navratri begins on 11 October 2026 and concludes on 20 October 2026. During these sacred days, devotees worship the nine forms of Maa Durga through prayer, fasting, puja and devotional practices. Moreover, many families use Navratri to deepen spiritual discipline and charity.

Ghatasthapana 2026: Kalash Sthapana Muhurat

For devotees searching for Navratri Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2026, Kalash Sthapana Muhurat, or Navratri 2026 Muhurat, the exact time depends on the city and local Panchang. Therefore, always check the local timing before beginning the ritual.

Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Shardiya Navratri. Devotees place the sacred kalash and invoke Maa Shakti before they begin Navratri worship. Traditional Panchang rules generally favor the early part of the day while Pratipada Tithi prevails. Therefore, devotees should avoid night-time or otherwise unsuitable periods for Kalash Sthapana.

For New Delhi, the 2026 Ghatasthapana Muhurat runs from 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM on Sunday, 11 October. The Abhijit Muhurat runs from 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM. However, do not use these timings for every city. Local sunrise and Panchang calculations can change the exact muhurat. Always check the timing for your location before performing the ritual.

How to Perform Ghatasthapana at Home

1. Clean the puja area and place a clean wooden platform or altar.
2. Spread clean soil or grains in a suitable vessel and place the kalash according to your family tradition.
3. Fill the kalash with clean water and add traditional items used in your regional puja.
4. Place the coconut and leaves as prescribed by your family tradition or local priest.
5. Light a diya and invoke Maa Durga with devotion.
6. Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, incense and other puja items.
7. Begin daily Navratri prayers and recite Durga-related stotras or mantras according to your tradition.

Navratri 2026: Nine Forms of Maa Durga

Navratri Puja Vidhi, Durga Puja and Daily Worship

For a simple Navratri Puja Vidhi, devotees can begin with a clean altar, diya, flowers, water and traditional prasad. Additionally, families may recite Durga mantras, Durga Chalisa or other prayers according to their tradition. This daily worship creates a peaceful routine throughout Navratri 2026.

Devotees can begin the day with a bath, clean clothing and a prayer before the home altar. Then, light a diya, offer flowers and seasonal fruits, and recite Durga mantras, Durga Chalisa or prayers from your family tradition. Additionally, many devotees read the Durga Saptashati or selected chapters according to their customary practice.

Those observing a vrat should choose food and fasting rules according to their health, family tradition and religious practice. Children, older adults and people with medical dietary requirements should follow appropriate professional advice rather than attempting a difficult fast.

What to Offer Maa Durga During Navratri

• Fresh flowers and a clean diya
• Seasonal fruits and traditional prasad
• Clean water and other customary offerings
• Incense and devotional items according to family tradition
• Clothing or other offerings where customary

Navratri Vrat 2026: Fasting Rules and Puja Tips

• Keep the puja space clean and peaceful.
• Follow one consistent vrat tradition rather than mixing different regional rules.
• Avoid alcohol and other prohibited items according to your religious practice.
• Maintain patience, compassion and respectful conduct during the festival.
• Do not treat fasting as a test of endurance; personal health should be considered.

Why Shardiya Navratri Is Spiritually Important

Shardiya Navratri celebrates Shakti in her nine forms. Devotees use these days for prayer, self-discipline, charity and reflection. Furthermore, the festival leads into Vijayadashami, a major Hindu observance that celebrates the victory of dharma over adharma.

Navratri 2026 FAQ: Dates, Muhurat, Vrat and Puja

When does Shardiya Navratri 2026 begin?

Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October 2026. citeturn0search0turn0search1

What is the Ghatasthapana date in 2026?

Ghatasthapana is on Sunday, 11 October 2026. The exact muhurat depends on location. For New Delhi, the listed time is 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM. citeturn0search5

Can the Ghatasthapana time be used for every city?

No. Ghatasthapana muhurat is location-sensitive because sunrise and local Panchang calculations affect the timing. Check a reliable local Panchang or consult a knowledgeable priest for your city. citeturn0search3

How many days is Shardiya Navratri?

It is commonly described as a nine-night festival, with the broader 2026 calendar running from 11 October through 20 October. Regional observances and tithi-based details can vary. citeturn0search1

Related Temple Guides

For devotees seeking Shani-related worship guidance, visit our Shani Dev Worship Guide, Pooja Procedure, and Shani Shanti resources.

Important: Festival dates and muhurat can vary by city, Panchang method and local tradition. This article is intended as a general devotional and planning guide. Always verify the final local muhurat before performing time-sensitive rituals.