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Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, just five days from now. Beyond the dates, each of the nine nights is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, and knowing which one you are honouring on which day makes the whole festival feel more meaningful.
Quick answer: Navratri 2026 runs from Sunday, October 11 to Monday, October 19, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on Tuesday, October 20. The nine nights honour the Navadurga in order: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Durga Ashtami falls on October 18 and Maha Navami on October 19.
Table of Contents
- The Nine Days at a Glance
- Day 1 (October 11): Shailputri
- Day 2 (October 12): Brahmacharini
- Day 3 (October 13): Chandraghanta
- Day 4 (October 14): Kushmanda
- Day 5 (October 15): Skandamata
- Day 6 (October 16): Katyayani
- Day 7 (October 17): Kalaratri
- Day 8 (October 18): Mahagauri
- Day 9 (October 19): Siddhidatri
- FAQ
The Nine Days at a Glance
Navratri 2026 starts with Ghatasthapana on October 11, as covered in our Ghatasthapana muhurat guide, and the nine nights run through October 19, followed by Dussehra on October 20. The date-wise order below assumes the tithis run consecutively, which is how the major panchang sources show it this year. Colour sequences for each day vary by region and source, so we cover them separately in our Navratri dates and colours guide, and our 11 days to go post covers practical preparation.
Day 1 (October 11): Shailputri
Shailputri, the "daughter of the mountain", is a form of Parvati and opens the festival. The first day is traditionally associated with beginnings, devotion and a steady foundation, which is why Ghatasthapana is performed on this day.
Day 2 (October 12): Brahmacharini
Brahmacharini represents penance, discipline and devotion. She is traditionally associated with perseverance and a calm, focused mind, qualities often reflected in fasting and quiet prayer on this day.
Day 3 (October 13): Chandraghanta
Chandraghanta is named for the crescent moon shaped like a bell on her forehead. She is traditionally associated with courage, grace and the dispelling of fear, and is usually depicted riding a tiger.
Day 4 (October 14): Kushmanda
Kushmanda is revered as the creator of the universe through her gentle smile. This day is traditionally associated with energy, health and a bright, positive outlook.
Day 5 (October 15): Skandamata
Skandamata is the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya) and is shown with the child on her lap. She is associated with motherly love and protection, and the day is a favourite for families and for those praying for their children.
Day 6 (October 16): Katyayani
Katyayani, the warrior form who is said to have emerged to defeat Mahishasura, represents strength and righteous courage. The day is traditionally associated with determination, and in some traditions with prayers for a harmonious marriage.
Day 7 (October 17): Kalaratri
Kalaratri is the fiercest form, dark and fearsome, yet traditionally seen as the one who removes fear and negativity for her devotees. Many people observe this night with extra devotion and a quiet, protective prayer.
Day 8 (October 18): Mahagauri
Mahagauri is depicted as radiant and serene, representing purity and peace. This is Durga Ashtami, a major day of the festival, and in many households Kanya Pujan, the worship of young girls as living forms of the Goddess, is performed on this day or the next.
Day 9 (October 19): Siddhidatri
Siddhidatri is the bestower of siddhis, or spiritual accomplishments, and is shown seated on a lotus. Maha Navami is traditionally a day of gratitude, completion and, for many, Kanya Pujan and havan, before Dussehra the following day.
FAQ
When does Navratri 2026 start and end?
Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, and the nine nights end on Monday, October 19, followed by Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on Tuesday, October 20.
Which goddess is worshipped on each day of Navratri?
In order: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.
When is Durga Ashtami in 2026?
Sunday, October 18, 2026.
When is Maha Navami in 2026?
Monday, October 19, 2026.
When is Kanya Pujan in 2026?
Typically on Ashtami (October 18) or Navami (October 19), depending on family tradition.
Do I have to fast for all nine days?
No. Fasting is traditionally observed according to personal capacity and custom, and many people fast on some days or follow a simpler, sattvic diet instead.
The Takeaway
Each night of Navratri carries its own theme, from the steady beginnings of Shailputri to the completion of Siddhidatri. Follow the nine in order, keep your observance simple and sincere, and use the dates above to plan around Ashtami and Navami.
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