Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October and continues for nine nights of worship dedicated to Goddess Durga, concluding with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. For families planning a Navratri puja, Kalash Sthapana, or Kanya Pujan this year, here is a complete, practical guide to the dates, muhurat and vidhi — along with how to book an experienced pandit ji for your home.
Navratri 2026 Date & Ghatasthapana Muhurat
Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana), the ritual that formally begins Navratri, falls on 11 October 2026. For Delhi NCR, the main muhurat window is approximately 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM, with an alternative Abhijit Muhurat from roughly 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM. These timings are calculated from sunrise and the prevailing tithi, so they shift from city to city — the exact window for Lucknow, Noida or your specific locality can vary by several minutes. Always confirm your Ghatasthapana muhurat with your pandit rather than relying on a generic, one-size-fits-all calendar.
The Nine Days of Navratri 2026 and the Nine Forms of Durga
Each of the nine nights is dedicated to a specific form of the Goddess, worshipped in sequence:
Day 1 (11 Oct) — Shailputri
Day 2 (12 Oct) — Brahmacharini
Day 3 (13 Oct) — Chandraghanta
Day 4 (14 Oct) — Kushmanda
Day 5 (15 Oct) — Skandamata
Day 6 (16 Oct) — Katyayani
Day 7 (17 Oct) — Kalaratri
Day 8 (18 Oct) — Mahagauri (Maha Ashtami)
Day 9 (19 Oct) — Siddhidatri (Maha Navami)
Ashtami and Navami tithis can overlap or shift by a day depending on the panchang your family follows, so the exact date for Sandhi Puja and Kanya Pujan should always be confirmed locally rather than assumed from a generic list.
Daily Puja Vidhi During Navratri
Each day of Navratri typically follows a similar rhythm: keeping the akhand jyot (continuous lamp) lit from Ghatasthapana, offering fresh flowers and the specific bhog associated with that day’s form of the Goddess, reciting the Durga Saptashati or Devi stotras, and performing aarti both morning and evening. Many families also observe a Navratri vrat (fast), breaking it only after the evening aarti.
Kanya Pujan — Why and When It Is Performed
Kanya Pujan, the worship of young girls as living forms of the Goddess, is traditionally performed on Ashtami or Navami — expected to fall around 18–19 October 2026. Nine girls, representing the nine forms of Durga, are invited, their feet are washed, and they are offered a meal along with gifts as a token of respect. It is considered one of the most significant rituals of Navratri, and the exact timing is best confirmed with your pandit based on the tithi observed in your region.
Vijayadashami (Dussehra) — 20 October 2026
Navratri concludes with Vijayadashami on 20 October 2026, marking the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, and more broadly, the triumph of good over evil. The day is observed differently across India — in much of North India it is marked by Ravana Dahan and Ram Lila performances, while in Bengal and parts of eastern India it coincides with Durga Puja visarjan (idol immersion). Whichever tradition your family follows, it is considered an auspicious day to begin new ventures.
Book Your Navratri Puja With Acharya Vedanshji Maharaj
Acharya Vedanshji Maharaj and his team of pandits perform Navratri Puja, Kanya Pujan and Navratri Durga Saptashati Puja with complete, shastra-sanctioned vidhi — at your home, or through a guided online consultation for the correct muhurat. The team is currently available for home visits in Lucknow, Noida and Greater Noida, and across Delhi NCR, with jyotish-based muhurat guidance available pan-India. Message us on WhatsApp with your city and preferred date to confirm availability for the remaining days of Navratri.