Festival calendar
Sharad Navratri 2026: date and how it is observed
Sharad Navratri 2026 runs from Sunday, 11 October 2026 to Monday, 19 October 2026.
Date
Sunday, 11 October 2026 → Monday, 19 October 2026
Tithi
Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Navami
Days of the festival
- Dussehra (Vijayadashami)Tuesday, 20 October 2026
About Sharad Navratri
Sharad Navratri is the nine nights of worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms. It begins with Ghatasthapana on Pratipada, and devotees fast, recite the Durga Saptashati and hold Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami. Dussehra follows on the tenth day.
How Sharad Navratri is observed
- Do Ghatasthapana (kalash sthapana) in the muhurat of Pratipada.
- Fast, worship one form of the Goddess each day and light an akhand jyot if you can.
- Recite the Devi Kavacham, Argala Stotram and Durga Chalisa, and hold Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami.
Stotras to read
- Devi KavachamThe Devi Kavacham from Devi Mahatmyam is a 28-verse spiritual armour invoking the Goddess in every form of creation. Recited first in the Saptashati path during Navratri for fearlessness and Rahu-related protection.
- Argala StotramThe Argala Stotram from Devi Mahatmyam (Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi) opens the Durga Saptashati path. Recited after Devi Kavacham during Navratri for protection, victory, and Rahu-related afflictions.
- Durga ChalisaThe Durga Chalisa is a 40-verse hymn to Goddess Durga, the divine mother who destroys evil and protects devotees. In Vedic astrology, Durga worship is a powerful remedy during Rahu Mahadasha, Rahu transits, and periods of fear, confusion, or malefic influence.
- Mahishasura Mardini StotramAdi Shankaracharya's twenty-one-verse hymn to Goddess Durga as Mahishasura Mardini (Aigiri Nandini). Recited during Navratri for Rahu relief, protection from negative forces, and divine courage.
More festivals in 2026
- Lohri
- Makar Sankranti
- Vasant Panchami
- Maha Shivratri
- Holi
- Ugadi & Gudi Padwa
- Ram Navami
- Hanuman Jayanti
- Jagannath Rath Yatra
- Guru Purnima
- Raksha Bandhan
- Krishna Janmashtami
- Ganesh Chaturthi
- Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
- Sharad Purnima
- Karwa Chauth
- Dhanteras
- Govardhan Puja
- Bhai Dooj
- Chhath Puja
- Dev Uthani Ekadashi
- Kartik Purnima
- Diwali (Deepavali)
Dates are for New Delhi, calculated and checked against published panchangs. When a tithi spans two days or a region follows a different rule, a festival can fall a day earlier or later. For the exact muhurat in your city, check the local panchang.
Frequently asked questions
When is Sharad Navratri in 2026?
Sharad Navratri 2026 runs from Sunday, 11 October 2026 to Monday, 19 October 2026. Dussehra (Vijayadashami): Tuesday, 20 October 2026. The dates are for New Delhi.
Which tithi is Sharad Navratri celebrated on?
Sharad Navratri is celebrated on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Navami. This follows the North Indian (Purnimanta) calendar.
Why is Sharad Navratri celebrated?
Sharad Navratri is the nine nights of worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms. It begins with Ghatasthapana on Pratipada, and devotees fast, recite the Durga Saptashati and hold Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami. Dussehra follows on the tenth day.
Can the date of Sharad Navratri differ in my city?
Yes. When a tithi spans two days, or a region follows a different rule, a festival can fall a day earlier or later. For the exact muhurat of the puja, check the panchang for your city.
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