Shardiya Navratri 2026: Dates, 9 Colors, Puja Muhurat &…
Shardiya Navratri 2026 Dates (12–21 Oct), Ghatasthapana Muhurat & Colors
Shardiya Navratri 2026 will be observed from October 12 to October 21, 2026. The nine-day Hindu festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and begins with Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) on Day 1. It concludes with Vijayadashami (Dussehra), symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Book via WhatsAppThe rhythmic beats of the Dhak, the fragrance of Dhuno, and the vibrant colors of Chaniya Cholis—Shardiya Navratri is not just a festival; it’s an emotion. It is that time of the year when the universe aligns to bless us with Shakti (Strength), Bhakti (Devotion), and Mukti (Liberation).
📅 Navratri 2026 Dates & Muhurat
Start Date: October 12, 2026 (Monday)
End Date: October 21, 2026 (Wednesday)
🕐 Important Tithi Details (IST)
- Pratipada Tithi Begins: Oct 11, 2026 at 09:07 AM
- Pratipada Tithi Ends: Oct 12, 2026 at 07:12 AM
- Ashtami Tithi (Durga Ashtami): Oct 19, 2026
- Vijayadashami (Dussehra): Oct 21, 2026
📍 City-Wise Ghatasthapana Muhurat (Oct 12)
*Timings are based on local sunrise and may vary slightly.
| City | Ghatasthapana Muhurat |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 06:20 AM to 10:15 AM |
| Mumbai | 06:33 AM to 10:48 AM |
| Bangalore | 06:10 AM to 10:24 AM |
| Hyderabad | 06:12 AM to 10:28 AM |
| Pune | 06:30 AM to 10:45 AM |
| Kolkata | 05:32 AM to 09:30 AM |
| Chennai | 06:00 AM to 10:18 AM |
| Ahmedabad | 06:38 AM to 10:55 AM |
| Jaipur | 06:28 AM to 10:25 AM |
🗓️ Shardiya Navratri 2026: 9 Colors & Schedule
During Navratri, each day is dedicated to a specific form of Goddess Durga (Navadurga) and a specific color.
The color of the day is determined by the weekday. For example, Monday is ruled by the Moon (White), Tuesday by Mars (Red), etc. Since Navratri 2026 starts on a Monday, the first color is White.
| Day / Date | Goddess | Color | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Oct 12) | Maa Shailputri | 🤍 White | Purity & Peace |
| Day 2 (Oct 13) | Maa Brahmacharini | 🔴 Red | Action & Vigor |
| Day 3 (Oct 14) | Maa Chandraghanta | 🔵 Royal Blue | Richness & Tranquility |
| Day 4 (Oct 15) | Maa Kushmanda | 🟡 Yellow | Happiness & Brightness |
| Day 5 (Oct 16) | Maa Skandamata | 🟢 Green | Growth & Nature |
| Day 6 (Oct 17) | Maa Katyayani | 🔘 Grey | Balanced Strength |
| Day 7 (Oct 18) | Maa Kaalratri | 🟠 Orange | Energy & Knowledge |
| Day 8 (Oct 19) | Maa Mahagauri | 🦚 Peacock Green | Compassion |
| Day 9 (Oct 20) | Maa Siddhidatri | 🌸 Pink | Love & Harmony |
Why is Shardiya Navratri Celebrated?
Shardiya Navratri signifies the victory of Good over Evil. There are two main legends associated with it:
- Victory of Lord Rama: It is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga for 9 days to gain strength before defeating the demon king Ravana on the 10th day (Dussehra).
- Victory of Goddess Durga: Maa Durga fought the buffalo demon Mahishasura for 9 days and nights, finally slaying him on Vijayadashami.
Navratri Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step
🍎 SmartPuja’s Mini Fasting Guide
- Eat Singhara (Water Chestnut) & Sabudana.
- Use Sendha Namak (Rock Salt).
- Keep thoughts pure; practice meditation.
- Avoid Onion, Garlic, and Non-veg.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco completely.
- Avoid cutting hair or nails.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Yes, water, milk, buttermilk, and fruit juices are allowed. Devotees usually avoid grains, onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
Since Day 1 (Oct 12) is a Monday, the auspicious color is White.
No, Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) must be performed during the morning (first one-third of the day) or during Abhijit Muhurat (noon). Night time is prohibited.
Kanya Pujan (worshipping young girls) represents worshipping the pure energy of Goddess Durga. It is usually done on Ashtami or Navami.
