Festivals
Shardiya Navratri 2026: Dates, 9 Colors, Puja Muhurat &…

Shardiya Navratri 2026
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
(Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike |
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute ||)
Meaning: Most auspicious of all auspicious, O Mother Parvati, who fulfills all desires. Refuge of everything, Three-eyed Devi, We salute you.
This powerful shloka invokes the blessings of Goddess Durga, the Mother of the Universe who represents the oneness of Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Parvati. Navratri, meaning “Nine Nights,” is the most celebrated Hindu festival dedicated to the feminine divine power or ‘Shakti’.
In 2026, the auspicious festival of Shardiya Navratri will fill our homes with devotion, bringing prosperity (Bhoga) and liberation (Moksha) to all true devotees.
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📅 Navratri 2026 Dates & Muhurat
Shardiya Navratri 2026 will commence on Monday, October 12, 2026, and conclude with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2026
- Date: October 12, 2026 (Monday)
- Muhurat Time: 06:20 AM to 10:15 AM (approx)
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:44 AM to 12:30 PM
*Note: Muhurat timings may vary slightly based on your city. Please consult a local Panchang or SmartPuja astrologer.
🕉️ Navratri 2026 Day-wise Schedule
| Day | Date | Goddess Worship |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Pratipada) | Oct 12, 2026 (Monday) | Maa Shailputri (Ghatasthapana) |
| Day 2 (Dwitiya) | Oct 13, 2026 (Tuesday) | Maa Brahmacharini |
| Day 3 (Tritiya) | Oct 14, 2026 (Wednesday) | Maa Chandraghanta |
| Day 4 (Chaturthi) | Oct 15, 2026 (Thursday) | Maa Kushmanda |
| Day 5 (Panchami) | Oct 16, 2026 (Friday) | Maa Skandamata |
| Day 6 (Shashthi) | Oct 17, 2026 (Saturday) | Maa Katyayani |
| Day 7 (Saptami) | Oct 18, 2026 (Sunday) | Maa Kaalratri |
| Day 8 (Ashtami) | Oct 19, 2026 (Monday) | Maa Mahagauri (Durga Ashtami) |
| Day 9 (Navami) | Oct 20, 2026 (Tuesday) | Maa Siddhidatri (Maha Navami) |
| Day 10 (Dashami) | Oct 21, 2026 (Wednesday) | Vijayadashami (Dussehra) |
🎨 9 Colors of Navratri 2026
Wearing the specific color of the day is believed to bring good fortune. For 2026, the sequence follows the days of the week starting from Monday:
| Day | Date | Color to Wear | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Oct 12 (Mon) | 🤍 White | Purity, Innocence & Peace |
| Day 2 | Oct 13 (Tue) | 🔴 Red | Action, Vigor & Fearlessness |
| Day 3 | Oct 14 (Wed) | 🔵 Royal Blue | Richness & Tranquility |
| Day 4 | Oct 15 (Thu) | 🟡 Yellow | Happiness & Brightness |
| Day 5 | Oct 16 (Fri) | 🟢 Green | Growth, Nature & New Beginnings |
| Day 6 | Oct 17 (Sat) | 🔘 Grey | Balanced Emotions & Strength |
| Day 7 | Oct 18 (Sun) | 🟠 Orange | Energy, Knowledge & Warmth |
| Day 8 | Oct 19 (Mon) | 🦚 Peacock Green | Uniqueness & Compassion |
| Day 9 | Oct 20 (Tue) | 🌸 Pink | Love, Harmony & Hope |
Significance: Victory of Good Over Evil

The legend of Navratri revolves around the battle between Goddess Durga and the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Empowered by Lord Brahma’s boon that no man or god could kill him, Mahishasura terrorized the universe. The Holy Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) combined their energies to create Goddess Durga.
After a fierce 9-day battle, the Goddess defeated the demon on the 10th day, celebrated as Vijayadashami. This festival reminds us that no matter how powerful evil may seem, truth and righteousness (Dharma) will always triumph.
Navratri Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Guide
Performing the Puja at home brings positive energy and removes obstacles. Here is a simplified Vidhi:
1. Ghatasthapana (Day 1)
Install a Kalash (copper/earthen pot) filled with water, coins, and supari. Place mango leaves at the mouth and a coconut wrapped in red cloth on top. Place this on a bed of soil where you have sown Barley (Jowar) seeds.
2. Invocation & Worship
Light a clay lamp (Akhand Diya is preferred) and incense. Chant “Om Dum Durgaye Namaha”. Offer red hibiscus flowers, kumkum, and sweets to the idol.
3. Durga Saptashati Path
Reciting the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam) is the most powerful ritual. If you cannot read the entire text, chanting the Siddha Kunjika Stotram is highly beneficial.
4. Kanya Pujan (Day 8 or 9)
On Ashtami or Navami, invite 9 young girls (representing the 9 forms of the Goddess). Wash their feet, offer them Halwa-Puri and gifts.
Why Book a Pandit from SmartPuja?
Navratri rituals involve complex Vedic chants and specific procedures like the Chandi Homa. Any mistake in pronunciation or vidhi can be avoided by hiring a certified Vedic Pandit.
SmartPuja Offers:
- ✅ 9-Day Durga Puja Package: Daily rituals + Path.
- ✅ Samput Path: Elaborate chanting with Beej Mantras.
- ✅ Havan Services: Chandi Homa and Durga Havan on the final day.
- ✅ Language Choice: Hindi, Bengali, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, etc.
🙏 Ready to Welcome Maa Durga?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When does Navratri start in 2026?
Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Monday, October 12, 2026.
2. Can we consume water during Navratri fasting?
Yes, water, milk, buttermilk, and fruit juices are allowed. Devotees usually avoid grains, onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
3. What color should I wear on Day 1 of Navratri 2026?
Since Day 1 (Oct 12) is a Monday, the auspicious color is White.
4. How to book a Pandit for Durga Puja in Bangalore?
You can easily book a Pandit in Bangalore via SmartPuja.com. We offer experienced Pandits and Purohits for your specific traditions.









