{"id":1481,"date":"2025-11-08T09:40:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-08T04:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/?p=1481"},"modified":"2026-02-17T00:10:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T18:40:17","slug":"shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/","title":{"rendered":"Shardiya Navratri 2026: Dates, 9 Colors, Puja Muhurat &#038; Vidhi"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n      \"headline\": \"Shardiya Navratri 2026 Dates (12\u201321 Oct), Ghatasthapana Muhurat & Colors\",\n      \"description\": \"Complete guide to Shardiya Navratri 2026. Find Ghatasthapana Muhurat for your city, 9 Colors schedule, daily Alankaram links, and book Pandit for Durga Puja.\",\n      \"image\": \"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Navratri-Durga-Puja-2026-1024x577.png\",\n      \"author\": { \"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"SmartPuja\" },\n      \"publisher\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n        \"name\": \"SmartPuja\",\n        \"logo\": { \"@type\": \"ImageObject\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/smartpuja-logo.png\" }\n      },\n      \"datePublished\": \"2025-12-12\",\n      \"dateModified\": \"2025-12-19\",\n      \"inLanguage\": \"en-IN\",\n      \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n        \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026\/\"\n      },\n      \"keywords\": \"Shardiya Navratri 2026, Navratri dates 2026, Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2026, Navratri colors 2026, Durga Puja 2026\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Event\",\n      \"name\": \"Shardiya Navratri 2026\",\n      \"startDate\": \"2026-10-12\",\n      \"endDate\": \"2026-10-21\",\n      \"eventStatus\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/EventScheduled\",\n      \"location\": { \"@type\": \"Place\", \"name\": \"India\", \"address\": { \"@type\": \"PostalAddress\", \"addressCountry\": \"IN\" } },\n      \"description\": \"9-Day Hindu Festival worshiping Goddess Durga.\",\n      \"offers\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Offer\",\n        \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/puja-services\/navaratri-durga-puja\",\n        \"priceCurrency\": \"INR\",\n        \"availability\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"When does Navratri start in 2026?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Monday, October 12, 2026 and ends on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 (Dussehra).\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can we consume water during Navratri fasting?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, water, milk, buttermilk, and fruit juices are allowed. Devotees usually avoid grains, onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What color should I wear on Day 1 of Navratri 2026?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Since Day 1 (Oct 12) is a Monday, the auspicious color is White.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can we do Ghatasthapana at night?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"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.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What is the significance of Kanya Pujan?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Kanya Pujan (worshipping young girls) represents worshipping the pure energy of Goddess Durga. It is usually done on Ashtami or Navami.\" }\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; color: #333; max-width: 850px; margin: 0 auto;\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-28502\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Navratri-Durga-Puja-2026-1024x577.png\" alt=\"Shardiya Navratri 2026 Ghatasthapana and Durga Puja Kalash Setup\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Navratri-Durga-Puja-2026-1024x577.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Navratri-Durga-Puja-2026-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Navratri-Durga-Puja-2026-150x85.png 150w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Navratri-Durga-Puja-2026-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Navratri-Durga-Puja-2026-1536x865.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Navratri-Durga-Puja-2026.png 1640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h1 style=\"color: #e65100; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; font-size: 2.5rem; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px; line-height: 1.2;\">Shardiya Navratri 2026 Dates (12\u201321 Oct), Ghatasthapana Muhurat &amp; Colors<\/h1>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff3e0; border-left: 6px solid #e65100; padding: 20px; margin-bottom: 30px; border-radius: 4px;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 1.15em; color: #444;\"><strong>Shardiya Navratri 2026<\/strong> will be observed from <strong>October 12 to October 21, 2026<\/strong>. The nine-day Hindu festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and begins with <strong>Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)<\/strong> on Day 1. It concludes with Vijayadashami (Dussehra), symbolizing the victory of good over evil.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9; border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; margin: 30px 0; border-top: 4px solid #2196f3;\"><strong style=\"color: #0d47a1; font-size: 1.1em; display: block; margin-bottom: 10px;\">\ud83d\udcda Related Guides:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 20px;\">\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"><a style=\"color: #e65100; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/\">Chaitra Navratri 2026 Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"><a style=\"color: #e65100; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/durga-homa\/\">Durga Ashtami Puja Vidhi<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"><a style=\"color: #e65100; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/dussehra-vijayadashami-2026-date-muhurat-puja\/\">Dussehra 2026 Muhurat<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: #e65100; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/puja-services\/chandi-homa\">Book Chandi Homa<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin: 30px 0;\"><a style=\"background-color: #25d366; color: white; padding: 12px 25px; border-radius: 50px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1rem; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(37, 211, 102, 0.3);\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/918061160400?text=Hi%20SmartPuja,%20I%20want%20to%20book%20a%20Pandit%20for%20Navratri\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/6\/6b\/WhatsApp.svg\" alt=\"WhatsApp\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" \/> Book via WhatsApp<br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<p>The rhythmic beats of the Dhak, the fragrance of Dhuno, and the vibrant colors of Chaniya Cholis\u2014Shardiya Navratri is not just a festival; it&#8217;s an emotion. It is that time of the year when the universe aligns to bless us with <em>Shakti<\/em> (Strength), <em>Bhakti<\/em> (Devotion), and <em>Mukti<\/em> (Liberation).<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #f58120;color:#f58120\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #f58120;color:#f58120\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/#%F0%9F%93%85_Navratri_2026_Dates_Muhurat\" >\ud83d\udcc5 Navratri 2026 Dates &amp; Muhurat<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/#%F0%9F%95%90_Important_Tithi_Details_IST\" >\ud83d\udd50 Important Tithi Details (IST)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/#%F0%9F%93%8D_City-Wise_Ghatasthapana_Muhurat_Oct_12\" >\ud83d\udccd City-Wise Ghatasthapana Muhurat (Oct 12)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/#%F0%9F%97%93%EF%B8%8F_Shardiya_Navratri_2026_9_Colors_Schedule\" >\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f Shardiya Navratri 2026: 9 Colors &amp; Schedule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/#Why_is_Shardiya_Navratri_Celebrated\" >Why is Shardiya Navratri Celebrated?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/#Navratri_Puja_Vidhi_Step-by-Step\" >Navratri Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/#1_Kalash_Sthapana_Day_1\" >1. Kalash Sthapana (Day 1)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/#2_Daily_Invocation\" >2. Daily Invocation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/#3_Kanya_Pujan\" >3. Kanya Pujan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/#%F0%9F%8D%8E_SmartPujas_Mini_Fasting_Guide\" >\ud83c\udf4e SmartPuja\u2019s Mini Fasting Guide<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/#%F0%9F%AA%94_Book_Navratri_Pandit_in_Your_City\" >\ud83e\ude94 Book Navratri Pandit in Your City<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/#%F0%9F%9A%A7_Dont_Let_%E2%80%9CPandit_Unavailable%E2%80%9D_Ruin_Your_Puja\" >\ud83d\udea7 Don&#8217;t Let &#8220;Pandit Unavailable&#8221; Ruin Your Puja<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" >Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #e65100; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; margin-top: 1.5em;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%93%85_Navratri_2026_Dates_Muhurat\"><\/span>\ud83d\udcc5 Navratri 2026 Dates &amp; Muhurat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Start Date:<\/strong> October 12, 2026 (Monday)<br \/>\n<strong>End Date:<\/strong> October 21, 2026 (Wednesday)<\/p>\n<div style=\"background: #fffde7; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; border: 1px solid #fff59d; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #f57f17; font-size: 1.2em;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%95%90_Important_Tithi_Details_IST\"><\/span>\ud83d\udd50 Important Tithi Details (IST)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\">\n<li><strong>Pratipada Tithi Begins:<\/strong> Oct 11, 2026 at 09:07 AM<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pratipada Tithi Ends:<\/strong> Oct 12, 2026 at 07:12 AM<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ashtami Tithi (Durga Ashtami):<\/strong> Oct 19, 2026<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vijayadashami (Dussehra):<\/strong> Oct 21, 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h3 style=\"color: #ef6c00;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%93%8D_City-Wise_Ghatasthapana_Muhurat_Oct_12\"><\/span>\ud83d\udccd City-Wise Ghatasthapana Muhurat (Oct 12)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size: 0.9em; font-style: italic; color: #666;\">*Timings are based on local sunrise and may vary slightly.<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; margin-bottom: 40px; box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); border-radius: 8px;\">\n<table  class=\" table table-hover\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background: white;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #ef6c00; color: white;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left;\">City<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left;\">Ghatasthapana Muhurat<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>New Delhi<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">06:20 AM to 10:15 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Mumbai<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">06:33 AM to 10:48 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Bangalore<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">06:10 AM to 10:24 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Hyderabad<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">06:12 AM to 10:28 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Pune<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">06:30 AM to 10:45 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Kolkata<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">05:32 AM to 09:30 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Chennai<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">06:00 AM to 10:18 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Ahmedabad<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">06:38 AM to 10:55 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Jaipur<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">06:28 AM to 10:25 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #e65100; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; margin-top: 1.5em;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%97%93%EF%B8%8F_Shardiya_Navratri_2026_9_Colors_Schedule\"><\/span>\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f Shardiya Navratri 2026: 9 Colors &amp; Schedule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>During Navratri, each day is dedicated to a specific form of Goddess Durga (Navadurga) and a specific color.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #e1bee7; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; margin-bottom: 20px; font-size: 0.95em;\"><strong>\ud83c\udfa8 How are Navratri Colors Decided?<\/strong><br \/>\nThe 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.<\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); border-radius: 8px;\">\n<table  class=\" table table-hover\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background: white;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f57c00; color: white;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left;\">Day \/ Date<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left;\">Goddess<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left;\">Color<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left;\">Significance<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Day 1 (Oct 12)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a style=\"color: #e65100; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/goddess-shailaputri-navratri-day-1\/\">Maa Shailputri<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83e\udd0d White<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Purity &amp; Peace<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Day 2 (Oct 13)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a style=\"color: #e65100; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-brahmacharini-navratri-day-2-puja\/\">Maa Brahmacharini<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83d\udd34 Red<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Action &amp; Vigor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Day 3 (Oct 14)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a style=\"color: #e65100; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-chandraghanta-navratri-day-3-puja\/\">Maa Chandraghanta<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83d\udd35 Royal Blue<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Richness &amp; Tranquility<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Day 4 (Oct 15)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a style=\"color: #e65100; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-kushmanda-navratri-day-4-puja\/\">Maa Kushmanda<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83d\udfe1 Yellow<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Happiness &amp; Brightness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Day 5 (Oct 16)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a style=\"color: #e65100; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-skandamata-navratri-day-5\/\">Maa Skandamata<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83d\udfe2 Green<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Growth &amp; Nature<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Day 6 (Oct 17)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a style=\"color: #e65100; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-katyayani-navratri-day-6-puja\/\">Maa Katyayani<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83d\udd18 Grey<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Balanced Strength<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Day 7 (Oct 18)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a style=\"color: #e65100; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-kalaratri-navratri-day-7-puja\/\">Maa Kaalratri<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83d\udfe0 Orange<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Energy &amp; Knowledge<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Day 8 (Oct 19)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a style=\"color: #e65100; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-mahagauri-navratri-day-8-puja\/\">Maa Mahagauri<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83e\udd9a Peacock Green<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Compassion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Day 9 (Oct 20)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a style=\"color: #e65100; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: 600;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-siddhidatri-navratri-day-9-puja\/\">Maa Siddhidatri<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83c\udf38 Pink<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Love &amp; Harmony<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #e65100; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; margin-top: 1.5em;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_Shardiya_Navratri_Celebrated\"><\/span>Why is Shardiya Navratri Celebrated?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Shardiya Navratri signifies the victory of Good over Evil. There are two main legends associated with it:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Victory of Lord Rama:<\/strong> 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).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Victory of Goddess Durga:<\/strong> Maa Durga fought the buffalo demon Mahishasura for 9 days and nights, finally slaying him on Vijayadashami.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"color: #e65100; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; margin-top: 1.5em;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Navratri_Puja_Vidhi_Step-by-Step\"><\/span>Navratri Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; border-radius: 12px; box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); overflow: hidden; margin-top: 20px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin: 0; color: #f57c00;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Kalash_Sthapana_Day_1\"><\/span>1. Kalash Sthapana (Day 1)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Install a <strong>Kalash<\/strong> (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 <strong>Barley (Jowar) seeds<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; background-color: #fafafa;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin: 0; color: #ef6c00;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Daily_Invocation\"><\/span>2. Daily Invocation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Light a clay lamp (Akhand Diya is preferred) and incense. Chant <em>&#8220;Om Dum Durgaye Namaha&#8221;<\/em>. Offer red hibiscus flowers, kumkum, and sweets to the idol.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 20px;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin: 0; color: #d84315;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Kanya_Pujan\"><\/span>3. Kanya Pujan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>On Ashtami or Navami, invite nine young girls (Kanjaks) to your home. Serve them Halwa, Poori, and Chana. They represent the nine forms of the Goddess.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff3e0; border-left: 5px solid #ff9800; padding: 20px; margin-top: 30px; border-radius: 4px;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #e65100;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%8D%8E_SmartPujas_Mini_Fasting_Guide\"><\/span>\ud83c\udf4e SmartPuja\u2019s Mini Fasting Guide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 20px;\">\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 250px;\"><strong style=\"color: #2e7d32;\">\u2705 DOs (Sattvic):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-top: 5px;\">\n<li>Eat Singhara (Water Chestnut) &amp; Sabudana.<\/li>\n<li>Use Sendha Namak (Rock Salt).<\/li>\n<li>Keep thoughts pure; practice meditation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 250px;\"><strong style=\"color: #c62828;\">\u274c DON&#8217;Ts (Tamasic):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-top: 5px;\">\n<li>Avoid Onion, Garlic, and Non-veg.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid alcohol and tobacco completely.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid cutting hair or nails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #e65100; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; margin-top: 1.5em;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%AA%94_Book_Navratri_Pandit_in_Your_City\"><\/span>\ud83e\ude94 Book Navratri Pandit in Your City<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(150px, 1fr)); gap: 10px; margin-bottom: 40px;\"><a style=\"display: block; padding: 10px; background: #f5f5f5; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; color: #333; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid #eee;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/pandit-in-bangalore-booking-services\/\">Bangalore<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display: block; padding: 10px; background: #f5f5f5; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; color: #333; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid #eee;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/pandit-in-mumbai-booking-services\/\">Mumbai<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display: block; padding: 10px; background: #f5f5f5; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; color: #333; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid #eee;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/pandit-in-hyderabad-booking-services\/\">Hyderabad<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display: block; padding: 10px; background: #f5f5f5; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; color: #333; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid #eee;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/pandit-in-pune-booking-services\/\">Pune<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display: block; padding: 10px; background: #f5f5f5; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; color: #333; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid #eee;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/pandit-in-chennai-booking-services\/\">Chennai<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display: block; padding: 10px; background: #f5f5f5; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; color: #333; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid #eee;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/pandit-in-kolkata-booking-services\/\">Kolkata<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display: block; padding: 10px; background: #f5f5f5; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; color: #333; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid #eee;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/pandit-in-ahmedabad-booking-services\/\">Ahmedabad<\/a><br \/>\n<a style=\"display: block; padding: 10px; background: #f5f5f5; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; color: #333; border-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid #eee;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/north-indian-pandit-in-delhi-ncr-booking\/\">Delhi NCR<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fff3e0, #ffe0b2); padding: 40px 30px; border-radius: 12px; margin: 40px 0; text-align: center; border: 1px solid #ffcc80;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #e65100; font-size: 1.5rem;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%9A%A7_Dont_Let_%E2%80%9CPandit_Unavailable%E2%80%9D_Ruin_Your_Puja\"><\/span>\ud83d\udea7 Don&#8217;t Let &#8220;Pandit Unavailable&#8221; Ruin Your Puja<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.1rem; opacity: 0.9;\">Navratri is the busiest time of the year. <strong>92% of bookings happen before Mahalaya.<\/strong> Secure your verified Vedic Pandit now.<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 25px;\"><a style=\"background-color: #e65100; color: white !important; padding: 15px 35px; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 50px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1rem; display: inline-block; box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/puja-services\/navaratri-durga-puja\">\ud83d\ude80 Check Availability in Your Area<\/a><\/div>\n<p style=\"margin-top: 15px; font-size: 0.9em;\">Serving Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad &amp; more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #e65100; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; margin-top: 1.5em;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; padding: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; border-radius: 8px;\"><strong style=\"color: #e65100; font-size: 1.1em; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px;\">1. When does Navratri start in 2026?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on <strong>Monday, October 12, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; padding: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; border-radius: 8px;\"><strong style=\"color: #e65100; font-size: 1.1em; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px;\">2. Can we consume water during Navratri fasting?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">Yes, water, milk, buttermilk, and fruit juices are allowed. Devotees usually avoid grains, onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; padding: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; border-radius: 8px;\"><strong style=\"color: #e65100; font-size: 1.1em; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px;\">3. What color should I wear on Day 1 of Navratri 2026?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">Since Day 1 (Oct 12) is a Monday, the auspicious color is <strong>White<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; padding: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; border-radius: 8px;\"><strong style=\"color: #e65100; font-size: 1.1em; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px;\">4. Can we do Ghatasthapana at night?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; padding: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; border-radius: 8px;\"><strong style=\"color: #e65100; font-size: 1.1em; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px;\">5. What is the significance of Kanya Pujan?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">Kanya Pujan (worshipping young girls) represents worshipping the pure energy of Goddess Durga. It is usually done on Ashtami or Navami.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Shardiya Navratri 2026 commences on October 12th. Discover the significance of the 9 days, the auspicious Ghatasthapana Muhurat, the specific colors to wear, and how to perform the Puja at home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28502,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[5,191,4],"tags":[614,56,613,671,607,57,670,609,87],"class_list":["post-1481","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-festivals","category-pujas-and-homas","category-rituals","tag-book-pandit-for-navratri","tag-durga-puja","tag-durga-saptashati","tag-durga-saptashati-path","tag-ghatasthapana-muhurat","tag-navaratri","tag-navratri-2026","tag-navratri-colors","tag-smartpuja"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Navratri-Durga-Puja-2026.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1481","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1481"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1481\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34605,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1481\/revisions\/34605"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28502"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}