Overview:
Shardiya Navratri 2026 starts with Ghatasthapana on Sunday, 11 October and ends with Maha Navami on 19 October. Vijayadashami (Dussehra) falls on Tuesday, 20 October. This guide gives the full day-by-day calendar, the form of Maa Durga worshipped each day, the approximate Kalash Sthapana muhurat, and a simple puja method. It also explains fasting rules, Kanya Pujan, how Bihar and Muzaffarpur celebrate with pandals and melas, and the mistakes to avoid. Timings vary by city, so readers are advised to confirm with a local panchang before the ritual.
The smell of incense, the sound of dhak and the glow of diyas. Also, Navratri is almost here. So many families are asking one question: what are the Navratri 2026 dates? Here is the short answer. In addition, Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October. Then it ends with Maha Navami on 19 October. Finally, Dussehra falls on Tuesday, 20 October.
However, knowing the dates is only the start. You also want to know which goddess to worship each day. Also, you want the right time for Kalash Sthapana. That is why we made this simple guide. Moreover, First, you will see the full calendar. Next, you will learn the puja steps and fasting tips. Furthermore, Then we share how Bihar celebrates. Finally, we answer common questions.
Navratri 2026 Dates at a Glance
Here is the full calendar for Shardiya Navratri 2026. Each day honours one form of Maa Durga.
| Date | Day | Navratri day | Goddess worshipped |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 October 2026 | Sunday | Day 1 (Pratipada) | Maa Shailputri |
| 12 October 2026 | Monday | Day 2 (Dwitiya) | Maa Brahmacharini |
| 13 October 2026 | Tuesday | Day 3 (Tritiya) | Maa Chandraghanta |
| 14 October 2026 | Wednesday | Day 4 (Chaturthi) | Maa Kushmanda |
| 15 October 2026 | Thursday | Day 5 (Panchami) | Maa Skandamata |
| 16 October 2026 | Friday | Day 6 (Shashthi) | Maa Katyayani |
| 17 October 2026 | Saturday | Day 7 (Saptami) | Maa Kalaratri |
| 18 October 2026 | Sunday | Day 8 (Ashtami) | Maa Mahagauri |
| 19 October 2026 | Monday | Day 9 (Navami) | Maa Siddhidatri |
| 20 October 2026 | Tuesday | Dussehra (Vijayadashami) | Victory of good over evil |
So the full festival runs for nine nights and ends on the tenth day. Also, note that Durga Ashtami falls on Sunday, 18 October.
Navratri 2026 dates: What Is Shardiya Navratri?
Navratri means “nine nights”. Additionally, people celebrate it more than once a year. However, the autumn one is the biggest. It is called Shardiya Navratri, because it comes in the Sharad season.
During these nine nights, people worship the nine forms of Maa Durga. Also, they fast, pray and sing bhajans. In Bihar, this time also brings Durga Puja pandals and fairs. So the whole state feels festive.
The Story Behind Navratri
Hindu stories say Maa Durga fought the demon Mahishasura for nine days. Then, on the tenth day, she won. So Navratri celebrates the victory of good over evil. On the other hand, Dussehra also marks Lord Rama’s win over Ravana.
Navratri 2026 dates: Kalash Sthapana 2026: Date and Time
The first day starts with Kalash Sthapana. It is also called Ghatasthapana. Besides, people place a sacred pot, or kalash, to invite the goddess into the home.
Kalash Sthapana Muhurat
Kalash Sthapana falls on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Panchang reports suggest a morning window of about 6:22 AM to 10:18 AM. Also, the Abhijit muhurat falls around 11:46 AM to 12:32 PM.
However, these times change by city. For example, sunrise in Muzaffarpur is a little different from sunrise in Delhi or Mumbai. So always check a local panchang or ask your family priest.
Pratipada Tithi Timing
Reports say the Pratipada tithi starts around 9:19 PM on 10 October. In fact, Then it ends around 9:30 PM on 11 October. So most families will do Kalash Sthapana on the morning of 11 October.
Tip: Do Kalash Sthapana in the morning if you can. It is the most common choice, and it gives you the whole day for puja.
Navratri 2026 dates: Simple Kalash Sthapana Steps
You do not need a big setup for Kalash Sthapana. Instead, a clean corner and a calm mind are enough.
Things You Need
- A clay or copper kalash (pot)
- Clean water, a coin and a betel nut
- Mango leaves
- A coconut wrapped in red cloth
- Clean soil and barley seeds
- A red cloth, roli, rice and flowers
- A diya with ghee or oil
How to Do It
- First, clean the puja place and bathe early.
- Next, spread clean soil on a plate and sow barley seeds.
- Then fill the kalash with water and add a coin and betel nut.
- After that, place mango leaves around the mouth of the kalash.
- Now place the coconut on top.
- Then set the kalash on the soil and light the diya.
- Finally, pray to Maa Durga and start your Navratri vow.
Water the barley every day. Of course, By Navami, it will sprout into green shoots. Many families see this as a sign of blessings.
Navratri 2026 dates: The Nine Goddesses of Navratri
Each day has its own goddess. In particular, Here is a short, simple guide.
Day 1: Maa Shailputri
She is the daughter of the mountains. People pray to her for strength and a steady mind.
Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini
She stands for patience and devotion. So people pray to her for focus and self-control.
Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta
She wears a half moon shaped like a bell. Also, people pray to her for courage and peace.
Day 4: Maa Kushmanda
Stories say she created the universe with her smile. People pray to her for good health.
Day 5: Maa Skandamata
She is the mother of Lord Kartikeya. In addition, people pray to her for the well-being of their children.
Day 6: Maa Katyayani
She is a warrior form of the goddess. Many people pray to her for a good life partner.
Day 7: Maa Kalaratri
She is fierce and removes fear. So people pray to her for protection.
Day 8: Maa Mahagauri
She stands for purity and calm. Moreover, many families do Kanya Pujan on this day.
Day 9: Maa Siddhidatri
She gives wisdom and success. Many families end their fast on this day with Kanya Pujan and havan.
Navratri 2026 dates: Navratri Fasting Rules in Simple Words
Many people fast during Navratri. Furthermore, some fast for all nine days. Others fast only on the first and last days. So choose what suits your health.
Foods People Usually Eat
- Fruits and dry fruits
- Milk, curd and paneer
- Sabudana, singhara atta and kuttu atta
- Potatoes, sweet potatoes and pumpkin
- Rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt
Foods People Usually Avoid
- Wheat and rice
- Onion and garlic
- Regular salt
- Alcohol and non-vegetarian food
Tip: Drink plenty of water while fasting. Also, older people, pregnant women and people with health issues should ask a doctor before a strict fast.
Navratri 2026 dates: Kanya Pujan on Ashtami and Navami
Kanya Pujan is a special ritual. Families invite young girls to their home. Additionally, they see the girls as forms of Maa Durga. So they wash their feet, feed them and give small gifts.
| Day | Date | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Durga Ashtami | Sunday, 18 October 2026 | Many families do Kanya Pujan |
| Maha Navami | Monday, 19 October 2026 | Many families end the fast with Kanya Pujan |
Usually, families feed puri, chana and halwa. Also, they give the girls bangles, clothes or small money gifts.
Navratri 2026 dates: How Bihar Celebrates Navratri
Navratri in Bihar feels special. Temples fill with devotees from early morning. Also, many homes keep an akhand jyoti, a lamp that burns for all nine days.
Durga Puja Pandals
Big pandals come up in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Bhagalpur and other cities. Besides, Usually, crowds grow from Saptami onwards. So the last four days are the busiest.
Melas and Shopping
Fairs pop up near many pandals. Children enjoy swings and toy stalls. Meanwhile, families buy sweets, puja items and new clothes.
Muzaffarpur During Navratri
Muzaffarpur markets get very busy before Navratri. In fact, people buy kalash, chunri, flowers and fasting food. Also, pandals across the city draw large crowds in the evenings. So plan your pandal visits early in the evening to avoid heavy rush.
Tip: Keep children close in crowds. Also, write your phone number on a small card in their pocket.
Navratri 2026 dates: Common Navratri Mistakes to Avoid
- Using one national timing. Muhurat changes by city, so check a local panchang.
- Skipping water during fasts. Dehydration can make you sick.
- Leaving the lamp unattended. An akhand jyoti needs safe placement away from curtains.
- Crowding pandals late at night. Rush is highest late in the evening, so go early.
- Throwing puja waste in rivers. Use the collection points set up by the city.
Navratri 2026 dates: Case Study: The Sharma Family in Muzaffarpur
The Sharma family lives near Juran Chhapra in Muzaffarpur. This year, they plan early. First, they buy puja items a week before 11 October. In general, Next, they check the local panchang for their Kalash Sthapana time. Then they set up the kalash on Sunday morning.
During the week, the elders fast, while the children eat light food. Of course, On Ashtami, they invite nine girls for Kanya Pujan. Finally, they visit the pandals on Saptami evening, before the biggest crowds arrive. As a result, the family enjoys a calm and happy Navratri.
Navratri 2026 dates: A Simple Navratri Checklist
Use this list in the week before 11 October. Each step takes only a few minutes.
- Buy the kalash, soil and barley seeds.
- Get a red cloth, a coconut and fresh flowers.
- Clean the puja corner.
- Check the muhurat for your city.
- Plan your fasting days.
- Stock fruits, milk and sendha namak.
- Keep a safe spot for the lamp.
- Fix a day for Kanya Pujan.
Tips for Kids and Elders
Kids love Navratri. So let them help with small tasks. For example, they can water the barley. They can also make rangoli. In particular, Elders should rest well. If they fast, they should eat fruit and drink water often. Also, keep their medicines on time. Also, a happy home makes a happy Navratri.
Key Takeaways
- Shardiya Navratri 2026 runs from Sunday, 11 October to Monday, 19 October.
- Dussehra (Vijayadashami) falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
- Kalash Sthapana is on 11 October, but check a local panchang for the exact time.
- Durga Ashtami is on 18 October, and Maha Navami is on 19 October.
- Plan pandal visits early in the evening to avoid the heaviest crowds.
Did You Know?
Did you know the barley sown during Kalash Sthapana is called “jaware” or “jau”? Families water it daily for nine days. In addition, many people believe healthy green shoots bring good luck and a good harvest in the year ahead.
Conclusion
Navratri 2026 brings nine nights of faith, fasting and festive joy. The festival starts on 11 October with Kalash Sthapana. Moreover, Then it moves through the nine forms of Maa Durga. Finally, it ends with Dussehra on 20 October. So plan your puja, your fasting and your pandal visits now. Also, check a local panchang for the exact muhurat in your city. For more festival guides, read our Durga Puja 2026 calendar and follow Bihar stories on Muzcorner. Share this calendar with your family, so everyone is ready for the celebrations.
FAQs
When does Navratri start in 2026?
Shardiya Navratri 2026 starts on Sunday, 11 October 2026. This is the day of Kalash Sthapana, also called Ghatasthapana. Furthermore, Then the festival runs for nine nights. Maha Navami falls on Monday, 19 October. Finally, Dussehra falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. Additionally, check a local panchang for exact timings in your city.
What is the Kalash Sthapana muhurat for 2026?
Kalash Sthapana falls on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Panchang reports suggest a morning window of about 6:22 AM to 10:18 AM. Also, the Abhijit muhurat is around 11:46 AM to 12:32 PM. However, these times change by city. So check a local panchang or ask your family priest for your exact time.
When is Durga Ashtami in 2026?
Durga Ashtami falls on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Besides, On this day, people worship Maa Mahagauri. Also, many families do Kanya Pujan on Ashtami. Maha Navami follows on Monday, 19 October. So families who do Kanya Pujan on Navami will hold it on 19 October instead.
When is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. In fact, it marks the victory of good over evil. On this day, many cities hold Ravan Dahan events. Also, in Bihar, Durga Puja idols are taken for immersion around this time. So expect big crowds and traffic changes in many towns.
Which goddess is worshipped on the first day of Navratri?
Maa Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. In general, She is known as the daughter of the mountains. People pray to her for strength and a steady mind. Of course, In 2026, the first day falls on Sunday, 11 October. Kalash Sthapana also happens on this day.
