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Navratri 2026 — Dates, Significance & Muhurta

Complete Navratri 2026 calendar — all four Navratris with Ghatasthapana muhurta, nine-day deity sequence, fasting rules and the astrological significance of each celebration.

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What is Navratri?

Navratri (Nine Nights) is India's most widely celebrated festival — a 9-day worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms (Navadurga). It occurs four times a year aligned with the change of seasons: Chaitra Navratri (spring, March/April), Ashada Navratri (July), Sharad Navratri (autumn, September/October — the most widely celebrated), and Paush Navratri (December/January). The festival marks cosmic transitions and is considered a powerful window for spiritual practice, mantra siddhi, and beginning important ventures.

Navratri 2026 Dates

Chaitra Navratri 2026: begins on the first day of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (March/April). Sharad Navratri 2026: begins on the first day of Ashwin Shukla Pratipada (September/October). These are the two main Navratris. The Ghatasthapana (ceremonial establishment of a clay pot symbolising the Goddess) muhurta on the first day is critical — it should be performed during the most auspicious hour of the day, ideally in Abhijit Muhurta. Use Astromathi's Muhurta calculator for the exact Ghatasthapana time based on your location.

The Nine Forms of Durga

Day 1: Shailputri (daughter of the mountain). Day 2: Brahmacharini (penance and devotion). Day 3: Chandraghanta (peace and bravery). Day 4: Kushmanda (cosmic energy, creator of the universe). Day 5: Skandamata (mother of Kartikeya). Day 6: Katyayani (warrior form, destroys ego). Day 7: Kalaratri (destroyer of darkness). Day 8: Mahagauri (purity and calm). Day 9: Siddhidatri (bestower of spiritual powers). The astrological significance: each form corresponds to a specific planetary energy — Shailputri to the Moon, Brahmacharini to Mars, Chandraghanta to Venus, and so on.

Frequently asked questions

When is Sharad Navratri 2026? ▾
Sharad Navratri 2026 falls in September/October, beginning on the first day of Ashwin Shukla Pratipada. The exact date depends on the lunar calendar — use Astromathi's Panchanga calculator for the precise date.
What is Ghatasthapana and when should it be done? ▾
Ghatasthapana is the ceremonial installation of a clay pot on the first day of Navratri. It should be performed during the most auspicious muhurta of the day — ideally within the first one-third of the day. Abhijit Muhurta (the midday auspicious window) is the fallback if the early-morning muhurta is missed.
Is it auspicious to start new ventures during Navratri? ▾
Yes — particularly during Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra), the 10th day after Navratri ends. This day is considered one of the most auspicious days of the year for starting new businesses, learning new skills, purchasing weapons (tools of trade), and beginning educational journeys.