Navratri 2026 date and time: Check all dates, 9 colours, forms of Goddess Durga & puja muhurat

Sharad Navratri 2026 will begin on Sunday, October 11, and conclude on Tuesday, October 20, with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra. The nine-night Hindu festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, with devotees observing prayers, fasting and traditional rituals throughout the period. The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana, a ritual that marks the start of Navratri. Each day is associated with a different form of Goddess Durga, and many devotees follow the tradition of wearing a specific colour for each day. Sharad Navratri begins on October 11, 2026, with Ghatasthapana and the worship of Goddess Shailputri. The festival culminates in Vijayadashami on October 20, when devotees celebrate the victory of good over evil.

The exact timings for rituals such as Ghatasthapana depend on the location and local Panchang. Devotees should check the auspicious timings for their city before performing the ceremony. In Mumbai, for instance, the Ghatasthapana muhurat is listed as 6:31 am to 10:27 am on October 11.

Navratri 2026 day-wise calendar: Dates, goddesses and colours

The following calendar lists the dates, forms of Goddess Durga and traditional colours associated with each day of Sharad Navratri 2026.

Date	Day	Goddess worshipped	Colour
October 11, Sunday	Day 1	Maa Shailputri	Orange
October 12, Monday	Day 2	Maa Brahmacharini	White
October 13, Tuesday	Day 3	Maa Chandraghanta	Red
October 14, Wednesday	Day 4	Maa Kushmanda	Royal blue
October 15, Thursday	Day 5	Maa Skandamata	Yellow
October 16, Friday	Day 6	Maa Katyayani	Green
October 17, Saturday	Day 7	Maa Kalaratri	Grey
October 18, Sunday	Day 8	Maa Mahagauri	Purple
October 19, Monday	Day 9	Maa Siddhidatri	Peacock green
October 20, Tuesday	Vijayadashami	Celebration of the victory of good over evil	—

Navratri Day 1: October 11; Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja

The first day of Navratri marks the beginning of the festival with Ghatasthapana, the ritual installation of a sacred kalash. Devotees worship Maa Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga, and pray for strength, prosperity and well-being. Orange is the colour associated with the day.

Navratri Day 2: October 12; Brahmacharini Puja

On the second day, devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini, who represents devotion, discipline and perseverance. Prayers are offered for patience and spiritual strength. White is the colour associated with this day.

Navratri Day 3: October 13; Chandraghanta Puja

The third day is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, a form of Durga associated with courage and protection. Devotees seek her blessings for peace and the strength to overcome challenges. Red is the colour of the day.

Navratri Day 4: October 14; Kushmanda Puja

On the fourth day, devotees worship Maa Kushmanda, who is associated with energy and creation. Prayers are offered for health, happiness and prosperity. Royal blue is the colour associated with the day.

Navratri Day 5: October 15; Skandamata Puja

The fifth day is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya. Devotees pray for family well-being, peace and protection. Yellow is the traditional colour associated with this day.

Navratri Day 6: October 16; Katyayani Puja

On the sixth day, devotees worship Maa Katyayani, who symbolises courage and the power to overcome obstacles. Green is the colour associated with the day.

Navratri Day 7: October 17; Kalaratri Puja

The seventh day is dedicated to Maa Kalaratri, a fierce form of Goddess Durga associated with protection from negativity and the removal of fear. Grey is the colour of the day.

Navratri Day 8: October 18; Mahagauri Puja and Durga Ashtami

The eighth day is traditionally associated with the worship of Maa Mahagauri, who symbolises purity and tranquillity. Durga Ashtami is an important observance for many devotees, with prayers and, in some households, Kanya Puja. Purple is the colour associated with the day.

Navratri Day 9: October 19; Siddhidatri Puja and Maha Navami

The ninth day is dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri, who is associated with wisdom and spiritual fulfilment. Devotees offer prayers and may perform Navami Homa as part of their observances. Peacock green is the colour associated with the day.

Vijayadashami 2026: October 20

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. It marks the culmination of the Navratri period and symbolises the victory of good over evil. Devotees may perform Durga Visarjan and complete their Navratri observances according to their family and regional traditions.

As ritual timings and some observances can differ by region, devotees are advised to consult a local Panchang for the precise timings of Ashtami, Navami, Navratri Parana and Vijayadashami.