Navratri 2026 Dates: Sharad (Oct) & Chaitra (Mar) Guide
Definition (snippet-ready): Sharad Navratri 2026 runs from October 11 (Sunday) to October 20 (Tuesday). The auspicious Ghatasthapana Muhurat is 06:20 AM – 10:16 AM on Oct 11. Chaitra Navratri 2026 is observed from March 19 – March 27. Last updated: 13 January 2026 (Verified against Drikpanchang)
Navratri 2026 celebrates the nine forms of Goddess Durga to dissolve negativity, awaken courage, and reset your spiritual compass. This guide covers detailed timelines, rituals, and astrological insights for both the Spring (Chaitra) and Autumn (Sharad) festivals.
📅 Navratri 2026 Dates at a Glance
| Festival | Start Date (Pratipada) | End Date (Navami/Dashami) | Key Ritual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaitra Navratri | March 19, 2026 (Thu) | March 27, 2026 (Fri) | Rama Navami (Mar 26) |
| Sharad Navratri | October 11, 2026 (Sun) | October 20, 2026 (Tue) | Durga Puja / Dussehra |
Sharad Navratri 2026: Daily Schedule (Oct 11–20)
| Day | Date | Tithi | Goddess Form | Planet Focus | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Oct 11 (Sun) | Pratipada | Shailputri | Moon | Orange |
| Day 2 | Oct 12 (Mon) | Dwitiya | Brahmacharini | Mars | White |
| Day 3 | Oct 13 (Tue) | Tritiya | Chandraghanta | Venus | Red |
| Day 4 | Oct 14 (Wed) | Chaturthi | Kushmanda | Sun | Royal Blue |
| Day 5 | Oct 15 (Thu) | Panchami | Skandamata | Mercury | Yellow |
| Day 6 | Oct 16 (Fri) | Shashthi | Katyayani | Jupiter | Green |
| Day 7 | Oct 17 (Sat) | Saptami | Kaalratri | Saturn | Grey |
| Day 8 | Oct 18 (Sun) | Ashtami | Mahagauri | Rahu | Purple |
| Day 9 | Oct 19 (Mon) | Navami | Siddhidatri | Ketu | Peacock Green |
| Day 10 | Oct 20 (Tue) | Dashami | Vijayadashami | - | - |
Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2026 (Sharad)
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Morning Muhurat: 06:20 AM to 10:16 AM (Best Duration: 3 Hours 56 Mins)
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:44 AM to 12:30 PM (Alternative)
- Pratipada Tithi: Begins Oct 11 at 04:03 AM | Ends Oct 12 at 01:21 AM
Note: Do not perform Sthapana during Amavasya or at night.
Daily Devi Focus & Spiritual Practices
Each day connects to a specific form of Shakti and planetary energy.
Days 1-3: Purification (Maha Kali Energy)
- Day 1 (Shailputri): Focus on grounding. Ritual: Kalash sthapana, Moon mantra.
- Day 2 (Brahmacharini): Focus on discipline. Ritual: Offer sugar/fruits, start gratitude journal.
- Day 3 (Chandraghanta): Focus on courage. Ritual: Light a jasmine diya, meditate on heart chakra.
Days 4-6: Transformation (Maha Lakshmi Energy)
- Day 4 (Kushmanda): Focus on vitality/health. Ritual: Surya Namaskar, offer pumpkin/gourd dishes.
- Day 5 (Skandamata): Focus on wisdom/children. Ritual: Donate books, chant
Om Hreem. - Day 6 (Katyayani): Focus on relationships. Ritual: Kumkum archana, support girl education.
Days 7-9: Realization (Maha Saraswati Energy)
- Day 7 (Kaalratri): Focus on protection. Ritual: Light mustard oil lamp for Saturn pacification.
- Day 8 (Mahagauri): Focus on purity. Ritual: Kanya Puja (feeding 9 girls), offer coconut.
- Day 9 (Siddhidatri): Focus on gratitude. Ritual: Silent meditation, charity.
Zodiac Ritual Snapshot
| Sign | Navratri Intention | Daily Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Aries | Channel courage wisely | 9-minute breathwork before actions |
| Taurus | Balance comfort & discipline | Offer fragrant flowers, practise Abhyanga |
| Gemini | Purify speech | Chant Saraswati mantra, digital declutter |
| Cancer | Heal inner child | Moon journaling, family gratitude circle |
| Leo | Radiate heart power | Lead evening aarti, practise generosity |
| Virgo | Release perfectionism | Embrace creative mess, volunteer backstage |
| Libra | Harmonise relationships | Host Devi satsang, mediate conflicts gently |
| Scorpio | Transform shadows | Shadow journaling, water offerings to Devi |
| Sagittarius | Expand dharma | Study scriptures daily, mentor youth |
| Capricorn | Structure devotion | Create ritual tracker, honour elders |
| Aquarius | Innovate service | Set up charity crowdfunding, eco initiatives |
| Pisces | Deepen surrender | Nightly mantra in silence, dream journaling |
Fasting & Nutrition Plan (Satvik Diet)
- Morning: Coconut water + soaked nuts.
- Midday: Fruit bowl with rock salt, mint.
- Evening: Buckwheat (kuttu) rotis, sabudana khichdi, paneer/tofu with ghee.
- Hydration: Warm herbal teas (tulsi, ginger) to balance Vata.
- Tip: Avoid grains, onions, garlic, and heavy fried foods to maintain high energy for meditation.
Home & Space Cleansing
- Day 1: Mop with salt water; install Kalash in the northeast corner.
- Day 4: Rearrange workspace; bring in natural light to honor Kushmanda (Solar energy).
- Day 7: Smudge with camphor/cloves to remove stagnation (Kaalratri energy).
Post-Navratri Integration
- Continue lighting a diya for 11 nights post-Vijayadashami.
- Transition from fasting to regular diet gradually.
- Plan a charitable act within 15 days to ground the blessings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fast if I have health issues? Modify fasts—eat sattvic meals, hydrate, or donate meals instead. Follow doctor advice first.
How do I celebrate from abroad? Sync virtual aartis, ship Devi kits early, and reference IST muhurats (adjusting for local sunrise).
Do I need different colors each day? Optional but powerful—wearing the daily color (listed in the schedule above) aligns your aura with the day’s specific Devi frequency.
🎯 Call to Action
- ✅ Secure Your Puja Timing: Get a Personal Muhurat Scan
- ✅ Plan Meals: Fasting by Weekday Guide
- ✅ Donate: Planetary Charity Calendar
Jai Mata Di! May Maa Durga illuminate your path throughout 2026.
