Shardiya Navratri 2026: Dates, Puja Muhurat & Ghatasthapana

Sharad Navratri, also known as Maha Navratri, is the most important and popular of all the Navratris. Its name comes from Sharad Ritu, the autumn season in which it takes place. This festival occurs during the lunar month of Ashwin (September or October) and ends on the tenth day with Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami, which celebrates the victory of good over evil. In places like Gujarat and West Bengal, Dandiya Raas and Durga Puja are major events.

Types of Navratri

Here are the four types of Navratri:

• Sharad Navratri (Maha Navratri)
• Chaitra Navratri
• Magha Navratri (Gupta Navratri)
• Ashada Navratri (Gupta Navratri)

However, the Navratri celebrations in the months of Chaitra and Ashwin are the most popular among families. The nine days of Sharad Navratri 2026 are considered very auspicious, so devotees perform prayers and rituals at home with great devotion.

Navratri 2026 Schedule

Also read: Nine Days of Navratri Color for Each Zodiac Sign

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Date and Muhurat

Navratri Pratipada (Ghatasthapana)

• Ashwina Navratri: Sunday, October 11, 2026
• Pratipada Tithi Begins: 09:19 PM on Oct 10, 2026
• Pratipada Tithi Ends: 09:30 PM on Oct 11, 2026
• Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 06:19 AM to 10:12 AM (Duration: 3 Hrs 52 Mins)
• Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurat: 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM (Duration: 47 Mins) — use this window only if the morning muhurat is missed
• Note: This period falls during Chitra Nakshatra and Vaidhriti Yoga, which are best avoided though not strictly prohibited

Durgashtami

• Durga Ashtami: Sunday, October 18, 2026
• Ashtami Tithi Begins: 08:27 AM on Oct 18, 2026
• Ashtami Tithi Ends: 10:51 AM on Oct 19, 2026

Maha Navami

• Maha Navami: Monday, October 19, 2026
• Sandhi Puja Muhurat (junction of Ashtami and Navami): 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM on Oct 19, 2026

Dussehra

• Vijayadashami: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
• Bengal Vijayadashami / Durga Visarjan: Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Rules for Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)

On the first day of Shardiya Navratri, follow these rules for the Ghatasthapana ceremony:

• After taking a morning bath, you should ritually set up the Kalash and perform special worship for Maa Durga by lighting a traditional lamp.
• Take a vow to fast. It is believed that performing Ghatasthapana correctly brings happiness and prosperity, and you will receive the blessings of Maa Durga.
• The Kalash should be made of copper, silver, or clay.
• After the ceremony, you should donate to the poor or a temple according to your beliefs.

Items Required for Kalash Sthapana Puja

Roli (vermilion), Mauli (sacred thread), Saffron, Betel nut, Rice, Barley, Fragrant flowers, Cardamom, Cloves, Betel leaf, Sindoor (vermilion), Makeup items, Milk, Curd, Honey, Gangajal (holy water from the Ganga river), Sugar, Ghee (clarified butter), Plain water, Cloth, Jewelry, Bilva leaves, Yagyopaveet (sacred thread), Copper pot, Panchpatra (vessel for puja), Durva grass, Sandalwood paste, Perfume, Chowki (wooden stool), Red cloth (to cover the stool), Durga idol or picture, Fruits, Incense sticks and a lamp, Naivedya (offerings of food), Abeer (colored powder), Gulal (colored powder), Ground turmeric, Clean soil, Plate, Bowl, Coconut, A wick lamp, and Cotton.

Mistakes to Avoid During Ghatasthapana

To ensure a successful and auspicious ceremony, you should avoid the following mistakes:

• Do not have negative thoughts about anyone.
• Avoid arguments with others.
• Do not wear black clothing.
• Maintain a high level of cleanliness in your house and the temple.

Havan (Praying to God)

Performing a Havan at the end of Sharad Navratri worship is considered very auspicious. Doing a Havan purifies the environment around us. Mix rice, black sesame seeds, and barley with the other Havan ingredients. The worship of the Goddess is not considered complete without performing a Havan after Sharad Navratri.

For this ritual, you will need a Havan Kund, two cloves, camphor, betel nut, guggul, frankincense, ghee, five types of dried fruits, and whole rice. This will complete your Havan Puja. 

In conclusion, this Sharad Navratri, you should pray to the gods for health, wealth, and prosperity. All nine days, avoid the mistakes for Ghatasthapana that are mentioned here, so you get all the blessings from Maa Durga and achieve success in your life. We also mention the color for each day in Sharad Navratra. You can wear new colours each day to bring positivity to your daily life.