Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on October 11, Sunday. The festival runs for nine days and ends on October 19 with Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami falling on the same day. Dussehra follows on October 20 .
The big question this year is the start date. Some calendars list October 10. Others say October 11. The confusion comes from the tithi timing. Here is the clear answer.
Why the Start Date Confuses People?
The Pratipada tithi begins on October 10 at 9:19 PM. It ends on October 11 at 9:30 PM.
Read Also: Viswakarma Puja 2026: Date, Time, Muhurat And Celebration Guide
Hindu tradition follows Udaya Tithi. That means the tithi prevailing at sunrise is the one that counts. On October 11, Pratipada is active at sunrise. So Navratri starts on October 11.
The October 10 date you see on some sites is wrong for ritual purposes. The tithi starts that night, but the first full day is October 11.
Ghatasthapana Muhurat: Two Windows
Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) happens on October 11. You have two windows .
Morning Muhurat: 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM. This gives you 3 hours and 52 minutes. It is the main window for most households .
Abhijit Muhurat: 11:20 AM to 12:07 PM. This is the backup option. If you miss the morning slot, this works too .
Some sources list the Abhijit Muhurat as 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM . The difference comes from regional panchang calculations. Check your local panchang for the exact time in your city.
Full Nine-Day Calendar
Here is the day-by-day schedule with the goddess worshipped each day .
October 11 (Sunday): Ghatasthapana, Maa Shailputri Puja
October 12 (Monday): Maa Brahmacharini Puja
October 13 (Tuesday): Maa Chandraghanta Puja
October 14 (Wednesday): Maa Kushmanda Puja
October 15 (Thursday): Maa Skandamata Puja
October 16 (Friday): Maa Katyayani Puja
October 17 (Saturday): Maa Kalaratri Puja
October 18 (Sunday): Maa Mahagauri Puja (Ashtami preparations)
October 19 (Monday): Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami, Maa Siddhidatri Puja
The Special Twist: Ashtami and Navami on the Same Day
This year is unusual. Ashtami and Navami fall on October 19 .
The Ashtami tithi runs from October 18 at 8:27 AM to October 19 at 10:51 AM. Navami tithi starts right after, at 10:51 AM on October 19.
Because of Udaya Tithi rules, both are observed on October 19. That means Mahagauri Puja (Ashtami), Kanya Pujan, and Siddhidatri Puja (Navami) all happen on the same day .
If you plan Kanya Pujan, October 19 is the day. Plan for a busy schedule if you follow both rituals.
Dussehra Date
Vijayadashami (Dussehra) falls on October 20, Tuesday . This marks the end of the Navratri period. Ravana Dahan and Durga Visarjan happen on this day in most regions.
Navratri 2026 Date October: How Many Days Left?
As of September 21, 2026, there are 20 days left until Shardiya Navratri begins on October 11.
Here is the countdown breakdown:
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September 21 to September 30: 10 days
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October 1 to October 10: 10 days
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October 11: Navratri Day 1
If you are planning vrat (fasting), shopping for puja items, or booking Garba passes, you have about three weeks. Garba events in Mumbai and Gujarat are already selling tickets for the October 11-19 window.
Maa Durga Arrives on a Palanquin This Year
Jagran reports that Maa Durga will arrive on a Palki (palanquin) this Navratri . The vehicle she rides is calculated based on the weekday of Pratipada.
October 11 is a Sunday. In the traditional calculation, Sunday corresponds to the palanquin. Devotees believe this signals a year of both challenges and blessings. The palanquin represents travel and movement. Some interpret it as a sign of change and progress.
What to Prepare Before October 11?
Kalash Sthapana items. Gather a clay or copper kalash, mango leaves, coconut, red cloth, and kalava (sacred thread). Buy these before October 10 to avoid last-minute rushes.
Fasting supplies. If you observe vrat, stock up on sabudana, kuttu flour, singhara flour, and fruits. Keep rock salt (sendha namak) separate from regular salt.
Puja space. Clean the area where you will set up the kalash. If you have a dedicated mandir at home, clear it and decorate it before the first day.
Local panchang check. The muhurat times listed here are for Delhi. Sunrise times vary by city. Confirm your local Ghatasthapana muhurat using a regional panchang or app.
The Final Thoughts
Shardiya Navratri 2026 starts on October 11, Sunday. Ghatasthapana muhurat runs from 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM, with a backup Abhijit muhurat later in the morning. The festival ends on October 19 with Ashtami and Navami together. Dussehra is on October 20.
You have 20 days from today. Mark your calendar. Check your local panchang. Get your puja items ready. The nine nights of Maa Durga are almost here.
