Navratri 2026 Dates, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Puja Timings & 9-Day Calendar

Navratri is one of the biggest times for Maa Durga worship, and millions of devotees spend nine days fasting, praying, and worshipping Devi. But exact dates and Muhurat are important because Ghatasthapana and other rituals are based on Tithi, sunrise, and location-specific Panchang. Knowing the Navratri 2026 Dates with start and end dates, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, daily 9-day calendar, and Puja timings will help you to observe the festival as per the right time and tradition by planning your worship in advance. Get all the important dates, Muhurat, daily observances, and timing details to plan your Navratri Puja in 2026 with this guide.

Navratri 2026 Start and End date

Shardiya Navratri 2026 will begin with Ghatasthapana on October 11 and will end with the nine-day festival on October 19. Vijayadashami (Dussehra) will be separately on October 20. There may be slight variations in regional traditions to calculate the last day or Vijayadashami, so check with your local Panchang.

Is Navratri Celebrated in 2026?

Yes, October 11, 2026 is the first day of Shardiya Navratri (or Durga Puja) in the calendar referred to. It marks the Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) and the commencement of Maa Shailputri Puja.

What is Navratri Muhurat (Ghatasthapna)?

Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana is the ritual installation of the sacred Kalash, which is the formal invitation of the Goddess into the home at the beginning of Navratri.

The Delhi Panchang has stated that the Ghatasthapana Muhurat on October 11, 2026, is between 6:19 AM and 10:12 AM, and the Abhijit Muhurat time is from 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM. This is for Delhi only – Muhurat varies from city to city, so check your city’s Panchang before performing Ghatasthapana.

What Is Ghatasthapana?

It means invoking the divine presence at the beginning of Navratri and is done on Day 1, before the commencement of the nine days of Devi worship.

When to do Ghatasthapana?

Muhurat is calculated on the basis of Tithi and local sunrise; hence it is not the same for each and every city. Please check your local Panchang, not the national timing.

Navratri 2026 Dates Puja Time & Day Timings

There is no one “Navratri Puja Time” applicable to all cities – the timing for each day depends on that day’s Tithi, sunrise and local Panchang. Most families perform their worship in the morning or evening, with mantras, offerings and aarti forming part of the routine. To know the complete step-by-step procedure, check our detailed Navratri Puja Vidhi guide.

Navratri 2026 Dates: 9-Day Calendar

The Panchang mentioned lists the nine Navratri days as October 11-19, with Vijayadashami on October 20.

Day by Day Navratri 2026 Calendar

• Day 1: Maa Shailputri (Oct 11): Starts with Ghatasthapana and worship of Maa Shailputri. Check our guide on Navratri Puja Vidhi for the complete order of rituals.

• Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini (Oct 12): Symbolises penance and devotion; keep up daily worship.

• Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta (Oct 13): A part of the ongoing celebrations dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta.

• Day 4: Maa Kushmanda (Oct 14): Chaturthi is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, one of the nine forms of Maa Durga worshipped during Navratri. Devi Puja is traditionally performed by devotees who offer bhog and recite the prayers appropriate to their family tradition.

• Day 5:  Maa Skandamata (Oct 15): Connects this day to the wider devotional cycle.

• Day 6:  Maa Katyayani (Oct 16): Daily Devi Puja continues as usual.

• Day 7: Maa Kalaratri (Oct 17): It is observed with the same fervour as the previous days.

• Day 8: Ashtami, Maa Mahagauri (Oct 18): Kanya Puja. Many families also observe Kanya Puja, although the practice and timing vary by region.

• Day 9: Navami, Maa Siddhidatri (Oct 19): Completion of nine-day worship, Maha Navami rituals where applicable. The end of Navratri and Vijayadashami is connected but different.

What Is the Difference Between Navratri And Vijayadashami?

Navratri is the nine days of worshipping the Devi, and Vijayadashami (Dussehra) comes right after it. In the 2026 calendar referred to here, Vijayadashami is on October 20 – a day after the ninth day of Navratri. This is where people get confused. Some people think Navratri and Dussehra fall on the same date. But they are two different observances happening one after the other.

Navratri 2026 Puja Samagri for Ghatasthapana

The basic Ghatasthapana samagri includes a Kalash, water, coconut, mango leaves, roli/kumkum, rice, flowers, diya, and traditional grains wherever applicable. For the complete list and usage, check out our Navratri Puja Samagri guide.

Navratri Puja 2026: How to perform Navratri Puja

• Select the correct local date and Muhurat for your city.

• Get the required samagri ready beforehand.

• Make the puja space ready beforehand.

• Decide if you want to do the puja yourself or have a Pandit do it.

Can I Book Navratri Puja Online?

There are many devotees who want a traditional Nav Durga Puja but don’t have time, samagri, or knowledge to arrange each and every ritual by themselves. Navratri Puja Online Booking with a Pandit is a convenient option and is usually done with Sankalp in the name of the devotee. You can also book Nav Durga Puja online and check for availability on your desired date.

Navratri Puja by the Devotees Staying Outside the Home

People living abroad often can’t hold a traditional Navratri Puja in their region. Numerous services offer remote participation, with the Sankalp performed in the name of the devotee, allowing them to remain connected to the ritual despite the physical separation. Read our guide to Navratri Puja for NRIs to know more.

Real Life Example: Planning Navratri Puja from Singapore

Rohan is living in Singapore and wants to celebrate Navratri with his parents in India. He checks the Ghatasthapana date for October 11, keeps basic samagri at his home, and makes arrangements for a Pandit-led Nav Durga Puja in his name. He joins remotely, while his parents participate from Delhi.

Important Things To Know about Navratri 2026 Dates:

• Muhurat varies by place: don’t copy another city’s time

• The right window is influenced by both Sunrise and Tithi

• Ghatasthapana should be done according to your own place, according to the Panchang

• In case of doubt, consult a learned Pandit for the timings in your city.

FAQ's About Navratri 2026

Q1: What are the Navratri 2026 dates?

Ans: Shardiya Navratri 2026 date: October 11

Q2. When does Navratri end in 2026?

Ans: The nine-day observance ends October 19; Vijayadashami, October 20, is a separate, subsequent observance.

Q3. What’s the Ghatasthapana Date of Navratri 2026?

Ans: October 11th, 2026. Muhurat is based on location. So, check the Panchang of your city.

Q4. When is the Muhurat Ghatasthapana in 2026?

Ans: According to your local Panchang, generally the morning window or Abhijit Muhurat is preferred.

Q5. What’s the Date of Durga Ashtami in 2026?

Ans: According to the calendar referred to, it will be October 18, 2026. Regional Panchangs may differ slightly.

Q6. Is it possible to book Navratri Puja online in 2026?

Ans: Yes, available on availability; please check the Nav Durga Puja product page for booking details.

Q7. What is the Maha Navami date in 2026?

Ans: Maha Navami in the year 2026 will be observed on Sunday, 18th October 2026. The ninth day of Navratri is of religious importance for devotees all over India.

Conclusion

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Start Date and Ghatasthapana: As per the Hindu calendar, Shardiya Navratri 2026 will start on October 11 with Ghatasthapana and will continue for nine days to worship Devi. As Muhurat and Puja timings differ from city to city, please check the Panchang of your city before you start, and keep your samagri and puja space ready beforehand.

Looking for Nav Durga Puja By Expert Pandits?

Looking to celebrate Navratri with a traditional Nav Durga Puja? If you are unable to do the complete ritual by yourself, you can go for our Pandit Ji led Nav Durga Puja and check out the booking details as per your preferred date.

Book Nav Durga Puja Online →