Navratri 2026 Dates: Shardiya Navratri Start, Ghatasthapana, and Dussehra

Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026 according to Tithi's panchang calculations. The nine nights are dedicated to Goddess Durga and culminate in Vijayadashami, also called Dussehra.

What is Shardiya Navratri?

Shardiya Navratri is the autumn Navratri and is among the most widely observed forms of the festival. It is a period of worship, fasting, discipline, music, dance, and devotion to the Goddess in her many forms.

Ghatasthapana and Panchang

The beginning of Navratri is marked by Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana in many homes and temples. This is usually done in an auspicious window selected with the panchang.

Local sunrise and tithi matter, so the exact timing should be checked for your city rather than copied from another region.

The Nine Nights

Each night of Navratri is associated with worship of the Divine Mother. Traditions vary by region: some focus on Durga Puja, some on Garba and Dandiya, some on fasting and daily puja, and some on scriptural recitation.

Connection to Dussehra

Navratri leads into Vijayadashami, the day of victory. In different traditions it celebrates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, Goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura, or the broader victory of dharma over adharma.

Navratri is one of the clearest examples of how panchang shapes festival life: the start date, tithi, puja windows, and final Vijayadashami observance all depend on lunar timing.