Navratri 2026 9 Days at a Glance
Shardiya Navratri 2026 runs from Sunday, 11 October to Tuesday, 20 October. On each day one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga — the Navdurga — is worshipped, in this order: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Because the Saptami tithi extends over two days this year, the nine forms are spread over ten calendar days.
| Day | Date (2026) | Tithi | Goddess | Bhog | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun, 11 Oct | Pratipada | Shailputri | Cow's ghee | Orange |
| 2 | Mon, 12 Oct | Dwitiya | Brahmacharini | Sugar / mishri | White |
| 3 | Tue, 13 Oct | Tritiya | Chandraghanta | Milk, kheer | Red |
| 4 | Wed, 14 Oct | Chaturthi | Kushmanda | Malpua | Royal Blue |
| 5 | Thu, 15 Oct | Panchami | Skandamata | Banana | Yellow |
| 6 | Fri, 16 Oct | Shashthi | Katyayani | Honey | Green |
| 7 | Sat, 17 Oct | Saptami | Kalaratri | Jaggery | Grey |
| 8 | Sun, 18 Oct | Saptami (vriddhi) | Kalaratri (continued) | Jaggery | Purple |
| 9 | Mon, 19 Oct | Ashtami → Navami | Mahagauri (+ Sandhi Puja) | Coconut | Peacock Green |
| 10 | Tue, 20 Oct | Navami → Dashami | Siddhidatri, Vijayadashami | Til, halwa-puri-chana | — |
The sequence of the nine forms comes from the Devi Kavach of the Durga Saptashati:
Prathamam Shailaputri cha dvitiyam Brahmacharini, tritiyam Chandraghanteti Kushmandeti chaturthakam.
Panchamam Skandamateti shashtham Katyayaniti cha, saptamam Kalaratriti Mahagauriti chashtamam.
Navamam Siddhidatri cha navadurgah prakirtitah.
Day 1 – Maa Shailputri (11 October)
Shaila means mountain; Shailputri is the daughter of King Himavan. In her previous birth she was Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva. She rides the bull Nandi, holds a trident in her right hand and a lotus in her left. She represents the root of all strength and stability. Worshipping her on the day of Ghatasthapana is believed to bring firmness of mind and good health. Astrological link: Moon. Chakra: Muladhara.
Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini (12 October)
Brahmacharini is the Goddess in her form of intense penance (tapas) undertaken to win Lord Shiva as her husband. She walks barefoot, holding a rosary in her right hand and a kamandal in her left. She blesses devotees with patience, self-control and perseverance — ideal for students and anyone facing a long struggle. Planet: Mars. Chakra: Svadhisthana.
Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta (13 October)
She wears a half-moon shaped like a bell (ghanta) on her forehead. With ten arms bearing weapons and riding a lion, she is ready for battle, yet her face is serene. The sound of her bell is said to drive away evil spirits. She grants courage and freedom from fear. Planet: Venus. Chakra: Manipura.
Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda (14 October)
The Puranas say that Kushmanda created the universe (brahmanda) with her gentle smile when there was only darkness. She dwells in the core of the sun and has eight arms, which is why she is also called Ashtabhuja. Offering her a pumpkin (kushmand) or malpua is traditional. She is worshipped for health, energy and longevity. Planet: Sun. Chakra: Anahata.
Day 5 – Maa Skandamata (15 October)
The mother of Skanda (Lord Kartikeya), she is shown seated on a lotus with the infant Skanda on her lap, and is also called Padmasana Devi. Worshipping her is said to bring the blessings of both mother and son. Couples praying for children and parents praying for their children's welfare worship her with special devotion. Planet: Mercury. Chakra: Vishuddha.
Day 6 – Maa Katyayani (16 October)
Born in the ashram of Sage Katyayan, she is the warrior form who slew Mahishasura. The gopis of Vrindavan worshipped her to get Lord Krishna as their husband, so unmarried girls pray to her for a suitable life partner. The mantra "Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadhishwari, Nandagopasutam devam patim me kuru te namah" is famous for removing delays in marriage. Planet: Jupiter. Chakra: Ajna.
Day 7 & 8 – Maa Kalaratri (17–18 October)
The fiercest form of the Goddess — dark-complexioned, with dishevelled hair, three eyes and a garland that shines like lightning, riding a donkey. Despite her terrifying appearance she always grants auspiciousness, which is why she is also called Shubhankari. She destroys fear, negative energies and enemies. In 2026, since Saptami falls on two days, you can continue her worship on 18 October. Many devotees perform a night vigil (Maha Nisha Puja) on the night of Saptami-Ashtami. Planet: Saturn. Chakra: Sahasrara.
Day 9 – Maa Mahagauri (19 October, Durga Ashtami)
After years of penance her body turned dark; Lord Shiva bathed her with Ganga water and she became radiantly fair — hence Mahagauri. She is dressed in white, rides a white bull and holds a trident and a damaru. She washes away past sins and blesses married life. Kanya pujan, Sandhi Puja (about 10:27–11:15 AM) and havan are performed on Ashtami. Planet: Rahu.
Day 10 – Maa Siddhidatri (19–20 October, Maha Navami)
Siddhidatri grants all the eight siddhis (anima, mahima, garima, laghima, prapti, prakamya, ishitva, vashitva). According to the Devi Purana, Lord Shiva obtained these siddhis through her grace and became Ardhanarishvara. She is seated on a lotus and has four arms. Navami tithi runs from 10:51 AM on 19 October to 12:50 PM on 20 October; most North Indian households worship her and perform kanya pujan and havan on the morning of 20 October. Planet: Ketu.
The Three Phases of Navratri
- •Days 1–3 (Durga): destroying impurities, fear and negative tendencies.
- •Days 4–6 (Lakshmi): cultivating wealth, virtue and positive qualities.
- •Days 7–9 (Saraswati): gaining knowledge, wisdom and spiritual liberation.
This progression mirrors the journey of a seeker — first cleansing, then nourishing, and finally enlightening the mind.
How to Worship Each Day (Simple Method)
- 1Bathe in the morning and light a lamp before the kalash and the Goddess.
- 2Meditate on the form of the day and chant her dhyana mantra or "Om Devi [name] Namah" 108 times.
- 3Offer the day's bhog, flowers and the colour of the day if possible.
- 4Recite the relevant chapters of the Durga Saptashati or the Durga Chalisa.
- 5Perform aarti in the morning and evening.
Summary
Navratri 2026 begins with Maa Shailputri on 11 October and concludes with Maa Siddhidatri on 20 October, followed by Dussehra the same afternoon. Kalaratri is worshipped on both 17 and 18 October due to Saptami vriddhi, Mahagauri on Durga Ashtami (19 October), and Siddhidatri on Navami (19–20 October). Use this list to plan your daily puja, bhog and colours.
