The morning aarti bell, a steady diya flame, the smell of camphor drifting through the house: that is Navratri for most of us. Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October, runs through 19 October, and Dussehra follows on 20 October. If you want to know which goddess is worshipped on which day, why devotees fast, and why Navratri is celebrated at all, this guide answers it in plain, simple words.
In short: Sharad Navratri 2026 runs from Sunday, 11 October to 19 October, with Dussehra on 20 October. Over nine days the nine forms of Goddess Durga, from Shailputri to Siddhidatri, are worshipped. Ghatasthapana is done on Day 1 and Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami. Fasting is about faith and self-discipline, and the daily colour is a popular custom, not a rule. Check your local Panchang for Ashtami (18 or 19 October).
When Is Navratri 2026? (Dates)
This year's Sharad (autumn) Navratri starts on Pratipada of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. Ghatasthapana, the installation of the sacred kalash, is done on the first day. After that, nine days are dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
Observance | Date |
|---|---|
Ghatasthapana (Day 1) | Sunday, 11 October 2026 |
Durga Ashtami | 18 October 2026* |
Maha Navami | 19 October 2026 |
Vijayadashami (Dussehra) | Tuesday, 20 October 2026 |
*Some Panchangs list Ashtami on 19 October. Please check your local Panchang for the exact tithi and puja timings in your city.
The 9 Goddesses of Navratri: Who Is Worshipped When
Day | Date | Goddess | Name | What She Represents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 11 October |  | Firmness and Stability | |
2 | 12 October |  | Penance and Self-Restraint | |
3 | 13 October |  | Courage and Protection | |
4 | 14 October |  | Creation and Energy | |
5 | 15 October |  | Motherly Love and Compassion | |
6 | 16 October |  | Power and Protection of Dharma | |
7 | 17 October |  | Fearlessness | |
8 | 18 October |  | Purity and Peace | |
9 | 19 October |  | Spiritual Powers and Wisdom |
Navratri 2026 Colours: What to Wear on Each Day
Wearing a different colour each day is one of Navratri's most loved traditions. The sequence depends on the weekday the festival begins, and since Navratri 2026 starts on a Sunday, the first colour is orange.
Day | Date | Colour | Meaning | What to Wear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 11 Oct, Sunday | Orange | Energy and enthusiasm | Orange suit, saree or dupatta |
2 | 12 Oct, Monday | White | Peace and purity | White kurta set or a simple saree |
3 | 13 Oct, Tuesday | Red | Strength and courage | Red saree, chunri or lehenga |
4 | 14 Oct, Wednesday | Royal Blue | Calmness and dignity | Deep blue suit or dupatta |
5 | 15 Oct, Thursday | Yellow | Happiness and positivity | Yellow kurta, saree or suit |
6 | 16 Oct, Friday | Green | Growth and new beginnings | Green saree or suit |
7 | 17 Oct, Saturday | Grey | Balance and steadiness | Grey outfit with a colourful dupatta |
8 | 18 Oct, Sunday | Purple | Dignity and richness | Purple saree or lehenga (great for Ashtami) |
9 | 19 Oct, Monday | Peacock Green | Freshness and fulfilment | Peacock green saree or suit |
Remember that the daily colour is a custom, not a religious rule. If changing outfits is hard, a dupatta, stole, bangles or flowers in that day's colour are enough. Men can bring the colour in through a kurta or a stole. The colour order can vary by region, and these colours are not considered permanently tied to any one goddess.
Why Is Navratri Celebrated?
According to the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati), the demon Mahishasura terrorised the three worlds. The gods combined their powers and Goddess Durga appeared. She fought him for nine nights and defeated him on the tenth day. Navratri and Vijayadashami mark that victory.
In North and West India, Dussehra is also linked to Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, while in eastern India the same days are celebrated as Durga Puja. The stories differ, but the message is the same: however powerful evil may seem, good wins in the end.
How Many Navratris Are There in a Year?
Tradition counts four: Chaitra, Ashadha, Sharad and Magha. Chaitra and Sharad Navratri are the most widely observed. The one running right now is Sharad Navratri.
Why Do We Worship the Goddess During Navratri?
Navratri is a festival of Shakti, divine feminine energy. Over nine days the Goddess is worshipped as a warrior, as a mother and as an ascetic. The lesson is that strength is not only physical. Patience, compassion and courage are forms of Shakti too, and each day's puja is a chance to build one of those qualities in yourself.
Why Do People Fast During Navratri?
Fasting in Navratri is mainly about faith, self-discipline and devotion. Eating simple, sattvik food for nine days helps many people stay calm and focused during prayer. Some fast all nine days, some only on the first day and on Ashtami and Navami, and some live on fruits alone. It is entirely a matter of your faith and capacity. If you have any health condition, please talk to your doctor before fasting.
What Can You Eat During the Navratri Fast?
Kuttu (buckwheat) flour, singhara (water chestnut) flour, rajgira (amaranth)
Sabudana and samak rice
Fruits, milk, curd and makhana
Rock salt (sendha namak), which is commonly accepted in fasting
Onion, garlic and regular grains are usually avoided.
How to Do Navratri Puja at Home
Clean your puja space and do Ghatasthapana at an auspicious time on the first day.
Light a diya every morning and offer flowers and bhog.
Chant the mantra of that day's goddess, for example "Om Devi Shailputryai Namah" on Day 1.
Recite the Durga Chalisa or Durga Saptashati, and sing the aarti in the evening.
On Ashtami or Navami, perform Kanya Pujan as per your family tradition.
The best-known verse is also worth chanting: Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the dates of Navratri 2026?
Sharad Navratri runs from 11 October to 19 October 2026, and Vijayadashami is on 20 October.
2. When is Durga Ashtami in 2026?
Most Panchangs list 18 October, though some show 19 October. Check your city's Panchang.
3. How many days should I fast in Navratri?
There is no fixed rule. People fast for one, two or all nine days depending on faith and family tradition.
4. When should Kanya Pujan be done?
On Ashtami or Navami, whichever your family follows.
5. Is wearing the day's Navratri colour compulsory?
No. Wearing the daily colour is a popular custom, not a required religious rule.
Final Words
Navratri is more than fasting and puja. It is a chance to recognise the strength inside you. Whether you fast for nine days or simply join the evening aarti, what matters most is your devotion. For Navratri aarti, bhajans and naam jaap, you can also stay connected on the Mobile Mandir App. May Maa Durga bless you and your family with strength, peace and happiness. Jai Mata Di!