If you are searching for Navratri 2026, the main Sharad Navratri will begin on Sunday, 11 October 2026, and the festival will conclude with Vijayadashami on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. The first day is observed as Pratipada and includes Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja.

Sharad Navratri is observed during the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin and is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. While Navratri is commonly described as a nine-night festival, the complete observance includes the tenth day, celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.

Navratri Dates 2026 at a Glance

The exact observance can vary by location because Hindu festival dates and timings are calculated according to local sunrise, tithi and Panchang. For example, the 2026 calendar for different Indian locations places Durga Ashtami on 19 October and Vijayadashami on 20 October.

What Is the Navratri Tithi in 2026?

Navratri begins with Shukla Paksha Pratipada of the Ashwin month. In New Delhi, the Pratipada tithi begins on 10 October at 9:19 PM and ends on 11 October at 9:30 PM, making 11 October the first Navratri day according to the local Panchang.

This is why checking the Navratri Panchang for your city is useful before planning Ghatasthapana or other rituals.

When Is Navratri Ashtami in 2026?

Navratri Ashtami will be observed on Monday, 19 October 2026. It is also known as Durga Ashtami and is associated with the worship of Goddess Mahagauri. Sandhi Puja is another important observance connected with the transition around Ashtami and Navami.

Devotees may observe fasting, perform Navratri puja, offer prayers and participate in Kanya Puja according to their family and regional traditions.

When Is Navratri Navami in 2026?

Navratri Navami will be observed on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, along with Navami Homa and other concluding rituals. The same date marks Vijayadashami in the referenced Indian Panchang calendars.

Because regional customs differ, families may follow slightly different timings or rituals for Navami.

What Is the Navratri Muhurat for Ghatasthapana?

Ghatasthapana is one of the most important rituals performed at the beginning of Navratri. The suitable Navratri muhurat is determined using the local Panchang, particularly the tithi and sunrise.

Since muhurat can differ according to location, it is better to check the Panchang for your city rather than using one timing for the whole of India.

How Are Navratri Puja and Astrology Connected?

For many families, Navratri is not only a festival of worship but also a period for reflection, prayer and setting personal intentions. Some people also study their birth chart during this period to understand traditional Vedic astrology concepts related to career, relationships, finances or important life decisions.

An online astrology consultation generally follows a simple process:

1. Share your birth date, exact birth time and birthplace.
2. The astrologer prepares or reviews your birth chart.
3. You explain the area of life you want to understand.
4. The astrologer studies relevant planetary placements and periods.
5. The discussion focuses on traditional Vedic astrology principles and practical considerations.

Platforms such as Lunar Astro Vedic Academy may also be referenced by learners interested in understanding online Vedic astrology and traditional chart-reading methods.

Are There Navratri Remedies?

People traditionally follow different Navratri remedies, such as fasting, mantra recitation, meditation, charity, devotional reading and prayers to Goddess Durga. These practices are generally followed according to personal faith and family tradition.

Astrological remedies should also be understood as part of a traditional belief system rather than as guaranteed solutions or predictions.

Why Is Navratri Important?

Navratri represents devotion, discipline and the worship of Shakti in her different forms. The festival also brings families and communities together through prayers, fasting, Garba, Dandiya, Durga Puja and other regional traditions.

For anyone planning their celebrations, the key Navratri dates 2026 to remember are 11 October for the beginning, 19 October for Durga Ashtami and 20 October for Navami and Vijayadashami.