Navratri Puja Guide 2026: Dates, Rituals, and Samagri for Each Day

Navratri, literally "nine nights," is one of the most spiritually significant festivals in the Hindu calendar — nine days dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navdurga).

Whether you're planning a home Kalash Sthapana, fasting through the nine days, or simply want to understand the significance of each day, this Navratri 2026 guide covers everything: exact dates, muhurat timings, day-wise rituals, colors, and a complete samagri list.

Navratri 2026 Dates: Full Calendar

Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, and ends on Monday, October 19, 2026, followed by Dussehra (Vijayadashami) on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

• Ghatasthapana / Kalash Sthapana: October 11, 2026
• Durga Ashtami: October 18, 2026
• Maha Navami: October 19, 2026
• Dussehra (Vijayadashami): October 20, 2026

Sharad Navratri, celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September–October), is the most widely observed of the four Navratris and is followed by Garba, Dandiya Raas, and Durga Puja celebrations across India.

Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2026

The most auspicious window for Kalash Sthapana typically falls in the morning hours of October 11, with an alternate Abhijit Muhurat around midday. Since timings vary slightly by city, it's best to confirm the exact muhurat for your location or consult a pandit before starting the ritual.

Navratri 9 Days: Which Goddess Is Worshipped Each Day

Each of the nine days of Navratri is dedicated to a specific form of the Navdurga, along with a traditional color associated with that day:

Day	Goddess	Significance
Day 1	Shailaputri	Daughter of the mountains, symbolizing strength and stability
Day 2	Brahmacharini	Represents penance, devotion, and wisdom
Day 3	Chandraghanta	Symbol of bravery and grace
Day 4	Kushmanda	Believed to have created the universe with her smile
Day 5	Skandamata	Mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), symbolizing maternal love
Day 6	Katyayani	Warrior form, worshipped for courage
Day 7	Kalaratri	Fierce form that destroys negativity and evil forces
Day 8	Mahagauri	Symbol of peace, purity, and forgiveness
Day 9	Siddhidatri	Bestower of spiritual powers and perfection

Many families also observe a broader three-phase worship: the first three nights honor Durga (strength), the next three honor Lakshmi (prosperity), and the final three honor Saraswati (knowledge).

Navratri Puja Samagri List

Here's a complete samagri checklist for performing Navratri puja and Kalash Sthapana at home.

For Kalash Sthapana

• Clay pot (mitti ka kalash) or copper/brass kalash
• Mud pot for sowing barley (jaw) seeds
• Barley seeds (jau)
• Soil for the sowing pot
• Mango leaves
• Coconut (with husk)
• Red cloth (chunri) to cover the coconut
• Kalash water and Ganga jal
• Betel nuts (supari) and coins

For Daily Puja

• Durga idol or picture/photo
• Red chunri for the goddess
• Akhand jyoti (oil lamp) with pure ghee
• Cotton wicks
• Incense sticks and dhoop
• Camphor (kapoor)
• Roli, kumkum, chandan, haldi
• Akshat (unbroken rice)
• Fresh flowers (marigold and red hibiscus preferred)
• Bel patra and durva grass

For Offerings (Bhog)

• Fruits
• Sweets (especially coconut-based or seasonal prasad)
• Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar)
• Halwa, puri, and chana (for Kanya Pujan on Ashtami/Navami)

For Kanya Pujan (Day 8 or 9)

• Red chunri and bangles for the girls
• Tilak/kumkum
• Gifts or dakshina
• Puri, chana, and halwa as prasad

Step-by-Step Navratri Puja Vidhi

Day 1: Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)

Clean the puja area and place the mud pot with barley seeds. Install the kalash filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut wrapped in red cloth on top. Invoke Goddess Shailaputri and light the akhand jyoti, which is traditionally kept burning throughout the nine days.

Days 2–7: Daily Worship of Navdurga

Each morning and evening, perform aarti, offer flowers, akshat, and naivedya to the goddess of the day. Many devotees also read the Durga Saptashati or chant the Navdurga mantras during this period.

Day 8: Durga Ashtami and Kanya Pujan

Durga Ashtami is considered one of the most powerful days of Navratri. Many families perform Kanya Pujan, worshipping young girls as living forms of the goddess, offering them food, gifts, and blessings.

Day 9: Maha Navami

The final day of worship, often combined with a Havan (fire ritual) to conclude the nine days of prayer. Kanya Pujan is also commonly performed on this day if not done on Ashtami.

Day 10: Vijayadashami (Dussehra)

The Kalash is ceremonially removed, the barley shoots are distributed as a symbol of prosperity, and the idol (if installed) is immersed. This day also marks the victory of good over evil, celebrated with Ravan Dahan in North India.

Navratri Fasting Rules (Vrat Niyam)

Many devotees observe a Navratri vrat for all nine days or select days. Common fasting guidelines include:

• Avoiding grains, onion, and garlic
• Eating fruits, sabudana, singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour), and rock salt (sendha namak)
• Some devotees observe a strict water-only fast on Ashtami or Navami

Should You Book a Pandit for Navratri Puja?

While daily worship can be performed by any family member, the Ghatasthapana ritual and Navami Havan involve precise mantras and timing that are traditionally led by a trained priest to ensure the ritual is performed correctly.

If you'd rather not navigate the muhurat calculations and Sanskrit shlokas yourself, you can book a verified pandit online through the Teertham app, along with doorstep delivery of authentic Navratri puja samagri — kalash, barley seeds, chunri, and everything else on the list above.