Sharad Navratri 2026 will begin on Sunday, October 11, with Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana. The nine-day festival is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga and is observed through prayers, fasting, meditation, devotional singing and special rituals. The nine-night celebration continues through October 19, followed by Vijayadashami on October 20.
For devotees planning to perform Navratri Puja at home, the most important part is starting the festival with a clean puja space, proper Kalash Sthapana and sincere devotion.
Navratri 2026 Ghatasthapana Date
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Ghatasthapana is performed on Pratipada and marks the formal beginning of Navratri worship. Drik Panchang notes that the auspicious period is calculated according to the local sunrise and other Panchang factors, so the exact Muhurat can vary from one city to another.
For example, published 2026 Panchang calculations give different morning windows for different Indian cities. Therefore, devotees should check the local Panchang before performing Kalash Sthapana.
Navratri Puja Samagri 2026
The following items are commonly used for Navratri Puja:
- Goddess Durga idol or picture
- Copper, brass or earthen Kalash
- Clean water
- Mango leaves
- Coconut
- Red cloth
- Mauli/Kalava
- Roli and kumkum
- Akshat (uncooked rice)
- Flowers and garland
- Durva or other traditional offerings where customary
- Fruits and sweets
- Incense sticks
- Diya and ghee/oil
- Betel leaves and supari
- Coins
- Barley seeds (Jau) for Ghatasthapana
- Panchamrit, if desired
The exact list can differ according to family tradition and regional customs.
Navratri 2026 Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step
1. Clean the Puja Area
Before beginning the puja, clean the room and the area where the Kalash and Goddess Durga will be placed. Devotees may take a bath and wear clean clothes before starting the ritual.
2. Prepare the Kalash
Place clean soil in a suitable container and sow barley seeds (Jau) if this is part of your family tradition.
Fill the Kalash with clean water. Add traditional items such as rice, coins or other auspicious materials according to your custom.
Place mango leaves around the opening and keep a coconut wrapped or decorated with red cloth on top.
3. Perform Sankalp
Sit facing the appropriate direction according to your family tradition and take a Sankalp, expressing your intention to observe Navratri with devotion.
You may mentally pray for the wellbeing, peace and prosperity of your family.
4. Invoke Goddess Durga
Place the idol or picture of Maa Durga near the Kalash. Light a diya and incense.
Offer flowers, kumkum, rice, fruits and sweets to the Goddess.
Devotees may chant:
“Om Dum Durgayai Namah.”
This simple Durga mantra can be repeated according to one’s faith and tradition.
5. Perform Durga Puja
Offer flowers and other appropriate offerings while remembering Maa Durga.
Many devotees also recite Durga Saptashati/Devi Mahatmya, Durga Chalisa, Durga Kavach or other devotional prayers during Navratri.
If you are not familiar with these texts, simple prayer and chanting with devotion can also form part of a home puja.
6. Light the Akhand Jyot
Some families light an Akhand Jyot that remains lit throughout Navratri. If you choose to do this, place the lamp in a safe location away from curtains, children and combustible materials.
Keeping an oil or ghee lamp safely monitored is more important than maintaining a continuous flame.
7. Daily Navratri Puja
After Ghatasthapana, devotees generally perform daily morning and evening prayers.
Each day is traditionally associated with one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga:
- Maa Shailputri
- Maa Brahmacharini
- Maa Chandraghanta
- Maa Kushmanda
- Maa Skandamata
- Maa Katyayani
- Maa Kalaratri
- Maa Mahagauri
- Maa Siddhidatri
The nine forms are worshipped across the Navratri period.
Navratri Fasting Rules
Many devotees observe a fast during Navratri. Depending on personal and family tradition, fasting may involve fruits, milk, vrat-friendly foods or one sattvic meal.
There is no need to follow an extreme fast. People with medical conditions, children, older adults and pregnant individuals should follow appropriate health advice rather than adopting a restrictive fast without professional guidance.
Ashtami and Navami Puja
Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami are particularly important days for many devotees. Kanya Puja, havan and special offerings are commonly performed according to regional traditions.
The exact observance can differ between communities and calendars, so devotees should follow their family or local Panchang tradition.
Navratri Puja 2026: Final Day
Navratri worship concludes with Navami, followed by Vijayadashami/Dussehra on October 20, 2026. Devotees may complete the Kalash-related rituals and perform visarjan or concluding prayers according to their tradition.
Final Words
Navratri 2026 Puja Vidhi begins with cleanliness, Sankalp and Ghatasthapana on October 11. Daily worship of Maa Durga, fasting, mantra chanting, aarti and devotional practices continue throughout the nine-day festival.
The most important aspect of Navratri Puja is faith, discipline and devotion. Since Muhurat and some rituals vary by location and family tradition, check your local Panchang for the exact Ghatasthapana timing before starting the puja.