Astrology

Sharad Navratri 2026 begins October 11 and runs nine nights to Dussehra on October 20

Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on October 11 and ends on October 20 with Dussehra, Hindustan Times reports, with devotees across nine nights worshipping nine forms of Goddess Durga. The Times of India reports the festival opens with Ghatasthapana, a ritual in which a sacred pot known as a kalash is installed, and that Maha Navami falls on Monday, October 19, followed by Vijayadashami or Dussehra on Tuesday, October 20.

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A nine-night calendar from Shailputri to Siddhidatri#

According to Drik Panchang as cited by Hindustan Times, the festival opens on October 11 with the worship of Maa Shailputri, moves through its eighth day on October 18 with Maa Mahagauri on what is called Durga Ashtami, and reaches its ninth day on October 19 with Maa Siddhidatri on Durga Navami, before closing on October 20 with Vijayadashami.

The Times of India reports the Pratipada tithi that starts the festival runs from 9:19 PM on October 10 to 9:30 PM on October 11, according to Drik Panchang. Indian Express describes the nine nights and ten days as commemorating Goddess Durga, also called Shakti, through her distinct manifestations, and notes Sharad Navratri is considered the most sacred of the four Navratris observed across the year.

Hindustan Times reports the festival takes place during the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin, which usually falls in September or October, and gets its name from Sharad Ritu, the autumn season.

Maa Shailputri's message for day one#

Asianet Newsable reports Maa Shailputri is believed to be the daughter of Himavan, a mountain king, and is associated with Goddess Parvati, with her name drawn from the Sanskrit words for mountain and daughter. She is depicted riding a bull named Nandi while carrying a trident and a lotus, and devotees chant the mantra "Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah" during the day's puja, according to the outlet.

Acharya Poonam Dutta, chief astrologer at BV Astro, told Hindustan Times that Maa Shailputri's symbolism centers on grounding oneself before seeking deeper emotional or spiritual change, since a calm exterior can mask underlying stress or uncertainty. The outlet reports the first day, observed as Pratipada, offers an opportunity to establish personal goals for the coming days without hastily committing to significant transformations.

Durga's victory over Mahishasura and Dussehra#

Zee News reports the history of Navratri is tied to the legend of Mahishasura, a demon who received a boon granting him great power and began troubling the gods and people on Earth. The divine energies of the gods combined to create Goddess Durga, who fought Mahishasura for nine days and nights before defeating him on the tenth, a battle the outlet says represents good's triumph over evil.

Zee News also reports that in many parts of northern India the festival leads into Dussehra, which marks Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, while Indian Express notes that eastern and northeastern states observe the same dates as Durga Puja. Hindustan Times reports the final day, Vijayadashami, falls on October 20, 2026, closing the nine-night observance.

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