Sharad Navratri 2026 Date: 9 Days, Colours & Puja
If you’re wondering when to celebrate Sharad Navratri, 2026, then this is the perfect spot for you. One of the most eagerly awaited Hindu festivals is Sharad Navratri 2026, which is revered through devotion, fasting, Garba nights, Durga Puja, and profound spiritual power throughout India. These nine divine nights are for the worship of Maa Durga and her nine powerful forms, starting from Sunday, October 11, 2026, and ending on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
This detailed guide is going to let you know all the 9 colors of Navratri, Maa Durga’s 9 forms, Navratri meaning, and what is planned throughout the 9 days of Sharad Navratri 2026.
Sharad Navratri 2026 Countdown
The divine festival of Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on 11 October 2026. Prepare for 9 sacred days of Maa Durga devotion, fasting, spiritual rituals, festival colours, prayers, and blessings.
Stay updated with Sharad Navratri 2026 dates, colours, puja rituals, significance, and Durga festival celebrations.
What is Sharad Navratri?
Maa Durga is worshipped in nine powerful forms known as Navadurga, and Sharad Navratri is an important Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of both Maa Durga and Navadurga.
The word:
- “Nav” means nine
- “Ratri” means nights
The nights are the days that are dedicated to spiritual purification, devotion, power, wisdom, and victory over negativity.
The ninth day of the nine-day Durga Puja festival is believed to be the day when Demo Mahishasura came face to face with Maa Durga for nine days and nine nights and finally found her defeat. Vijaya Dashami is the 10th day, the day of victory of righteousness, or the day of Divine Energy.
Sharad Navratri 2026 Date
Sharad Navratri 2026 will be celebrated from:
| Day | Date (2026) | Goddess / Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sun, Oct 11, 2026 | Shailputri |
| Day 2 | Mon, Oct 12, 2026 | Brahmacharini |
| Day 3 | Tue, Oct 13, 2026 | Chandraghanta |
| Day 4 | Wed, Oct 14, 2026 | Kushmanda |
| Day 5 | Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | Skandamata |
| Day 6 | Fri, Oct 16, 2026 | Katyayani |
| Day 7 | Sat, Oct 17, 2026 | Kalaratri |
| Day 8 | Sun, Oct 18, 2026 | Mahagauri |
| Day 9 | Mon, Oct 19, 2026 | Siddhidatri |
| Day 10 | Tue, Oct 20, 2026 | Vijaya Dashami |
Sharad Navratri 2026 – Complete 9 Days
In India, Sharad Navratri is being celebrated with devotion, fasting, prayers and culture for 9 days on the auspicious day of the birthday of Maa Durga and her 9 avatars with the name of Navratri.
Day 1 – Maa Shailputri
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Navratri Colour: Yellow
The first aspect of Goddess Durga worshipped is Maa-Shailputri. She symbolizes purity and strength as well as the power of nature. She is the daughter of the mountains of the Himalayas, which are firm and give strength and balance to the spiritual life.
Significance
This is a devotion towards Maa Shailputri, the Divine Feminine, and it is all about finding stability in life and in oneself and peace. It is believed that she clears the confusion at the start of Navaratri and illuminates the path.
Puja Rituals & Offerings
- Pure ghee offerings
- Yellow flowers
- Fresh fruits
- Simple satvik food
Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini
Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
Navratri Colour: Green
Significance
Devoted worship of Maa Brahmacharini allows the worshiper to gain commitment, tolerance, and concentration skills in the face of difficulties.
Spiritual Meaning
Today is a day in which the spirit of dedication, self-restraint, and inner strength through devotion is taught.
Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Navratri Colour: Grey
A powerful and courageous aspect of Goddess Durga, named Maa Chandraghanta. She's quite calm and so beautiful, and can destroy negative energy.
Significance
Individuals pray to her to determine and eradicate fear, negative thoughts, and blockages in their lives. She shields her devotees from negative energies and an unclean aura.
Spiritual Meaning
This day develops the confidence, courage, and skills to not fear life's challenges.
Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Navratri Colour: Orange
The legends say Maa Kushmanda ‘created' the universe when she made a smile on her celestial face. She is connected to life force, cosmic energy, and energy.
Significance
As per the legends, Maa Kushmanda 'created' the universe by making a smile on her divine face. She is connected to life, cosmic energy, and strength.
Puja Rituals & Offerings
- Pumpkin-based dishes
- Malpua and sweets
- Orange flowers
Spiritual Meaning
This day represents positive thinking, creativity, and the power of nature to sustain us.
Day 5 – Maa Skandamata
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Navratri Colour: White
Maa Skandamata is said to be the mother of Lord Kartikeya/Skanda and the values of motherhood, compassion, and wisdom.
Significance
Devots venerate her for the joy of married people, unity, and the health of children.
Puja Rituals & Offerings
- Bananas
- White sweets
- Coconut offerings
Spiritual Meaning
The day is dedicated to the purity, love, and energy that develop in relationships and in life.
Day 6 – Maa Katyayani
Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Navratri Colour: Red
The warrior goddess Maa Katyayani is the one who destroys evils and protects righteousness. She is one of the most formidable of the Durgas.
Significance
Worshipers pray for health and strength, protection, and good fortune in marriage and relationships, and life challenges.
Puja Rituals & Offerings
- Honey
- Red flowers
- Traditional offerings like paan
Spiritual Meaning
There is strength, determination, and victory over negativity on this day.
Day 7 – Maa Kalaratri
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Navratri Colour: Royal Blue
The most ferocious of Maa Durga's is Maa Kalaratri. She breaks down any negative energies, darkness, and fear.
Significance
People venerate this goddess as a protector from evil, fear, hidden threats, etc.
Puja Rituals & Offerings
- Jaggery
- Sesame seeds
- Deep prayer rituals
Spiritual Meaning
On this day, they learn to be fearless, strong, and to surrender to divine protection.
Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri
Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Navratri Colour: Pink
Maa Mahagauri is a symbol of purity, peace, and forgiveness. She is known for her holy and heavenly expressiveness.
Significance
Durga Ashtami is one such significant day of Navratri. Kanya Puja and special Durga Puja is celebrated on this day.
Puja Rituals & Offerings
- Halwa, puri, and chana
- Coconut
- Pink flowers
Spiritual Meaning
This day is a day of cleanliness, rest of the soul, and purification.
Day 9 – Maa Siddhidatri
Date: Monday, October 19, 2026
Navratri Colour: Purple
Maa Siddhidatri is a goddess of spiritual powers, knowledge, and wisdom. She may indulge wishes and impart knowledge.
Significance
Faithful people pray for success, knowledge, spiritual growth, and coming to fruitation of their wishes, aspirations, and goals.
Puja Rituals & Offerings
- Til (sesame seeds)
- Fruits
- Purple flowers
Spiritual Meaning
After 9 days of devotion, this day is considered a spiritual completion and a blessing from God.
Day 10 – Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra 2026)
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
The celebration of Vijaya Dashami is the culmination of Navratri and represents the triumph of good over bad.
- It is associated with:
- Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura
- Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana
Sharad Navratri 2026 Colours
| Day | Goddess | Navratri Colour |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Shailputri | Yellow |
| Day 2 | Brahmacharini | Green |
| Day 3 | Chandraghanta | Grey |
| Day 4 | Kushmanda | Orange |
| Day 5 | Skandamata | White |
| Day 6 | Katyayani | Red |
| Day 7 | Kalaratri | Royal Blue |
| Day 8 | Mahagauri | Pink |
| Day 9 | Siddhidatri | Purple |
During the Navratri, many devotees wear these colours as a symbol of the Goddess of the day and celebrate with them.
Navratri Fasting Rules
Fasting on the 9 days of Sharad Navratri is viewed as good for the soul. The faith followers undertake periods of fasting.
Foods Commonly Eaten During Navratri Fast
- Fruits
- Milk
- Dry fruits
- Sabudana
- Kuttu flour
- Singhara flour
- Potatoes
Foods Usually Avoided
- Onion
- Garlic
- Regular wheat flour
- Non-vegetarian food
- Alcohol
This is due to the fact that some devotees fast during all nine days and others only during the first and last day.
How to Perform Navratri Puja at Home
Step 1: Clean the Puja Area
Create a clean and peaceful place to worship.
Step 2: Perform Ghatasthapana
Put water, mango leaves, and coconut in a kalash.
Step 3: Light a Diya
Light an oil lamp to start the puja.
Step 4: Offer Flowers and Bhog
Feed Maa Durga with fruits, sweets, and flowers.
Step 5: Chant Durga Mantras
Recite Durga Chalisa/Durga Saptashati.
Step 6: Perform Aarti
Conclusively conduct the puja with Durga Aarti.
Read Also: Happy Diwali WhatsApp Images HD Download for 2026
Final Words
Sharad Navratri 2026 is more than a festival—it's a spiritual experience that brings joy, positivity, discipline, and devotion to the lives of countless individuals. During the 9 sacred days of Maa Durga, millions of people find reasons to take a toll of strength, wisdom, peace and blessings from the Divine.
Every aspect of Navratri is cultural and spiritual in itself, be it fasting or performing puja, to garba celebration and Durga worship.
