Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October. In New Delhi the Ghatasthapana muhurat is 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM, with Abhijit muhurat 11:44 AM to 12:30 PM as a fallback; the Pratipada tithi runs from 9:20 PM on 10 October to 9:31 PM on 11 October. Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami fall on 19 October and Dussehra on 20 October.
2026 muhurat
| Item | Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 11 October 2026 |
| Pratipada tithi | 9:20 PM, 10 Oct – 9:31 PM, 11 Oct |
| Ghatasthapana muhurat | 6:19 AM – 10:12 AM |
| Abhijit muhurat (fallback) | 11:44 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami | Monday, 19 October |
| Vijayadashami (Dussehra) | Tuesday, 20 October |
Full day-by-day dates are on Sharad Navratri 2026; for the USA, UK, Canada and Australia see Navratri 2026 world dates.
Samagri (items)
- Clay or copper kalash, clean water, Ganga jal, a coin, supari, akshat (rice) and mango leaves.
- Coconut wrapped in red cloth with mauli (sacred thread).
- Wide clay pot with clean soil and barley (jau) seeds.
- Red chunri, roli, flowers, lamp, ghee, incense and an image of Maa Durga.
Ghatasthapana vidhi
- Clean the puja place (north-east is ideal) and spread a red cloth.
- Fill the clay pot with soil, sow barley and sprinkle water.
- Fill the kalash with water, Ganga jal, coin, supari and akshat; place mango leaves and the coconut on top; tie mauli.
- Set the kalash on or beside the barley pot; invoke Ganesha first, then Maa Durga.
- Light the lamp (an akhand jyoti if you can keep it burning for nine days) and chant Om Dum Durgayai Namah or read the Durga Saptashati.
Niyam (rules)
- Do Ghatasthapana in the morning while Pratipada lasts — not at night and not on Amavasya.
- Keep the place clean; water the barley daily.
- Sattvik food — no onion, garlic, meat or alcohol for the nine days; fast as health allows.
- On Ashtami or Navami, do kanya pujan; immerse the barley and kalash water after Dussehra.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Ghatasthapana in 2026?
Sunday, 11 October 2026; 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM in New Delhi.
Can Ghatasthapana be done in Abhijit muhurat?
Yes, 11:44 AM to 12:30 PM on 11 October is the fallback window.
When are Durga Ashtami and Navami in 2026?
Both on Monday, 19 October 2026.
When is Dussehra 2026?
Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
Part of our guide: Muhurat & Festivals →
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Book a Consultation · ₹5,100 WhatsApp Dr. SharmaThis article is offered as general guidance in the Vedic tradition. Astrology is a tool for reflection and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal or financial advice.
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