10-Day Festival Dates, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Ashtami, Navami & Dussehra Timings

The festive spirit of devotion and celebration returns as Shardiya Navratri and Durga Puja 2026 approach, ushering in days of sacred fasting, Vedic rituals, and grand community festivities across India. According to the Hindu Panchang, Shardiya Navratri begins on October 10 and spans an unusual 10-day cycle this year, concluding on October 20 with Navami Havan, fast-breaking rituals (Parana), Durga idol immersion, and the celebration of Vijayadashami (Dussehra). Devotees seeking divine blessings, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment are preparing their altars to invoke the nine manifestations of Maa Durga (Navadurga) through carefully calculated astrological muhurats.

Shardiya Navratri 2026: Ghatasthapana Timings and Inauspicious Windows to Avoid

The ceremonial installation of the sacred Kalash marks the formal inauguration of Navratri festivities, demanding precise adherence to planetary timings:

• Pratipada Tithi Schedule: The Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin commences at 9:19 PM on Saturday, October 10, and runs until 9:30 PM on Sunday, October 11.

• Auspicious Ghatasthapana Windows: On October 11, the primary Shubh Muhurat for Kalash Sthapana is available from 6:31 AM to 10:27 AM. An alternative highly favorable window—the Abhijit Muhurat—is open between 12:01 PM and 12:49 PM.

• Periods to Avoid: Astrological guidelines advise devotees to avoid installing the Kalash during Chitra Nakshatra (9:42 PM on Oct 10 to 10:32 PM on Oct 11) and Vaidhriti Yoga (10:02 PM on Oct 10 to 9:05 PM on Oct 11); the recommended morning and midday windows provide the safest astrological alignment.

Day-Wise Navratri Worship Calendar: Dates for the Nine Forms of Maa Durga

This year's 10-day celebration outlines a step-by-step sequence of devotional offerings dedicated to the divine mother:

• October 11, 2026 (Day 1): Ghatasthapana and worship of Maa Shailputri

• October 12, 2026 (Day 2): Worship of Maa Brahmacharini

• October 13, 2026 (Day 3): Worship of Maa Chandraghanta

• October 14, 2026 (Day 4): Worship of Maa Kushmanda

• October 15, 2026 (Day 5): Worship of Maa Skandamata

• October 16, 2026 (Day 6): Worship of Maa Katyayani

• October 17, 2026 (Day 7): Worship of Maa Kalaratri

• October 18, 2026 (Day 8): Worship of Maa Mahagauri and Durga Ashtami

• October 19, 2026 (Day 9): Worship of Maa Siddhidatri and Maha Navami

• October 20, 2026 (Day 10): Navami Havan, Durga Visarjan, culmination worship, and Vijayadashami (Dussehra)

Durga Puja 2026 Schedule: Key Rituals from Shashthi to Bengal Vijayadashami

For millions celebrating Durgotsav across West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and cultural pandals nationwide, the five-day extravaganza follows this specialized calendar:

• October 16, 2026 (Maha Shashthi): Shashthi Puja, Bilva Nimantran, Kalparambha, Akal Bodhan, sacred invitation, and Adhivas rituals.

• October 17, 2026 (Maha Saptami): Saptami Puja, Nabapatrika Snan, and Kolabou Puja welcoming the divine family.

• October 19, 2026 (Maha Ashtami): Sacred Ashtami Puja, Kumari Puja, and the highly anticipated Sandhi Puja transition.

• October 20, 2026 (Maha Navami): Bengal Maha Navami Puja rituals, Durga Balidan, and final community prayers.

• October 21, 2026 (Bengal Vijayadashami): Traditional Sindoor Khela, tearful farewell to the Goddess, and grand Bengal Durga Visarjan.