Shardiya Navratri 2026: Dates, Nine Durga Forms & Fasting Guide
Shardiya Navratri 2026 runs from September 20 to September 29, 2026. Nine sacred nights honoring the Navadurga, culminating in Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on September 30. Complete guide to all 9 Durga forms, fasting rules, Garba, and Kanjak puja.
Shardiya Navratri 2026 Date-by-Date
- Sept 20 (Day 1): Pratipada, Shailputri Puja, Kalash Sthapana
- Sept 21 (Day 2): Dwitiya, Brahmacharini Puja
- Sept 22 (Day 3): Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja
- Sept 23 (Day 4): Chaturthi, Kushmanda Puja
- Sept 24 (Day 5): Panchami, Skandamata Puja
- Sept 25 (Day 6): Shashthi, Katyayani Puja
- Sept 26 (Day 7): Saptami, Kalaratri Puja
- Sept 27-28 (Day 8): Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Kanjak Puja
- Sept 29 (Day 9 - Maha Navami): Siddhidatri Puja, Havan
- Sept 30 (Vijayadashami/Dussehra): Ram Vijay, Ravana Dahan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Shardiya Navratri 2026 dates?
Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on September 20, 2026 (Sunday), Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, and ends on September 29, 2026, Ashwin Shukla Navami (Maha Navami). Vijayadashami (Dussehra) is on September 30, 2026. These 9 nights are dedicated to the nine forms (Navadurga) of Goddess Durga.
What are the nine forms of Durga worshipped in Shardiya Navratri?
The nine Navadurga forms and their respective Navratri days: Day 1 - Shailputri (daughter of mountains), Day 2 - Brahmacharini (ascetic), Day 3 - Chandraghanta (moon-bellied), Day 4 - Kushmanda (cosmic egg creator), Day 5 - Skandamata (mother of Kartikeya), Day 6 - Katyayani (warrior goddess), Day 7 - Kalaratri (dark night goddess), Day 8 - Mahagauri (pure white goddess), Day 9 - Siddhidatri (bestower of powers).
What is the Navratri fasting rule?
Navratri fasting options: Some devotees observe all 9 days, others fast on the 1st and 8th/9th day only (Ashtami or Navami). Permitted foods during Navratri fast: Sabudana (tapioca), Singhara atta (water chestnut flour), kuttu atta (buckwheat flour), sendha namak (rock salt), potatoes, sweet potatoes, fruits, milk, curd, and ghee. Avoid: grains, legumes, regular salt, non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic.
What is Kanjak puja and when is it done?
Kanjak puja (Kanya Puja) is performed on Ashtami (September 28) or Navami (September 29). Nine young girls (below puberty) are invited to represent the nine forms of Durga. Their feet are washed, they are worshipped, offered halwa, puri, and chana, given gifts (clothes, money, bangles), and their blessings are sought. This is one of the most beautiful Navratri traditions, particularly popular in North India.
What is Navratri Garba and when is it performed?
Garba is the traditional dance form of Navratri, particularly celebrated in Gujarat. Devotees dance in circles around a lamp or image of Goddess Durga, first singing slow devotional songs and gradually speeding up. In 2026, Garba nights run from September 20-28. Gujarat's Navratri Garba is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, attracting participation from millions across the country and worldwide.
What is Durga Puja and how does it differ from Navratri?
Durga Puja is primarily the Bengali celebration (also Odisha, Assam) focused on Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura, celebrated intensively from Saptami (7th day) to Dashami (Vijayadashami). It features elaborate clay idols of Durga, cultural programs, pandal-hopping, and the grand immersion of the idol on Dashami. Navratri is the broader pan-Indian 9-night festival with fasting, Garba, and deity worship, celebrated in all regions. They overlap in dates but have distinct regional flavors.
What happens on Navratri Ashtami 2026?
Navratri Ashtami 2026 falls on September 28, 2026 (Ashwin Shukla Ashtami). Key events on this day: Havan (fire ceremony) is performed in many households and temples. Kanjak/Kanya Puja (worshipping young girls as forms of Durga) is performed. The Mata temple darbars (Vaishno Devi, Jwala Devi, Chamunda) see peak pilgrimages. Some families break their fast after the Ashtami puja.
What is Maha Navami 2026?
Maha Navami 2026 falls on September 29, 2026 (Ashwin Shukla Navami). The ninth and final night of Navratri features elaborate puja of Goddess Siddhidatri. Weapons are traditionally worshipped (Ayudha Puja / Saraswati Puja in South India). The main Kanjak puja is done on this day in many North Indian households. Havan, Kanya Bhojan, and prayers for success conclude the nine-day festival.
Where are the best Navratri celebrations in India?
Top Navratri destinations in 2026: Vadodara and Ahmedabad (Gujarat) for world-class Garba nights; Vaishno Devi (Jammu, J&K) for pilgrimage with millions of devotees; Kolkata for Durga Puja pandals; Mysore (Karnataka) for royal Dasara celebration; Kullu Dussehra (HP) for cultural celebrations; Mumbai for Garba events; Delhi's Ramlila grounds for Ramlila performances leading to Vijayadashami.