September 2026 Panchang: Hindu Calendar
Hindu month: Bhadrapad-Ashwin. Key events: Shardiya Navratri begins, Dussehra, Pitru Paksha (Mahalaya), Onam, Venus turns direct.
| Date | Festival / Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 5 | Onam Thiruvonam (main day of Onam 2026) | Kerala's 10-day harvest festival culminates |
| Sep 6 | Venus turns Direct in Leo | End of Venus retrograde, purchases and launches resume |
| Sep 7 | Bhadrapad Purnima | Full moon, end of Bhadrapad month |
| Sep 4 | Pitru Paksha begins (Mahalaya) | 16 days of ancestral offerings begin |
| Sep 19 | Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Amavasya) | Most important day of Pitru Paksha, all ancestors honored |
| Sep 20 | Shardiya Navratri begins (Kalash Sthapana) | Nine nights of Devi, Ashwin Shukla Pratipada |
| Sep 28 | Mahanavami (9th day of Navratri) | Saraswati Puja, Ayudha Puja (South India) |
| Sep 29 | Vijayadashami / Dussehra | Rama's victory over Ravana, Navratri concludes |
| Sep 30 | Dussehra (Ravan Dahan) | Burning of Ravana effigy in many regions |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Shardiya Navratri 2026 start?
Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on September 20, 2026 (Sunday), Ashwin Shukla Pratipada. The nine nights celebrate: Day 1 (Sep 20): Kalash Sthapana, Shailputri. Days 2-9: Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri. Day 9 (Sep 28): Mahanavami - Saraswati Puja, Kanya Puja. Day 10 (Sep 29-30): Vijayadashami (Dussehra) - victory of good over evil.
What is Pitru Paksha 2026?
Pitru Paksha 2026 (Mahalaya) runs from September 4 to September 19, 2026. During these 16 days, Hindus perform Shraddha (ancestral rituals): Tarpan (water offerings) to departed ancestors. Pind daan (rice ball offerings) at sacred river banks. Visiting Gaya (most sacred for Pitru) or performing puja at home. The most important day is Sarva Pitru Amavasya (September 19, 2026) - when all ancestors can be honored regardless of the tithi of their death.
When is Dussehra 2026?
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2026 falls on September 29-30, 2026 (Ashwin Shukla Dashami). September 29 is the Dashami tithi during daytime (Navratri Day 10). September 30 is when Ravan Dahan (burning of Ravana effigy) traditionally happens in the evening. The 10-day Navratri concludes on Vijayadashami. Ram Leela performances across North India peak on this day. The Mysore Dasara procession is the most famous in South India.
Does Venus turning direct in September 2026 affect buying?
Yes, Venus turns direct in Leo on approximately September 6, 2026, ending the retrograde period that started July 10. After September 6: vehicle purchases, luxury purchases, new business launches, and relationship commitments become favorable again. The best new muhurats after Venus direct will be: September 10-30, 2026 (before Pitru Paksha rituals take precedence). After Navratri (October+): The festive season with Diwali makes October-November prime time for purchases.
What is Mahalaya Amavasya 2026?
Mahalaya Amavasya 2026 falls on September 19, 2026 (Saturday), Bhadrapad Krishna Amavasya. This is the most important day of Pitru Paksha. All 16 days of Pitru Paksha (Mahalaya Paksha) culminate on this day. Sarva Pitru Amavasya: On this day, offerings can be made to ALL ancestors regardless of which date they passed. If you can only observe one day of Pitru Paksha, this is the day. In Bengal, Mahalaya marks the beginning of the Devi's descent from Kailash and the countdown to Durga Puja.
What happens in September 2026 panchang for astrology?
September 2026 key astrological events: Venus direct (Sep 6): Major shift from retrograde, good for launches. Pitru Paksha: Sep 4-19 (Ancestral focus, avoid new auspicious starts). Shardiya Navratri: Sep 20-28 (Devi energy, new beginnings blessed). Dussehra: Sep 29-30 (Vijayadashami, self-auspicious day). Jupiter in exalted Cancer continues (very favorable energy). Saturn in Aquarius provides discipline. Rahu-Ketu in Aquarius-Leo (since July 18) continue their 18-month journey.
What is Saraswati Puja 2026 date?
Saraswati Puja (Ayudha Puja) 2026 falls on September 28, 2026 (Monday), Mahanavami (Day 9 of Navratri). On this day: Students place books and educational materials before Saraswati's idol. Artisans worship their tools (Ayudha Puja, especially in South India and Maharashtra). Teachers and students perform Vidyarambha (beginning of learning). After the puja: books and tools are retrieved with blessings on Vijayadashami (Sep 29).
Is September 2026 good for starting a new job?
September 2026 is mixed for new job starts: Favorable period: September 6-19 (Venus direct, before Navratri). Pitru Paksha (Sep 4-19): Traditional astrology advises waiting for Navratri. Best for job starts: September 20-28 (Navratri energy, favorable for new beginnings). Vijayadashami (Sep 29-30): Self-auspicious day, traditionally an excellent day for starting new education, new jobs, and new projects. Jupiter in exalted Cancer is a very positive background for career matters.
What is the Onam 2026 celebration in September?
Onam 2026 Thiruvonam (main day) falls on September 5, 2026 (Saturday). The 10-day Onam festival starts on August 27, 2026 (Atham star day). Thiruvonam is the day King Mahabali is believed to visit Kerala. The Onam Sadya feast (traditional banana-leaf meal with 24+ dishes) is served. The Vallam Kali (snake boat race) season peaks in September. Schools and government offices in Kerala have a 10-day Onam break.