Sharadiya Navratri 2026 begins 11 October: Ghatasthapana muhurat, nine colours and Dussehra date

Sharadiya Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October, with Ghatasthapana on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, according to IBTimes India, Gulf News, Brut India and the ZODIAQ panchang page. Devotees observe the festival over nine days in honour of the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

Ghatasthapana muhurat on 11 October

Ghatasthapana, the installation of the kalash, is performed on the first day. For Delhi, IBTimes India, Brut India and ZODIAQ give the following timings:

• Main muhurat: 6:19 am to 10:12 am
• Abhijit muhurat: 11:44 am to 12:31 pm

Another source differs slightly. The Guardian Chronicle, citing an astrologer, recommends the Abhijit muhurat but lists it as 11:36 am to 12:24 pm. It gives Pratipada tithi as running from 8:32 pm on 10 October to 8:37 pm on 11 October. Sources say timings vary by city and advise checking a local panchang or priest.

Nine forms of Durga and day-wise colours

IBTimes India, Gulf News and Brut India list the same sequence of goddesses and colours. Gulf News notes that wearing a colour each day is a popular modern custom rather than a religious requirement, and that some families follow different sequences.

• 11 October: Shailputri, orange
• 12 October: Brahmacharini, white
• 13 October: Chandraghanta, red
• 14 October: Kushmanda, royal blue
• 15 October: Skandamata, yellow
• 16 October: Katyayani, green
• 17 October: Kalaratri, grey
• 18 October: Mahagauri, purple
• 19 October: Siddhidatri, peacock green

Brut India describes the start date as Ashwin Shukla Pratipada. The Guardian Chronicle says Chitra nakshatra runs from 10:32 pm on 10 October to 10:49 pm on 11 October, and ZODIAQ cautions that its timings may differ with local sunrise and location. Anyone planning the ritual outside Delhi is therefore advised to consult a local calendar.

Ashtami, Navami and Dussehra

Dussehra (Vijayadashami) falls on Tuesday, 20 October, according to IBTimes India, Gulf News, Brut India and ZODIAQ.

The sources differ on the final days. IBTimes India says Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami are both on 19 October, and Gulf News gives Maha Navami as 19 October. ZODIAQ lists Mahagauri on 19 October and Siddhidatri on 20 October, and describes 20 October as both Navami and Vijayadashami. The colour lists above run to 19 October. Readers should confirm local observance dates with a regional panchang.

Sources: IBTimes India, Gulf News, Brut India, ZODIAQ, The Guardian Chronicle.