📅 Calendar (Sharad Navratri & Durga Puja – 2026)
| Date | Day | Festival / Observance | Tithi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 11, 2026 | Sunday | Sharad Navratri Begins, Ghatasthapana | Ashwina Shukla Pratipada |
| Oct 12 | Monday | Dwitiya Navratri | Ashwina Shukla Dwitiya |
| Oct 13 | Tuesday | Tritiya Navratri | Ashwina Shukla Tritiya |
| Oct 14 | Wednesday | Chaturthi Navratri | Ashwina Shukla Chaturthi |
| Oct 15 | Thursday | Panchami – Durga Puja Begins | Ashwina Shukla Panchami |
| Oct 16 | Friday | Shashthi – Maha Shashthi | Ashwina Shukla Shashthi |
| Oct 17 | Saturday | Saptami – Maha Saptami | Ashwina Shukla Saptami |
| Oct 18 | Sunday | Ashtami – Maha Ashtami | Ashwina Shukla Ashtami |
| Oct 19 | Monday | Navami – Maha Navami / Vijayadashami | Ashwina Shukla Navami–Dashami |
📌 In North India, Navratri is emphasized; in East India, Durga Puja from Panchami to Dashami.
⏰ Ritual Timings (Indicative – Local Panchang Recommended)
🔱 Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)
- Best during: Pratipada Tithi daytime
- Avoid: Amavasya overlap & night hours
🔱 Durga Puja Key Rituals
- Maha Shashthi: Bodhon, Amantran
- Maha Saptami: Kola Bou Snan
- Maha Ashtami: Sandhi Puja (most powerful moment)
- Maha Navami: Homa & Pushpanjali
- Vijayadashami: Visarjan & Aparajita Puja
🕉️ Tithi & Month Details
- Hindu Month: Ashwina
- Paksha: Shukla Paksha
- Presiding Deity: Goddess Durga (Adi Shakti)
- Spiritual Focus: Shakti, protection, victory over evil
❓ Short FAQ – Sharad Navratri & Durga Puja
Q1. Are Sharad Navratri and Durga Puja the same?
Sharad Navratri spans nine days, while Durga Puja is primarily celebrated from Panchami to Dashami within Navratri.
Q2. Why is Durga Puja more prominent in East India?
Bengal tradition focuses on Goddess Durga’s arrival, worship, and departure, making Panchami–Dashami the core period.
Q3. What is the most powerful day of Navratri?
Maha Ashtami, especially Sandhi Puja, is considered spiritually most potent.
📆 Sharad Navratri – 10-Year Calendar (Onwards)
| Year | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Oct 11 | Oct 19 |
| 2027 | Oct 1 | Oct 9 |
| 2028 | Oct 20 | Oct 28 |
| 2029 | Oct 9 | Oct 17 |
| 2030 | Sep 29 | Oct 7 |
| 2031 | Oct 18 | Oct 26 |
| 2032 | Oct 6 | Oct 14 |
| 2033 | Sep 26 | Oct 4 |
| 2034 | Oct 15 | Oct 23 |
| 2035 | Oct 4 | Oct 12 |
📌 Dates may vary slightly by regional Panchang.
Panchang Official