Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, in India and the USA, with celebrations culminating in Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, on Tuesday, October 20. The festival honours Goddess Durga and her nine manifestations, collectively known as the Navadurga. Ghatasthapana, also called Kalash Sthapana, marks the beginning of the devotional observances.
Although the opening date is the same, important worship dates can differ between countries. Delhi’s panchang lists both Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami on Monday, October 19. The overseas calendar guide places Ashtami on October 18 and Navami on October 19 in the USA. These differences arise from the relationship between lunar tithis and local sunrise. Families should therefore use their local religious calendar when planning Kanya Pujan, fasting and concluding rituals.
Puja Timings: Ghatasthapana in India and the USA
Pratipada tithi begins at 9:19 PM IST on October 10 and ends at 9:30 PM IST on October 11. As it is present at sunrise on October 11, Ghatasthapana is observed that morning.
The following morning worship windows are published for Sunday, October 11. Each timing applies to the named city.
| Country | City | Ghatasthapana timing | Time zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | New Delhi | 6:19 AM–10:12 AM | IST |
| India | Hyderabad | 6:08 AM–10:05 AM | IST |
| USA | Manhattan, New York | 7:03 AM–10:49 AM | EDT |
| USA | Chicago | 6:59 AM–10:44 AM | CDT |
| USA | Los Angeles | 6:55 AM–9:00 AM | PDT |
New Delhi also has a listed Abhijit window of 11:44 AM–12:31 PM IST, while Hyderabad’s is 11:39 AM–12:26 PM IST. Devotees can consult their priest about the appropriate window for their tradition.
US devotees should follow a locally calculated muhurat rather than convert an Indian worship window. Sunrise and other panchang factors vary between cities, including those within the same time zone.
Navratri Puja Samagri List 2026: Home Worship Checklist
Colour Guide: Nine-Day Navratri Calendar
Many devotees choose a different clothing colour each day for prayers, temple visits and festive gatherings. The supplied article lists the following sequence. It is a clothing-colour guide, rather than an exact daily tithi schedule.
| Day | Date | Goddess Alankaram | Suggested Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 11, Sunday | Sri Bala Tripurasundari Devi | Orange |
| 2 | October 12, Monday | Sri Gayatri Devi | White |
| 3 | October 13, Tuesday | Sri Annapurna Devi | Red |
| 4 | October 14, Wednesday | Sri Maha Chandi Devi | Royal blue |
| 5 | October 15, Thursday | Sri Lalitha Tripurasundari Devi | Yellow |
| 6 | October 16, Friday | Sri Saraswati Devi | Green |
| 7 | October 17, Saturday | Sri Mahalakshmi Devi | Grey |
| 8 | October 18, Sunday | Sri Durga Devi | Purple |
| 9 | October 19, Monday | Sri Mahishasuramardini Devi | Peacock green |
| 10 | October 20, Tuesday | Sri Rajarajeshwari Devi — Vijayadashami |
Colour sequences may vary across communities and publications. Families in India and the USA can follow their customary colours while checking ritual dates separately with their local temple.
Navratri Recipes 2026: Nine-Day Prasadam Menu and Cooking Tips
Significance and Regional Traditions
Navratri celebrates divine strength, courage and the victory of good over evil. Hindu tradition associates Goddess Durga’s defeat of Mahishasura with protection and the triumph of righteousness. The nine nights offer devotees an opportunity for prayer, reflection, discipline and gratitude.
Celebrations take different forms across India. Gujarat and other western regions are known for garba and dandiya gatherings. In northern India, Ramlila performances recount the Ramayana, leading into Dussehra festivities associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Eastern regions celebrate Durga Puja through decorated pandals, community worship, bhog and the Goddess’s ceremonial farewell.
Indian communities in the USA carry these traditions into temple programmes, cultural gatherings and household worship. Families may observe fasting, perform aarti and participate in devotional singing according to their customs. Before arranging worship or breaking a fast, confirm the date and timing for your exact location. Community event hours should also be checked separately from ritual muhurats.
