Sharad Navratri 2026: Dates, the 9 Forms of Durga & Mantras
When is Sharad Navratri 2026 — begins 11 October 2026. Ghatasthapana, the nine forms of Maa Durga day by day, puja vidhi and powerful Devi mantras. In simple English.
The great festival of Shakti — Sharad Navratri — is observed over nine nights in the bright half of Ashwin. In 2026 it begins on Sunday, 11 October and ends with Vijayadashami on 20 October.
Dates
Ghatasthapana (kalash sthapana) takes place on Pratipada, the first day. Its muhurat varies by region and panchang — please confirm with your local panchang.
The nine forms of Maa Durga
| Day | Form | Essence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shailaputri | the beginning of Shakti |
| 2 | Brahmacharini | penance and restraint |
| 3 | Chandraghanta | courage and calm |
| 4 | Kushmanda | creation and energy |
| 5 | Skandamata | motherly love |
| 6 | Katyayani | victory |
| 7 | Kalaratri | destroyer of fear |
| 8 | Mahagauri | purity |
| 9 | Siddhidatri | fulfilment and perfection |
Puja vidhi
- On Pratipada, sow barley and establish the kalash (Ghatasthapana); light the akhand jyoti.
- Each day, meditate on that day's form of the Devi, chant her mantra and perform the aarti.
- On Ashtami/Navami, perform Kanya Pujan and break the fast.
Devi mantras
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
Meaning: To that Devi who dwells in all beings in the form of Shakti — salutations, again and again.
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे
Navarna MantraMeaning: The nine-syllable seed mantra of Maa Durga (Chamunda), chanted for strength, protection and the fulfilment of wishes.
The spirit of Navratri
Navratri is about awakening the strength within. Restraint, devotion and positivity are the truest worship. Jai Mata Di.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
When is Sharad Navratri 2026?
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October and ends with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on 20 October. It is observed over nine nights in the bright half of the month of Ashwin.
What are the nine forms of Maa Durga?
Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri — one worshipped on each of the nine days.
What is Ghatasthapana?
Ghatasthapana (kalash sthapana) is the ritual establishing of a sacred pot on the first day (Pratipada), marking the beginning of Navratri. Its muhurat varies by city — check your local panchang.
What is the Navarna mantra?
Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche — the nine-syllable seed mantra of Maa Durga, chanted for strength, protection and the fulfilment of wishes.
What is Kanya Pujan?
On Ashtami or Navami, young girls are worshipped as living forms of the Devi, offered food and gifts, and their blessings sought. Many devotees break their Navratri fast after this.
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