Shardiya Navratri 2026: Date, Days, Colours & Significance

Shardiya Navratri is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. Observed during the Hindu month of Ashwin, Shardiya Navratri marks a period of devotion, fasting, prayers and celebration. The festival is also known as Maha Navratri and concludes with Vijayadashami, popularly known as Dussehra. In 2026, Shardiya Navratri will begin on Sunday, October 11, and continue through Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

During these nine days, devotees worship different forms of Goddess Durga, observe vrat, perform daily puja and decorate their homes and temples. Each day is also associated with a specific Navratri colour, making the festival vibrant as well as spiritually meaningful.

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Date

Shardiya Navratri 2026 will begin on October 11, 2026, with Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja. The nine-day worship period will be followed by Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami. According to the 2026 Panchang, Vijayadashami falls on October 20.

The festival follows the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navdurga. Devotees seek the Goddess's blessings for strength, prosperity, wisdom, courage and spiritual well-being.

Shardiya Navratri 2026: Day, Date & Colour

The 2026 colour sequence begins with orange and continues through white, red, royal blue, yellow, green, grey, purple and peacock green. These colours are traditionally observed by devotees through clothing and festive decorations.

Day 1 – Shailputri Puja | October 11

The first day of Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana, which marks the formal beginning of Navratri worship. Devotees worship Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Navdurga. Orange is the colour associated with Day 1 of Shardiya Navratri 2026.

Day 2 – Brahmacharini Puja | October 12

The second day is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini, who represents devotion, discipline and spiritual strength. Devotees may observe a fast and offer prayers while wearing or using the day's colour, white.

Day 3 – Chandraghanta Puja | October 13

Day 3 is dedicated to Goddess Chandraghanta, a powerful form of Goddess Durga associated with courage and protection. The colour for this day is red, representing energy and strength.

Day 4 – Kushmanda Puja | October 14

On the fourth day, devotees worship Goddess Kushmanda. The day is associated with royal blue, adding a rich and festive touch to Navratri celebrations. Kushmanda Puja is an important part of the day's devotional observances.

Day 5 – Skandamata Puja | October 15

The fifth day is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya. Yellow is the Navratri colour for Day 5. Devotees perform puja and seek the Goddess's blessings for peace, prosperity and family well-being.

Day 6 – Katyayani Puja | October 16

Day 6 is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, a powerful form of Durga. Saraswati Avahan is also observed on this day according to the 2026 calendar. Green is the designated colour for Day 6.

Day 7 – Kalaratri Puja | October 17

The seventh day is associated with Goddess Kalaratri, one of the fierce forms of Goddess Durga. Saraswati Puja is also observed during this period. Grey is the colour for Day 7 of Shardiya Navratri 2026.

Day 8 – Navratri Day 8 | October 18

The eighth day of Navratri is associated with the purple colour in the 2026 calendar. Devotees continue their prayers and fasting as the festival moves towards Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami.

Day 9 – Durga Ashtami & Mahagauri Puja | October 19

The ninth day marks Durga Ashtami, with devotees worshipping Goddess Mahagauri. Sandhi Puja and Maha Navami are also observed around this period. The Navratri colour for the day is peacock green.

Day 10 – Vijayadashami | October 20

The tenth day marks Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra. The 2026 calendar lists Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Navratri Parana and Durga Visarjan along with Vijayadashami. It marks the conclusion of the Navratri period and is celebrated as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil.

Significance of Shardiya Navratri

Shardiya Navratri is a time when devotees turn towards prayer, self-discipline and devotion. Each form of Goddess Durga represents a different divine quality, making the nine days an opportunity for spiritual reflection and worship.

The festival is celebrated in different ways across India. Many devotees observe fasting, visit temples and perform daily puja at home. In Gujarat and other parts of the country, Navratri is also celebrated through traditional Garba and Dandiya events, while several regions organise elaborate Durga Puja celebrations.

How to Celebrate Navratri at Home

Families can celebrate Shardiya Navratri by keeping a clean and peaceful puja space, performing daily prayers, lighting a diya and offering flowers and bhog to Goddess Durga. Those observing a vrat can follow their family's traditional fasting practices.

Wearing the Navratri colour of the day is another popular way to participate in the festival. Families can also decorate their home temple with flowers, diyas and devotional décor to create a festive atmosphere.

Conclusion

Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on October 11 and concludes with Vijayadashami on October 20. From Shailputri Puja on the first day to Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami, each day carries its own religious significance, rituals and colour.

Following the Navratri colours, performing daily puja and learning about the nine forms of Goddess Durga can make the festival more meaningful for devotees and families. May the blessings of Maa Durga bring strength, peace, prosperity and happiness to every home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When is Shardiya Navratri 2026?

Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on October 11, 2026, and the festival concludes with Vijayadashami on October 20, 2026.

Q2. What is the Navratri colour for Day 1 in 2026?

The Navratri colour for Day 1, October 11, is Orange.

Q3. Which Goddess is worshipped on the first day of Navratri?

Goddess Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Shardiya Navratri.

Q4. What is the colour of Navratri Day 9 in 2026?

The colour for Day 9, October 19, is Peacock Green.

Q5. When is Vijayadashami in 2026?

Vijayadashami falls on October 20, 2026, marking the tenth day of the Navratri festival.