Shardiya Navratri 2026 – Goddess's Vehicle (Vahan): Shardiya Navratri falls in *Ashwin*, the seventh month of the Hindu calendar. The worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga takes place from the *Pratipada* (first day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) of the *Ashwin* month until *Mahanavami*. Thus, Navratri typically spans nine days. However, due to the extension or omission of dates (*tithis*), the duration can sometimes vary to ten days or even eight days. This year, Goddess Durga will arrive on an elephant (*Gaj*) for Shardiya Navratri. She travels from Mount Kailash to Earth—her maternal home—riding this mount. She is accompanied by Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. The Goddess's mount or vehicle is determined by the day of the week on which Navratri begins; she arrives on the vehicle associated with that specific day.

When is Navratri in October 2026?
According to astrologer Chandrakant Saraswat, Shardiya Navratri begins this year on Monday, October 11. As per the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), the *Ashwin Shukla Pratipada* *tithi* begins at 9:19 PM on October 10 and continues until 9:30 PM on October 11. Therefore, based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the *tithi* prevailing at sunrise), Shardiya Navratri will commence on Monday, October 11. The worship of Goddess Durga will begin on this day.

Goddess Durga to arrive riding an elephant.
The *Devi Bhagavata Purana* states that when Navratri begins on a Sunday or a Monday, Goddess Durga arrives on Earth riding an elephant.

Is Goddess Durga's arrival on an elephant auspicious or inauspicious?

Goddess Durga's arrival on an elephant is considered extremely auspicious and fruitful for her devotees. During the nine days of Navratri, the Goddess's grace brings an increase in auspiciousness, happiness, and prosperity; it also heralds good rainfall, filling the earth with wealth and an abundant harvest.

Kalash Sthapana (Ritual Pot Installation) Muhurat 2026
The *Kalash Sthapana* ritual is performed on the first day of Navratri, known as *Pratipada*. The *Kalash Pujan* (worship of the sacred pot) is a highly significant phase of Durga Puja during Navratri. According to the scriptures, the *Kalash* installed in one's home represents the living embodiment of Goddess Durga herself. Therefore, performing this installation during the auspicious time (*Muhurat*) is of utmost importance.

On October 11, the auspicious time for *Ghatsthapana* and *Kalash Pujan* is from 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM. Please note that this timing may vary slightly depending on the local sunrise time in different locations.

When are Durgashtami and Dussehra?
During this Navratri, Durgashtami falls on October 19; the *Havan* (sacred fire ritual) associated with Navratri will be performed on this day. Dussehra falls on the following day, October 20. On this day, during the *Pradosh Kaal* (evening twilight period), the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad will be burnt. This event symbolizes the victory of truth over falsehood and righteousness over unrighteousness.

Significance of Navratri
Navratri consists of nine nights dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Those who worship Goddess Durga with the prescribed rituals receive the Mother Goddess's blessings. Through Her grace, all auspicious wishes are fulfilled, and one's home becomes filled with wealth, abundance, happiness, and prosperity.

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