Shardiya Navratri 2026 Quick Puja: Shardiya Navratri begins on Sunday, October 10. The festival involves the installation of the *Kalash* (sacred pot) and the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. People often believe that only those observing a fast for the entire nine days can perform the *Kalash Sthapana* (installation ritual) or that Durga Puja cannot be performed without dedicating two to three hours to the ritual. This is not the case. If you are short on time or cannot spare time in the morning or evening, do not worry. You can perform the *Kalash Sthapana* without fasting and conduct the Durga Puja even within a short timeframe.

**Kalash Sthapana Without Fasting**
Astrologer Dr. Mrityunjay Tiwari states that those unable to observe the full nine-day fast during Navratri can still perform the *Kalash Sthapana* on *Pratipada Tithi* (the first day) without fasting; there is no compulsion to fast. Devotion to the Goddess requires the right sentiment—one that invites Her grace. After all, what is the benefit of fasting if it lacks the spirit of true devotion?

If you wish to perform the *Kalash Sthapana* without fasting, simply arrange the *Kalash* and the necessary worship materials. Then, on the first day of Navratri, perform the *Kalash Sthapana* according to the prescribed rituals and worship Goddess Durga.

**What if you cannot install the specific *Muhurat* (auspicious time)?**

In today's world, people have varying work schedules—some work from late night to morning, others from early morning to evening, or from evening until the next morning. If such individuals cannot perform the *Kalash Sthapana* during the specific auspicious time (*Muhurat*), there is no need to worry.

The entire nine days of Navratri are considered *Swayam Siddha Muhurat* (self-auspicious times). You can perform the *Kalash Sthapana* with your wife whenever you have the time. It is considered highly auspicious for the husband and wife to perform the installation together. Those who are unmarried can perform the *Kalash Sthapana* (installation of the sacred pot) themselves or with the help of a *Pandit* (priest).

If, for some reason, the husband and wife are not both present at home at the same time, the one who is available can perform the *Kalash Sthapana*, and the worship of *Mata Rani* (Goddess Durga) can be performed when both are together.

How can one perform Durga Puja when short on time?
If you lack time during Navratri, simply put on clean clothes after your bath on any day from the first to the ninth. Offer flowers to Goddess Durga with deep devotion and light a lamp. Offer *Bhog* (sacred food offering) consisting of fruits, sweets, or home-cooked *Sattvic* food to the Goddess. You can then head out for your work. This is the simplest form of worship. Additionally, if you have a little more time, you can recite the Durga Chalisa and perform the *Aarti*.

It is often said that married couples face a shortage of time. However, if you can spare even a little time to worship and serve your chosen deity (*Ishta Dev*), it will lead to your well-being.

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