While the uncertainty surrounding the date of Durga Ashtami has been resolved, confusion has now arisen regarding the date of Maha Navami. Should Maha Navami be observed on October 19 or October 20? If celebrated on October 19, it would coincide with Durga Ashtami, whereas October 20 is the day of Dussehra. Since the *Udayatithi* (the *tithi* prevailing at sunrise) of Navami falls on October 20, some argue that it is the correct day for fasting, while others maintain that observing Navami alongside Durga Ashtami is more appropriate. This has led to widespread confusion. Let us examine what the scriptures say about determining the date for Maha Navami.

Maha Navami: October 19 or 20?
First, let us determine the duration of the Navami *tithi* during this year’s Navaratri by consulting the *Panchang* (Hindu calendar).
Beginning of Navami *tithi*: Monday, October 19, at 10:51 AM.
Conclusion of Navami *tithi*: Tuesday, October 20, at 12:50 PM.
According to the guidelines for fasting, if the Navami *tithi* coincides with the *Uttara Ashadha*, *Purva Ashadha*, or *Mula Nakshatra*, it is considered highly significant. A Maha Navami that falls under any of these three *Nakshatras* is regarded as rare and exceptionally auspicious across the three worlds.

Based on this, on October 19, the *Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra* prevails from early morning until 3:38 PM. In the context of Navami, the period before noon is considered particularly significant. While the *Udayatithi* of Navami falls on October 20, the *Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra* will not be present. Therefore, observing Maha Navami on October 19—coinciding with Durga Ashtami—will be highly auspicious and yield the best results. According to the *Nirnaya Sindhu* and *Dharma Sindhu*, if the *Navami Tithi* (ninth lunar day) begins after sunrise and continues until midday (*Madhyahna Kala*), then it is appropriate to perform *Navami* worship and observe the fast on that day. For *Navami Tithi*, the *Madhyahna Kala* (midday period) or the *Purvahna Vyapini* (the period covering the forenoon) is taken into consideration. This is because the worship, *havan* (sacrificial fire ritual), and *balidan* (offering/sacrifice) associated with *Navami* are linked to the midday period. In this context, since the *Navami Tithi* begins after sunrise on October 19th—specifically after 06:24 AM—and persists through the midday period, you should celebrate *Maha Navami* on October 19th.

The *Nirnaya Sindhu* also mentions the *Tri-muhurta Vyapini* criterion for *Navami Tithi*. According to this, if the *Navami Tithi* lasts for 2 hours and 24 minutes following sunrise, then *Navami* worship can be performed on that day. Based on this, *Navami* continues until the afternoon on October 20th (coinciding with the *Udaya Tithi*—the *tithi* present at sunrise). If this creates any confusion for you, do not worry.

The *Nirnaya Sindhu* and *Dharma Sindhu* state that a *Navami Tithi* which coincides with *Ashtami Tithi* (the eighth lunar day) is considered highly auspicious. Such a *Navami* is excellent for worship and *havan* rituals. Since *Navami Tithi* coincides with *Ashtami* on October 19th, October 19th is the superior choice for celebrating *Maha Navami*.

Another reason for this is that on October 20th, the *Navami Tithi* is followed by (or overlaps with) the *Dashami Tithi* (the tenth lunar day). The *Shastras* (scriptures) advise against observing *Navami* when it is joined with *Dashami*; performing *havan*, worship, or other such rituals on such a *Navami* is prohibited. Hopefully, this clarifies any doubts you may have had regarding the date for *Maha Navami*.

Maha Navami 2026 Muhurat (Auspicious Timings)
Brahma Muhurat: 04:43 AM to 05:34 AM
Abhijit Muhurat: 11:43 AM to 12:29 PM
Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: 03:38 PM to 06:25 AM on October 20
Ravi Yoga: 03:38 PM to 06:25 AM on October 20
Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra: From early morning until 03:38 PM

PC Social Media