As the festive season begins, we all eagerly await *Sharadiya Navratri*. This sacred festival, dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga, not only brings happiness and prosperity to our homes but also conveys the message of good triumphing over evil. During these nine days, the Goddess is worshipped with prescribed rituals, starting from Maa Shailaputri and culminating with Maa Siddhidatri.

However, as happens every year, the biggest question on devotees' minds is whether Navratri will last for eight days or the full nine days this time. Let us look at the important dates and auspicious timings (*muhurats*), ranging from *Kalash Sthapana* (installation of the sacred pot) to *Ashtami* and *Navami*.

When does *Sharadiya Navratri* 2026 begin?
According to the Hindu calendar, *Sharadiya Navratri* always commences on the *Pratipada Tithi* (first day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of *Ashwin*. This year, the *Tithi* begins at 9:19 PM on October 10 (Saturday) and concludes at 9:30 PM on October 11. However, in the scriptures, the '*Udaya Tithi*' (the *Tithi* prevailing at sunrise) is considered the basis for observance. Therefore, the commencement of Navratri and the *Kalash Sthapana* will take place on Sunday, October 11.

Two most auspicious timings for *Ghatsthapana* (*Kalash Sthapana*)
*Ghatsthapana* holds immense significance on the first day of Navratri. On October 11, you will have two highly auspicious windows to welcome the Goddess:

Morning *Muhurat*: From 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM (You will have a window of approximately three hours and forty-five minutes for the *Kalash Sthapana*).

*Abhijit Muhurat*: If you are unable to perform the ritual in the morning for any reason, you can also install the *Kalash* between 11:20 AM and 12:07 PM.

Why will *Ashtami* and *Navami* be celebrated on the same day?
The most notable aspect of Navratri 2026 is that both *Ashtami* and *Navami* fall on the same day—Monday, October 19. According to the almanac calculations, the *Ashtami Tithi* begins at 8:27 AM on October 18 and continues until 10:51 AM on October 19. The *Navami Tithi* commences immediately after 10:51 AM on October 19. Therefore, based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the lunar day prevailing at sunrise), the worship of Mahagauri (*Ashtami*), *Kanya Pujan*, and all religious rituals associated with *Navami* will be performed on October 19.

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