Shardiya Navratri 2026: Date, 10 Days, Colours & Maa Durga Puja

Shardiya Navratri is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. Celebrated during the Shukla Paksha of the Ashwin month, Navratri is a time for devotion, fasting, meditation and worship. Across India, devotees welcome Maa Durga into their homes and temples and seek her blessings for strength, prosperity, peace and happiness.

In 2026, Shardiya Navratri begins on October 11 and concludes on October 20 with Vijayadashami. The nine days of Navratri are dedicated to different forms of Goddess Durga, while the tenth day marks Vijayadashami.

Along with the daily puja, many devotees follow the tradition of wearing a specific Navratri colour each day. These colours add a festive touch to the celebrations and are often included in clothing, home decorations and puja arrangements.

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Date

Shardiya Navratri 2026 starts on Sunday, October 11, with Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja. The nine-day worship period continues through October 19, followed by Vijayadashami on October 20.

During these days, devotees may observe Navratri vrat, perform daily puja, offer flowers and bhog to Maa Durga, light diyas and recite Durga mantras. Families also decorate their home temples with devotional items to create a peaceful and sacred atmosphere.

Shardiya Navratri 2026: 10-Day Calendar

Navratri Day 1 – Maa Shailputri Puja

The first day of Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana, an important ritual that marks the beginning of the nine-day worship of Maa Durga. Devotees worship Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Navdurga.

On this day, devotees prepare the puja space, establish the kalash and offer flowers, fruits, bhog and prayers to the Goddess. The colour for Day 1 is Orange.

Navratri Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini Puja

The second day is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini, who represents devotion, determination and spiritual discipline. Devotees offer prayers and observe vrat as part of their Navratri traditions.

The colour for Day 2 is White, symbolising peace and purity.

Navratri Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta Puja

On the third day, devotees worship Goddess Chandraghanta, a powerful form of Maa Durga associated with courage and protection. Her worship is believed to inspire devotees to overcome fear and negativity.

The Navratri colour for Day 3 is Red, representing energy and strength.

Navratri Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda Puja

The fourth day is dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda. Devotees perform puja and offer bhog while seeking the Goddess's blessings for health, happiness and prosperity.

Royal Blue is the colour associated with Day 4.

Navratri Day 5 – Maa Skandamata Puja

The fifth day is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya. She is worshipped with devotion by families seeking blessings for their children and household.

The colour for Day 5 is Yellow, bringing a bright and festive element to the celebrations.

Navratri Day 6 – Maa Katyayani Puja

On the sixth day, devotees worship Goddess Katyayani, a powerful manifestation of Maa Durga. Saraswati Avahan is also observed during this period.

The colour for Day 6 is Green, which is traditionally associated with growth, harmony and positivity.

Navratri Day 7 – Maa Kalaratri Puja

The seventh day is dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri, one of the fierce forms of Maa Durga. Devotees worship her for protection from negative forces and seek courage and strength.

The Navratri colour for Day 7 is Grey.

Navratri Day 8 – Navratri Ashtami

The eighth day continues the special worship of Maa Durga and leads towards the important celebrations of Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami. Devotees may perform special puja and prepare offerings for the Goddess.

The colour for Day 8 in 2026 is Purple.

Navratri Day 9 – Durga Ashtami & Maa Mahagauri Puja

October 19 marks Durga Ashtami, with worship dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri. Sandhi Puja and Maha Navami are also observed around this period.

Devotees perform special prayers and offer bhog to Maa Durga. The colour for Day 9 is Peacock Green.

Day 10 – Vijayadashami

The tenth day, October 20, marks Vijayadashami. Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Navratri Parana and Durga Visarjan are observed according to the festival calendar.

Vijayadashami marks the conclusion of the Navratri celebrations and is widely associated with the triumph of good over evil.

How to Perform Navratri Puja at Home

Devotees can create a dedicated puja space at home and keep it clean throughout Navratri. A simple daily puja may include:

• Cleaning the home temple and puja area
• Lighting a diya
• Offering fresh flowers to Maa Durga
• Offering fruits or traditional bhog
• Reciting Durga mantras or devotional prayers
• Performing aarti
• Observing vrat according to family traditions

A beautiful Maa Durga idol, framed devotional artwork, puja thali, diya, kalash and other sacred puja essentials can also be used to create a dedicated Navratri worship space.

Why Are Navratri Colours Important?

Wearing the colour assigned to each Navratri day has become a popular tradition among devotees. Many families choose their clothes according to the day's colour and also use these shades while decorating their homes and puja spaces.

The Navratri colours 2026 include Orange, White, Red, Royal Blue, Yellow, Green, Grey, Purple and Peacock Green. Following the daily colours adds a joyful and devotional element to the nine-day celebration.

Celebrate Shardiya Navratri with Devotion

Shardiya Navratri is more than a festival of colours and celebrations. It is a sacred period dedicated to prayer, devotion and seeking the blessings of Maa Durga. From Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja on the first day to Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami, each day brings an opportunity to connect with the divine.

As you prepare your home for Navratri 2026, create a peaceful puja space with meaningful devotional essentials and celebrate each day with faith and devotion. May Maa Durga bless every home with strength, prosperity, peace and happiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When does Shardiya Navratri 2026 begin?

Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on October 11, 2026, with Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja.

Q2. When is Navratri in 2026?

Shardiya Navratri will be observed from October 11 to October 20, 2026, with Vijayadashami falling on October 20.

Q3. What is the Navratri colour for Day 1?

The colour for the first day of Shardiya Navratri 2026 is Orange.

Q4. Which Goddess is worshipped on Day 5 of Navratri?

Goddess Skandamata is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri.

Q5. What is the colour for Navratri Day 9 in 2026?

The Navratri colour for Day 9, October 19, 2026, is Peacock Green.