Navratri 2026: Nine Days, Puja Vidhi & a Complete Home Guide

A complete Navratri 2026 guide for home worship — the nine forms of Navdurga, how to begin with Ghatasthapana, daily puja and path, the vrat, and Kanya Pujan — linking to detailed steps for each.

1. What Navratri Is

Navratri — "nine nights" — honours Maa Durga in her nine forms, the Navdurga. Sharad Navratri, in the autumn month of Ashwin, is the most widely observed; a spring Chaitra Navratri is also kept. Over the nine nights many households establish a Kalash, keep a lamp burning, observe a vrat, and recite aartis and the Durga Chalisa, closing with Kanya Pujan and Dussehra. This guide ties the whole observance together and links to detailed steps for each part. Customs vary by region and family, so adapt it to your own tradition.

2. Navratri 2026: When It Falls

Sharad Navratri 2026 is observed in October, beginning with Ghatasthapana on Pratipada (the first tithi) and closing on Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on the tenth day. Because the dates and the daily muhurat depend on the tithi and your city, confirm them in a reliable Panchang before you begin.

3. The Nine Forms of Navdurga

Each night is associated with one form of the Devi — Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Many families also associate a colour with each day; see Navratri colours and the Navdurga, day by day for the full list and the customs around it.

4. Begin with Ghatasthapana

For most households the observance opens with Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) on the first morning. The full step-by-step is in the Ghatasthapana vidhi and muhurat guide, and the complete item list is in the Navratri pooja samagri checklist.

5. Daily Puja, Akhand Jyoti & Path

Through the nine days, many keep an Akhand Jyoti (continuous lamp), perform morning and evening aarti, and read the Shri Durga Chalisa or the Navdurga Stuti. For mantra jaap, use a japa mala or the free digital 108 japa counter.

6. The Vrat, Kanya Pujan & Dussehra

Many observe a Navratri vrat with phalahar food through the nine days. On Ashtami or Navami, households commonly perform Kanya Pujan, honouring young girls as forms of the Devi. The tenth day is Dussehra (Vijayadashami), marking the victory of good over evil.

7. Read & Assemble Your Setup

Browse all Navratri prayers in Valkala's reader, and put together a home setup from Pooja Essentials. Product suggestions carry original usage guidance and clearly marked paid links, with no copied live prices or ratings.