Shardiya Navratri 2026 runs from 11 October, with Vijayadashami on 20 October. On each of the nine days, one form of Goddess Durga, called Navdurga, is worshipped: Maa Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Each represents a different aspect of Shakti.
Navratri is a nine-day festival; each day has a theme and is dedicated to a different incarnation of the Goddess Durga. These nine incarnations are also known as Navdurga, and all of them are believed to depict a different aspect of Goddess Durga.
The 9-day Navratri encompasses different factors, including the process of creation, knowledge, motherhood, cleansing, and enlightenment, beginning with Maa Shailaputri and ending with Maa Siddhidatri. By worshiping these 9 goddesses, the significance of Navratri increases.
Shardiya Navratri 2026 Calendar: Dates, Goddesses and Colours
| Day | Date | Tithi | Goddess | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sunday, 11 Oct 2026 | Pratipada (Ghatasthapana) | Maa Shailputri | Orange |
| Day 2 | Monday, 12 Oct 2026 | Dwitiya | Maa Brahmacharini | White |
| Day 3 | Tuesday, 13 Oct 2026 | Tritiya | Maa Chandraghanta | Red |
| Day 4 | Wednesday, 14 Oct 2026 | Chaturthi | Maa Kushmanda | Royal Blue |
| Day 5 | Thursday, 15 Oct 2026 | Panchami | Maa Skandamata | Yellow |
| Day 6 | Friday, 16 Oct 2026 | Shashthi | Maa Katyayani | Green |
| Day 7 | Saturday, 17 Oct 2026 | Saptami (Maha Saptami) | Maa Kaalratri | Grey |
| – | Sunday, 18 Oct 2026 | Saptami continues; Ashtami begins 08:29 AM | – | – |
| Day 8 | Monday, 19 Oct 2026 | Ashtami (Durga Ashtami) | Maa Mahagauri | Purple |
| Day 9 | Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 | Navami (Maha Navami) | Maa Siddhidatri | Peacock Green |
| Dussehra | Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 | Dashami begins 12:51 PM | Vijayadashami | – |
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Day 1 – Maa Shailaputri: The Daughter of the Himalayas
The first day of Navratri is observed in honour of Maa Shailaputri, the first form of Durga Maa. Her name means ‘the daughter of the mountain’, as she was born to Shaila, the Lord of the Himalayas.
Maa Shailaputri is also known as Goddess Parvati. Her penance pleased Lord Shiva, and she then married him. Worshiping her at the beginning of Navratri is the first step on your nine-day journey of spirituality and lays a solid groundwork for your devotion to Shakti.
Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini: Goddess of Penance
The second day is for Maa Brahmacharini. This form stands for the time when Goddess Durga was doing rigorous penance with the great desire to marry Lord Shiva.
Her devotion shows that even when the path ahead is difficult, a little patience, discipline, and commitment can get you through. People say if you worship Maa Brahmacharini, you can gain purity of body and mind, along with peace and prosperity.
Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta: The Warrior Goddess
The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta. This form of hers has ten hands, of which eight hold weapons. She rides a lion called Dharma. The ferocious image of Maa Chandraghanta has a protective significance. Worshipping her sincerely is believed to free an individual from sins, suffering, and mental trauma.
Her quality indicates that divine energy is tender as well as strong enough to face adversity.
Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda: Creator of the Universe
On the fourth day, we worship Maa Kushmanda. Her relevance is deeply related to creation.
Her name is said to be attached to the creation of the universe in the shape of an egg. It is believed that she exists at the center as the Sun to symbolize her divine spirit with light and creative energy.
Maa Kushmanda is depicted with eight arms, holding a rosary with one of the hands. This rosary is said to confer Siddhis, or supernatural abilities.
Day 5 – Maa Skandamata: Mother of Skanda
The fifth day is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the mother of Kartikeya / Skanda.
She is traditionally shown riding a lion with her son Kartikeya in her lap. Her form is that of Mother Nature, protecting and nurturing everything divine in the universe.
It is said that worshipping Maa Skandamata clears out the devotee’s heart. There is another interesting point about worshipping her. Praying to Maa Skandamata is also considered worship of Kartikeya, making this a combined devotion.
Day 6 – Maa Katyayani: Slayer of Mahishasura
Maa Katyayani is a fierce form of the goddess.
Her incarnation was for a noble purpose – the destruction of the demon Mahishasura. Consequently, her story symbolizes divine power defeating evil forces.
Although she is, in her warrior form, a fierce goddess, in Hindu traditions Maa Katyayani is genuinely sympathetic to true worshippers, and it is not difficult to appease her with sincere worship. Her grace is also believed to bring prosperity.
Day 7 – Maa Kaalratri: The Fierce Form of Durga
The seventh day of Navratri is meant to honor Maa Kaalratri – one of the fiercest and mightiest forms of Maa Durga.
She is actually dark-skinned and riding a donkey; she has four arms, three eyes, and a fire-mouth. Though her form is frightening, the significance of her shape does not truly pose danger to her devotees.
The worship of the goddess Maa Kaalratri is said to be related to fearlessness and liberation from suffering. She is said to remove barriers on the path of her devotees and bring peace and prosperity in their lives.
Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri: Symbol of Purity
Maa Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri.
According to tradition, the goddess developed a dark complexion while she was undertaking penance. Lord Shiva was pleased with her penance and bathed her in the waters of the Ganga. As a result, she turned radiant and fair, being named Mahagauri.
The devotees generally seek peace of mind, intelligence, and freedom from suffering by praying to this Goddess.
Day 9 – Maa Siddhidatri: The Giver of Siddhis
The ninth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri. Her name itself signifies her strength in the spiritual world: Siddhi refers to supernatural powers or spiritual achievements, and Datri is a giver.
In the image, you see her with four arms, carrying a mace, conch shell, chakra, and lotus, and surrounded by gods and demigods.
Her worship is the culmination of Navdurga’s journey. It is believed that by offering true devotion to Maa Siddhidatri, a devotee can attain salvation from the worldly life.
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The Spiritual Meaning of Navdurga Worship
These nine deities of Goddess Durga are not just worshipped on separate days in a row. They show several forms of the same divine Shakti.
The worship of Navdurga also teaches that divine energy cannot be confined to a specific form. Whenever required, Maa Durga takes up one or the other form – mother, warrior, or seeker. Through nine days of worshipping nine forms, devotees are blessed to experience Shakti not as one quality, but as a presence that supports different aspects of life. To plan your daily puja, see which flower to offer each Goddess.
FAQs
What is the significance of Shailaputri in Navratri?
Shailaputri, the first incarnation of Durga, is worshiped on the first day of Navratri. Known as the daughter of the Himalayas, she pleased Lord Shiva through severe penance and married him. Worshiping Shailaputri can bestow immense blessings on devotees.
How does worshiping Brahmacharini benefit devotees?
Brahmacharini is worshiped on the second day of Navratri. This incarnation of Durga, known for her purity and piousness, bestows great purity of mind and body, peace, and prosperity upon her devotees.
Who is Maa Kushmanda and what is her significance?
Maa Kushmanda, worshiped on the fourth day of Navratri, is known for creating the universe in the form of a cosmic egg. She holds a rosary capable of bestowing great siddhis, or supernatural powers, on her devotees.
What does worshiping Maa Katyayani grant to devotees?
Maa Katyayani, worshiped on the sixth day of Navratri, was incarnated to slay the demon Mahishasur. Sincere worship of her bestows wealth, prosperity, and spiritual liberation.
What are the benefits of worshiping Maa Siddhidatri on the ninth day of Navratri?
Maa Siddhidatri is worshiped on the ninth and last day of Navratri. Her name means ‘giver of supernatural powers.’ She grants liberation from the material world and helps devotees attain Brahman.
