When does Navratri begin in October? Check the fasting calendar and the auspicious time for Kalash Sthapana..
October Navratri 2026 Date: In October—the tenth month of the English calendar—devotees worship Goddess Jagdamba (Adishakti) during the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) of the *Ashwin* month. From *Pratipada* (the first day) to *Navami* (the ninth day), the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. *Durga Visarjan* (immersion of the idol) takes place on *Dashami* (the tenth day), and the festival of Dussehra is celebrated in the evening by burning effigies of Ravana. The nine-day worship begins on *Pratipada* with the *Kalash Sthapana* (installation of the sacred pot) and the invocation of Goddess Durga using the mantra: "Om Aavahayamyaham Devi Jaganmatar-Jageshvarim; Yavat-Pujam Karishyami Tavat-Tvam Sannidhau Bhava" (O Goddess, Mother of the Universe, Ruler of the World, I invoke You; please remain present here until I complete the worship). When does Navratri begin this October? What is the auspicious time (*Muhurat*) for *Kalash Sthapana*? View the October Navratri calendar here.
October Navratri 2026 Start Date
This year, the *Ashwin Shukla Pratipada Tithi* begins at 9:19 PM on Sunday, October 10, and concludes at 9:30 PM on the following day, Sunday, October 11. Since the sunrise on *Pratipada Tithi* occurs on October 11, October Navratri will commence on Sunday, October 11.
Auspicious Time (*Muhurat*) for *Kalash Sthapana* on October 11
First *Muhurat*: From 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM
Second *Muhurat*: From 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM
On *Pratipada*, the *Brahma Muhurat* is from 4:40 AM to 5:30 AM, while the *Nishita Muhurat* (auspicious time around midnight) is from 11:43 PM to 12:33 AM. October Navratri Calendar 2026
Second Day of Navratri: October 12, Monday – Dwitiya Tithi, Worship of Maa Brahmacharini
Third Day of Navratri: October 13, Tuesday – Tritiya Tithi, Worship of Maa Chandraghanta
Fourth Day of Navratri: October 14, Wednesday – Chaturthi Tithi, Worship of Maa Kushmanda
Sixth Day of Navratri: October 16, Friday – Shashthi Tithi, Worship of Maa Katyayani
Seventh Day of Navratri: October 17, Saturday – Saptami Tithi, Worship of Maa Kalaratri
Eighth Day of Navratri: October 18, Sunday – Saptami Tithi
Ninth Day of Navratri: October 19, Monday – Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami, Worship of Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri, Kanya Puja, Navratri Havan
When is Dussehra?
Navratri lasts for nine days, followed by the celebration of Dussehra on Dashami (the tenth day), during which weapons are worshipped at the auspicious *Vijay Muhurat*. In the evening, during *Pradosh Kaal*, the effigy of Ravana is burnt. This year, Dussehra falls on Tuesday, October 20.