As of October 5, 2026, only 6 days remain until Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on October 11. The first day is Sunday, October 11, when Ghatasthapana and the worship of Maa Shailputri mark the beginning of the nine-day festival.
Navratri 2026 Countdown
| Milestone | Date | Days from October 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Today | October 5 | 0 |
| Navratri begins | October 11 | 6 days |
| Durga Ashtami | October 19 | 14 days |
| Dussehra | October 20 | 15 days |
When Does Navratri 2026 Start?
Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Pratipada Tithi begins on the night of October 10, but the first Navratri observance is October 11 according to the sunrise-based festival calendar.
Why October 10 and October 11 Are Both Appearing Online
The confusion comes from the Pratipada Tithi transition. The lunar tithi begins on October 10 at night and continues into October 11. The festival’s first day, including Ghatasthapana, is observed on October 11.
What Should You Prepare Before October 11?
- Confirm the Ghatasthapana Muhurat for your city.
- Purchase a Kalash and required Puja Samagri.
- Arrange barley or other traditional germination materials if used by your family.
- Plan your fasting meals if you are observing a vrat.
- Decide which days you will attend Garba or Durga Puja events.
- Keep the first-day puja clothes and offerings ready.
Navratri 2026 Nine-Day Calendar
| Day | Date | Goddess |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | October 11 | Shailputri |
| Day 2 | October 12 | Brahmacharini |
| Day 3 | October 13 | Chandraghanta |
| Day 4 | October 14 | Kushmanda |
| Day 5 | October 15 | Skandamata |
| Day 6 | October 16 | Katyayani |
| Day 7 | October 17 | Kalaratri |
| Day 8 | October 18 | Mahagauri |
| Day 9 | October 19 | Siddhidatri |
Navratri 2026 Countdown: What to Search Next
As October 11 approaches, the most useful searches shift from the broad festival date to Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Puja Samagri, fasting rules, day-wise colours, Goddess names, bhog ideas and local Garba or Durga Puja schedules.
CareerSphere already has detailed guides for Navratri Puja Samagri, Navratri fasting food and Navratri colours.
Navratri Countdown by Week
October 5–10: Six Days to Go
This is the preparation window. Confirm the local Ghatasthapana timing, purchase the main puja items, plan fasting meals and decide whether you will observe all nine days or selected days. October 10 is important because Pratipada Tithi begins that night, even though the first Navratri day is October 11.
October 11–14: Opening Days
The first four days cover Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta and Kushmanda. Families can use this period to settle into their puja and fasting routine. Garba and cultural programmes may also begin around the opening weekend depending on the city.
October 15–19: Final Five Days
The later days include Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami fall on October 19 in the 2026 general calendar, making this the busiest stretch for many devotees.
Navratri Countdown: What Changes as October 11 Gets Closer?
Search interest usually shifts from “when is Navratri?” to practical questions such as Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Navratri colours, fasting food, puja samagri, bhog, Goddess names and local event timings. A useful countdown page should therefore help readers move from knowing the date to preparing for the festival.
| Need | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Puja | Kalash, flowers, offerings and family-specific samagri |
| Fasting | Approved grains/flours, fruits, dairy and vrat snacks |
| Clothing | Day-wise colours if following that tradition |
| Travel/events | Garba, Durga Puja or temple timings |
| Home | Clean puja space and arrange lamps/decorations |
Important Navratri Date Reminder
Do not treat October 10 as the first Navratri day simply because Pratipada begins that night. The first observed Navratri day and Ghatasthapana are on October 11. Local Ghatasthapana Muhurat must still be checked city by city.
Navratri 2026 FAQs
How many days until Navratri 2026?
On October 5, there are 6 days until the first Navratri day on October 11.
When is Ghatasthapana?
Ghatasthapana is observed on October 11, 2026. The exact Muhurat varies by location.
When does Navratri end?
The nine-day Navratri observance runs through October 19, followed by Vijayadashami/Dussehra on October 20.
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