The month of Ashwin in 2026 will begin on September 27th and end on October 26th, and this period is considered very significant in terms of religious fasts and festivals. Furthermore, this month is considered auspicious for performing rituals dedicated to ancestor worship.
The period for performing ancestral remembrance rites (Sharad Drik) will last from September 27th to October 10th. Following this, the great festival of Navaratri, dedicated to Goddess Durga, will commence. During this time, important events such as Durga Ashtami, Mahanavami, Vijayadashami, Papankusha Ekadashi, Sharad Purnima, and Karva Chauth will take place.
The following events are scheduled for the month: completion of Shri Mahalakshmi fast on October 3, 2026; Indira Ekadashi on October 6, 2026; end of the ancestor worship period (Sarvapitri Amavasya) on October 10, 2026; start of Sharadiya Navaratri on October 11, 2026; worship of Durga Ashtami on October 19, 2026; Mahanavami on October 20, 2026; Vijayadashami on October 20, 2026; completion of Navaratri fast on October 21, 2026; Sharad Purnima fast on October 25, 2026; Kojagara Vrat on October 25, 2026; Jayanti of Maharshi Shri Valmiki on October 26, 2026; start of Kartik month on October 26, 2026; and Karva Chauth fast on October 29, 2026.
In 2026, Sharadiya Navaratri will begin on Sunday, October 11th. On this day, which coincides with Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, Navaratri and Ghatasthapana will commence. During Navaratri, worship of various forms of Goddess Durga is performed.
Durga Ashtami during Navaratri will be celebrated on Monday, October 19th. On this day, special significance is given to the worship of the form Mahagauri of Goddess Durga. Many devotees observe the tradition of Kanya Puja and the completion of the Navaratri fast on this very day. This date also coincides with Mahanavami.
Vijayadashami, or Dasara, will take place on Tuesday, October 20th. In 2026, Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami fall on October 19th, while Vijayadashami and Dasara are celebrated the following day, on Ashwin Shukla Dashami.
The Karva Chauth fast is observed on the fourth day (Charti) of the Krishna Paksha Kartik lunar month. In 2026, Karva Chauth falls on Thursday, October 29th. On this day, married women observe a fast wishing longevity and a happy married life for their husbands. According to tradition, the fast is broken after offering water (Arghya) to the Moon.