October 4, 05:46Aaj Tak

Dates for Sharadiya Navratri 2026: Information on Ghatasthapana, Ashtami, and Dashara

October 2026 promises to be particularly significant from a religious perspective, as the nine-day festival of worship to Goddess Durga—Sharadiya Navratri—will begin after the completion of Pitr Paksha. In 2026, the start of this festival is scheduled for Sunday, October 11. On this day, the cycle of worshipping the nine forms of Mother Durga will commence along with the performance of Ghatasthapana. Navratri will conclude on October 20, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami, or Dussehra.

During this period, special attention is paid to the dates of Ashtami and Navami. According to the Panchang, rituals associated with Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami will take place on October 19, while Vijayadashami itself will be celebrated on October 20.

The first day of Sharadiya Navratri, October 11, is dedicated to Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalish Sthapana. It is on this day that the official worship of Mother Durga begins in homes and temples. Within this ritual, there is a tradition of sowing barley while establishing the kalash.

According to the New Delhi Panchang, the auspicious time for performing Ghatasthapana is set for the morning from 6:19 to 10:12. Furthermore, the Abhijit Muhurt will last from 11:44 to 12:30. However, it should be noted that the exact time may vary slightly depending on the city, so it is recommended to refer to the local Panchang.

The schedule of key Navratri dates is as follows: October 11 — Pratipada, Ghatasthapana, and worship of Shailputri; October 12 — Dwitiya, worship of Brahmacharini; October 13 — Tritiya, worship of Chandraghanta; October 14 — Chaturthi, worship of Kushmanda; October 15 — Panchami, worship of Skandamata; October 16 — Shashthi, worship of Katyayani; October 17 — Saptami, worship of Kalaratri; October 19 — performance of rituals related to Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami; and October 20 — Vijayadashami and Dussehra.

Due to the coincidence of dates in 2026, the Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami rituals fall on October 19. According to the Panchang, the corresponding worships and ceremonies will be performed on this day. The following day, October 20, will be dedicated to celebrating Vijayadashami.

Throughout the nine days of Navratri, worship is offered to various aspects of Mother Durga. The first day honors Shailputri, the second Brahmacharini, the third Chandraghanta, the fourth Kushmanda, the fifth Skandamata, the sixth Katyayani, the seventh Kalaratri, the eighth Mahagauri, and the ninth Siddhidatri.

According to religious beliefs, the practice of worshipping power during Navratri helps a person gain confidence, courage, and positive energy. Devotees observe fasts according to their faith and worship Mother Durga.

After the nine days of Navratri, the tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashami. In religious tradition, this day symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. According to the teachings of the Ramayana, Lord Rama defeated Ravana on this day. Therefore, in various parts of the country, there is a tradition of burning effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad in honor of Dussehra.

Ghatasthapana is considered a crucial ritual of Navratri, and according to religious beliefs, it should be performed at an auspicious time. A clean place is chosen for setting up the kalash, and the area for worship is thoroughly purified. Traditionally, water is poured into the kalash, and on top are placed leaves of Amu or Ashoka and a coconut.

The time for performing Ghatasthapana depends on the local sunrise and Panchanga calculations, so it may differ in different cities. For example, there are differences in the times specified for Mumbai and Delhi.

Similar stories

www.aajtak.inOctober 1, 14:31

Date and Time of Jivitputrika Vrat 2026: Information on Nahai-Khaya and Paran

Jivitputrika Vrat, or Jatiya, which is observed with the wish for longevity and good health of offspring, falls in October 2026. During this fast, mothers observe a strict fast without water or food throughout the day and night, praying for the well-being, health, and longevity of their children. Traditionally, worship of the god Jimutavahana and listening to stories about Jatiya are conducted during this fast.

According to the Hindu Panchang, Jivitputrika Vrat is celebrated on the eighth day of the lunar month of Ashwin (Krishna Paksha). In 2026, this day will begin on October 3rd and end on October 4th. Based on the ascending date, the fast itself will be observed on October 3rd. This ritual is particularly common in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as in some regions of Nepal.

The beginning of Jivitputrika Vrat is marked by the Nahai-Khaya ceremony. On this day, women observing the fast take a bath and consume sattvic food. After this, they decide to begin the strict fast the following day. According to some traditions, the special food eaten before starting the fast is called Othghan. According to available information, the Othghan process must be completed by approximately 4:30 AM on October 3rd.

On October 3rd, mothers observe a waterless fast (Nirdjala). According to religious beliefs, both food and water are forbidden on this day. In the evening, worship of the god Jimutavahana is performed, followed by the tradition of listening to stories about Jatiya.

Worship of the god Jimutavahana holds special significance during Jivitputrika Vrat. According to religious legends, Jimutavahana risked his own life to protect a child from the Naga caste. His sacrifice and compassion are associated with the protection of offspring, which is the reason for the tradition of worshipping him during Jatiya.

In some areas, stories related to falcons and jackals are also told.

On the day of the fast, it is necessary to take a bath, wear clean clothes, and take an oath. Then, a place for worship is purified, and an image or statue of the god Jimutavahana is installed. Traditionally, there is a custom of creating an image of Jimutavahana from cane and performing worship by creating figures of a falcon and a jackal from clay or dung. During the worship, fruits, flowers, and other items for the ritual are offered. After this, one must listen to the story of Jivitputrika Vrat.

The completion of the fast (Paran) is scheduled for October 4th. According to religious customs, Paran is performed on the day of the new moon (Navami), after the end of the eighth lunar month (Ashtami).

According to available calculations, the time for Paran is given for the morning of October 4th, but the exact time may vary depending on the city and local Panchang.

In religious beliefs, this fast is associated with wishes for long life, good health, and prosperity of offspring. It is a rigorous fast mainly observed by mothers. During the fast, worship of the god Jimutavahana and listening to sacred stories are performed. However, any decisions regarding health while observing the fast should be made considering individual condition and after consulting a doctor.

www.aajtak.inSeptember 25, 18:46

Pitru Paksha Dates for 2026: Information on Shraddha Rituals

In Hinduism, Pitru Paksha is considered a special period for honoring ancestors and expressing reverence towards them. During this time, various rites such as Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pindadaan are performed for deceased family members. There is a belief that remembering ancestors and performing religious acts for their spiritual peace holds particular significance during these days.

Pitru Paksha 2026

In 2026, Pitru Paksha will begin on September 27th and conclude on October 10th, which is Sarvapitri Amavasya. Additionally, a Pournima Shraddha will be performed on September 26th.

When does Pitru Paksha start?

Pitru Paksha in 2026 starts on September 27th. During this period, ancestor remembrance is conducted according to different dates. Traditionally, Shraddha is performed on the day of a person's death. However, it should be noted that differences may exist across various regions and families based on Panchanga calculations.

The last day of Pitru Paksha will be October 10th, when Sarvapitri Amavasya is observed. This day is also important for ancestors whose dates of death are unknown.

Main Dates of Pitru Paksha in 2026

The main dates include: Pournima Shraddha — September 26th; Pratipada Shraddha — September 27th; Dwitiya Shraddha — September 28th; Tritiya Shraddha — September 29th; Chaturthi Shraddha — September 30th; Panchami Shraddha — October 1st; Shashthi Shraddha — October 2nd; Saptami Shraddha — October 3rd; Ashtami Shraddha — October 3rd; Navami Shraddha — October 4th; Dashami Shraddha — October 5th; Ekadashi Shraddha — October 6th; Dwadashi Shraddha — October 7th; Trayodashi Shraddha — October 8th; Chaturdashi Shraddha — October 9th; and Sarvapitri Amavasya — October 10th.

It is important to remember that Shraddha dates depend on lunar calendars and local Panchanga calculations, so when determining the time for a specific ritual, one should refer to the local Panchanga or family traditions.

What is Shraddha?

Shraddha is related to expressing respect and reverence for ancestors. During Pitru Paksha, family members perform Shraddha rituals according to the date of death of their deceased relatives. These rites involve worship, offering food, and charity, and their performance may vary depending on family and regional traditions.

How is Tarpan performed?

Tarpan also holds great significance during Pitru Paksha. In this ritual, water is offered to the ancestors. According to many traditions, water in a copper vessel, black seeds, milk, and Ganga water are used for Tarpan. Kusha is also considered a sacred plant. Traditionally, when performing Tarpan, one should face south, as the southern direction is associated with the Pitras in Hindu beliefs.

What is the significance of Pindadaan?

Pindadaan is an important part of pitra rituals. During this, pindas are offered to the ancestors. The method of making and offering pindas can vary depending on different religious traditions and family customs. Some families also perform Pindadaan at pilgrimage sites during Pitru Paksha, following methods indicated by local traditions and the priest.

What is included in the food during Shraddha?

Many families have a tradition of preparing sattvic food on Shraddha days. The composition of the dishes may differ depending on the region and family customs. According to several traditions, a portion of the food during Shraddha is given to animals such as cows, dogs, and crows, which is considered part of the religious practice.

What is avoided during Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha is generally viewed as a time for ancestor remembrance and performing religious rites. Therefore, many families try to avoid holding large and auspicious events during this period. Traditionally, auspicious events such as weddings, as well as starting new businesses or important endeavors, are refrained from during these days. It is also recommended to refrain from moving into a new house or purchasing expensive or luxurious items, as well as holding large festivals or celebrations. Nevertheless, adherence to these rules is not universal for all families, as religious traditions can change depending on the region, community, and family customs.

Furthermore, there is a tradition during Pitru Paksha of donating and helping the needy. Many people donate food, clothing, footwear, til, and other necessary items during this period. Charity is seen as a way to express reverence for ancestors and help those in need.

It is important to remember that the methods of performing Shraddha and Tarpan are not uniform everywhere. The correct determination of the date and method of Shraddha should be based on the traditions of one's family and the local Panchanga.