For nine nights every autumn, homes across India are transformed. A small brass Kalash appears on a bed of rice in the corner of the living room. A diya burns without pause. Pandal after pandal rises overnight in Kolkata's lanes, each one telling its own story in clay and light. This is Navratri and Durga Puja — the worship of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, in her fiercest and most benevolent forms.
Durga Puja 2026 and Sharad Navratri 2026 are almost here, and if you're searching for the exact Navratri 2026 dates, the Ghatasthapana muhurat, or simply wondering how to book a Pandit for Navratri Puja at home, this guide has it all in one place. Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11 and runs through Monday, October 19, with the five-day Bengali Durga Puja (Durgotsava) beginning on Maha Shashthi, Friday, October 16, and concluding with Vijayadashami on Tuesday, October 20. This complete guide covers the Ghatasthapana muhurat, the full day-by-day Navratri and Durga Puja calendar, Sandhi Puja timing, Kanya Pujan, samagri, Durga Puja vidhi, Durga Puja cost, and how to book a verified Pandit online for your home puja.
Navratri & Durga Puja 2026 — Key Dates at a Glance
Navratri ("nine nights") and Durga Puja are closely linked but not identical — Navratri is the pan-Indian nine-night observance, while Durga Puja is the specific five-day Bengali festival (Shashthi to Vijayadashami) that falls within its final days. Here are the essential 2026 milestones:
| Date & Day | Occasion | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 10Saturday | Mahalaya Amavasya | Pitru Paksha ends, Devi Paksha begins — Goddess Durga's journey to earth starts. |
| Oct 11Sunday | Navratri Begins — Ghatasthapana | Day 1 Kalash Sthapana; Pratipada Tithi. |
| Oct 16Friday | Maha Shashthi (Durga Puja begins) | Bilva Nimantran; idol unveiling; formal start of Durgotsava. |
| Oct 17Saturday | Maha Saptami | Nabapatrika (Kola Bou) snan; Pushpanjali begins. |
| Oct 18–19Sun–Mon | Maha Ashtami | Peak Day Kumari Puja; most spiritually charged day. |
| Oct 19Monday | Sandhi Puja & Maha Navami | 48-Min Window ~7:26–8:14 AM; Navami Homa follows. |
| Oct 20Tuesday | Vijayadashami (Dussehra) | Festival Ends Idol immersion; Sindoor Khela; Ravana Dahan. |
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Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2026 — How to Begin Navratri Correctly
Ghatasthapana (also called Kalash Sthapana) is the ritual installation of the sacred pot that formally begins Navratri and invokes Goddess Shakti into the home. It must be performed during Pratipada Tithi, ideally in the first third of the day, and is avoided during Rahu Kaal, Amavasya, and at night.
Morning Muhurat
The main and most recommended Ghatasthapana window on Sunday, October 11, 2026 — falls within the auspicious first third of the day.
Abhijit Muhurat
If the morning window is missed, the Abhijit Muhurat is the traditionally recommended fallback for Ghatasthapana.
Rahu Kaal & Night
Ghatasthapana should never be performed during Rahu Kaal, Amavasya, or after sunset — your Pandit confirms the exact Rahu Kaal window for your city.
The Nine Days of Navratri — Navdurga & Day-Wise Puja
Each of the nine nights is dedicated to one form of Goddess Durga — the Navdurga — each with her own story, mantra, and traditional colour. Tap a day below to see the full detail:
Maa Shailaputri
The daughter of the mountains (Himalaya), depicted riding Nandi the bull, holding a trishul and lotus. She represents the power of nature and new beginnings.
Maa Brahmacharini
The unmarried, ascetic form of Parvati who performed severe penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband, symbolising devotion and perseverance.
Maa Chandraghanta
Named for the half-moon (chandra) shaped like a bell (ghanta) on her forehead, she is the fierce, ten-armed warrior form ready for battle against evil.
Maa Kushmanda
Believed to have created the universe with her radiant smile, residing in the core of the Sun, giving direction and light to all living beings.
Maa Skandamata
The mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), depicted holding her son on her lap, representing maternal love, protection and nurturing strength.
Maa Katyayani
Born to sage Katyayana, this fierce warrior form was created specifically to destroy Mahishasura. Bengali Durga Puja officially begins today with Bilva Nimantran and Kalparambha.
Maa Kalaratri
The darkest and fiercest form, depicted with dark skin and a fearsome appearance, destroying ignorance and evil forces. Nabapatrika (Kola Bou) ritual is performed today.
Maa Mahagauri
The fair, serene form representing purity and peace after penance, worshipped on the most powerful day of Navratri — Durga Ashtami — with Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja.
Maa Siddhidatri
The bestower of supernatural powers (siddhis), worshipped by gods and sages alike. Navami Homa (havan) is performed, concluding the main worship of Durga Puja.
Nine Days or Just Ashtami-Navami?
Not every household performs all nine days with equal elaboration. Many families do a full Kalash Sthapana with daily aarti, then invite a Pandit specifically for Ashtami and Navami Havan and Kanya Pujan — the two most significant days. Our Pandits offer both full nine-day and focused Ashtami-Navami packages.
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Sandhi Puja — The Most Powerful 48 Minutes of Durga Puja
Sandhi Puja is performed at the exact junction where Ashtami Tithi ends and Navami Tithi begins — a narrow 48-minute window considered the most intense and spiritually charged moment of the entire festival. It marks the moment Goddess Durga is believed to have taken the fierce form of Chamunda to slay the demons Chanda and Munda simultaneously.
108 Lamps, 108 Lotuses
During Sandhi Puja, 108 diyas and 108 lotus flowers are offered in an unbroken 48-minute ritual, accompanied by uninterrupted dhak drumming and the dhunuchi dance. In 2026, this window falls approximately between 7:26 AM and 8:14 AM on October 19 — though exact timing varies by city and panjika, so confirm with your local Pandit closer to the date.
Durga Puja & Navratri Samagri List
Your Pandit carries the puja texts and ritual implements. Arrange the following at home before the puja:
Durga Puja Vidhi — Step by Step
Sankalp & Ganapati Puja
The Pandit begins with the Sankalp — your name, gotra, and the specific intention of the Navratri Puja are declared. Lord Ganapati is worshipped first to ensure the puja proceeds without obstacles.
Ghatasthapana & Kalash Installation
The brass Kalash is filled with water, mango leaves and a coconut placed atop, and installed over a bed of rice and barley seeds sown in a clay pot (Jawara) — invoking Goddess Shakti into the home for nine days.
Daily Puja & Durga Saptashati Path
Each day, the Goddess is worshipped with flowers, incense and lamp offerings. In the elaborate package, portions of the Durga Saptashati (Chandi Path) are recited daily, building toward completion by Navami.
Ashtami-Navami Havan & Sandhi Puja
On Ashtami and Navami, a Havan is performed for maximum blessings. Sandhi Puja is conducted at the precise Ashtami-Navami junction with 108 lamps and lotus offerings for those following Bengali tradition.
Kanya Pujan
Nine young girls, representing the Navdurga, are invited, their feet washed, and worshipped with red chunari, bangles, and a festive meal — considered one of the most meritorious acts of Navratri.
Aarti, Visarjan & Vijayadashami
The puja concludes with the final Aarti, Kalash Visarjan (immersion), and on Vijayadashami, Sindoor Khela (for Durga Puja households) and the symbolic triumph of good over evil is celebrated.
Navratri slots fill up fast — reserve your Ghatasthapana date today.
Full 9-day or Ashtami-Navami focused packages · Book 7–10 days early
Benefits of Durga Puja & Navratri Worship
Navratri and Durga Puja are performed for a wide range of spiritual and material blessings. Here are the primary benefits devotees seek:
Removes Obstacles & Negativity
Symbolises the triumph of good over evil, clearing blocked paths and negative energy.
Wealth & Prosperity
Invites financial abundance and business growth for the year ahead.
Family Protection
Shakti's blessings are believed to safeguard the family from harm and illness.
Inner Strength & Courage
The Navdurga forms instil resilience, confidence and the courage to face challenges.
Blessings for Daughters
Kanya Pujan is believed to invoke Devi's grace specifically for the girls of the family.
Spiritual Growth
Daily Durga Saptashati recitation deepens devotion and connection to Shakti.
Fasting (Vrat) Rules During Navratri
Many devotees observe a fast throughout the nine days, broken only after Navami or Dashami puja. Here's what's typically allowed and avoided:
Choose Your Durga Puja & Navratri Package — Book Pandit Online
Each puja includes a verified Pandit, complete vidhi, and a samagri checklist. Whether you're looking for the Durga Puja cost breakdown or want to book a Pandit online for a simple daily Navratri Puja, pick the package below that matches your family tradition:
Standard Navratri Puja
Ghatasthapana followed by daily aarti and puja for all nine days — ideal for families keeping a full Navratri vrat and Akhand Jyoti.
- Sankalp + Ganapati Puja
- Ghatasthapana & Kalash Sthapana
- Daily aarti guidance for 9 days
- Jawara (barley) sowing ritual
- Final Visarjan on Dashami
- Samagri checklist included
Ashtami-Navami Havan & Kanya Pujan
A focused package for the two most significant days — Havan, Sandhi Puja guidance, and Kanya Pujan with nine young girls.
- Ashtami & Navami Havan
- Sandhi Puja guidance
- Kanya Pujan (9 girls)
- Durga Ashtottara Shatanamavali
- Aarti + Prasad guidance
Elaborate 9-Day Durga Puja
The full traditional experience with daily Durga Saptashati (Chandi Path) recitation, Havan and Kanya Pujan — for maximum devotion and blessings.
- Everything in Standard Navratri Puja
- Daily Durga Saptashati Path (all 9 days)
- Ashtami & Navami Havan
- Sandhi Puja & Kanya Pujan
- Personalised remedy guidance
- Multiple Pandits for larger gatherings
Durga Puja & Navratri Across India — Available in Your City
Puja Purohit provides verified Pandits for Durga Puja and Navratri Puja at home across India:
Why Devotees Trust Puja Purohit for Durga Puja & Navratri
Verified Pandits
Trained in both North Indian Navratri and Bengali Durgotsava traditions.
Samagri Checklist
Complete samagri list with exact quantities sent 48 hrs before your puja.
On-Time Guarantee
Muhurat timing matters. Pandit arrives on time — or we reschedule at zero cost.
50+ Cities Pan-India
Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad & more.
WhatsApp Coordination
Booking, samagri list, Pandit contact, day-of coordination — all on WhatsApp.
3 Puja Packages
Standard, Focused Ashtami-Navami & Elaborate 9-Day — all with verified Pandits.
Nine Nights, Nine Forms, One Shakti
Navratri comes but once a year in its Sharad form, and within it, only nine precious nights to invite the Goddess's strength, protection and abundance into your home. Don't let this year's festival pass with only good intentions. Book your Ghatasthapana, decorate your Kalash, gather your family for the daily aarti, and let the dhak beats and Saptashati mantras fill your home with devotion. Jai Maa Durga!
Frequently Asked Questions — Durga Puja & Navratri 2026
When is Navratri 2026?
Sharad Navratri 2026 runs for nine nights from Sunday, October 11 to Monday, October 19, 2026. Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) is performed on October 11, Durga Ashtami falls on October 18-19, Maha Navami on October 19, and Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on October 20, 2026.
What is the Ghatasthapana Muhurat for 2026?
The main Ghatasthapana Muhurat on Sunday, October 11, 2026 falls in the morning, approximately between 6:22 AM and 10:18 AM. If this window is missed, the Abhijit Muhurat, approximately 11:46 AM to 12:32 PM, is the traditionally recommended fallback. Ghatasthapana is avoided during Rahu Kaal, Amavasya and at night.
When is Durga Puja (the five-day Bengali festival) in 2026?
The main five-day Durga Puja begins with Maha Shashthi on Friday, October 16, 2026, followed by Maha Saptami on October 17, Maha Ashtami on October 18-19 (Sandhi Puja at the junction, ~7:26 AM–8:14 AM on October 19), Maha Navami on October 19, and concludes with Vijaya Dashami on October 20, 2026. Exact tithi timings can shift by a day depending on the panjika your family follows.
What is Sandhi Puja and when does it happen?
Sandhi Puja is performed at the exact 48-minute junction between Ashtami Tithi ending and Navami Tithi beginning — the most powerful moment of Navratri, marking when Goddess Durga is believed to have taken the form of Chamunda to slay the demons Chanda and Munda. In 2026, this window falls approximately between 7:26 AM and 8:14 AM on October 19, though exact timing varies by city.
What is the cost of Navratri Puja or Durga Puja at home?
Standard 9-day Navratri Puja from ₹2,100, focused Ashtami-Navami Havan & Kanya Pujan from ₹3,500, and an elaborate 9-day Durga Puja with daily Durga Saptashati Path from ₹11,000. All include Pandit dakshina, coordination, and samagri checklist.
What is Kanya Pujan and when is it performed?
Kanya Pujan is the ritual worship of nine young girls, representing the Navdurga, typically performed on Ashtami or Navami. Their feet are washed, they are offered red chunari and bangles, and served a festive meal — considered one of the most meritorious acts of the entire Navratri period.
How do I book a Pandit for Durga Puja or Navratri 2026?
Visit pujapurohit.in/puja-service/pandit-for-durga-puja, select your city, choose your package, and confirm your Navratri dates. A verified Pandit is assigned within 30 minutes with WhatsApp confirmation and samagri checklist. Book 7–10 days early as Navratri is one of the busiest booking periods of the year.
