Navratri 2026: Shardiya Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026. This festival is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and grandeur over a period of nine days. Many people observe a nine-day fast and worship the various forms of the Goddess. Throughout these nine days, the nine distinct Shakti forms (manifestations of power) of Goddess Durga are worshipped.
It is believed that worshipping the Goddess with a sincere heart leads to the fulfilment of all one’s wishes. Navratri occurs four times a year—during the months of Paush, Chaitra, Ashadh, and Ashwin. The Navratris falling in Chaitra and Ashwin are considered the primary ones, while those in Paush and Ashadh are celebrated as *Gupt* (Secret) Navratris.
On the first day of Navratri, the ritual of *Kalash Sthapana* (or *Ghatasthapana*—the ceremonial installation of the sacred pot) holds special significance alongside the worship of Goddess Shailputri. According to religious beliefs, the Navratri worship commences with the performance of Ghatasthapana following proper rituals during an auspicious time (muhurat). If you are observing the nine-day fast, here are the details regarding the auspicious time for Ghatasthapana, the worship procedure, and the necessary items.
Read More:- RBI Takes Steps to Support Rupee, Opens Dollar Treasury for Oil Companies
Read More:- Jio AI Glasses: Now Make UPI Payments Without Using Your Smartphone, How?
Read More:- PM Kisan Yojana: Farmers May Lose Their 24th Installment, Check What to Do
What colour clothes should be worn on the first day of Navratri?
One should wear orange-coloured clothes on the first day of Navratri, as this colour is considered highly auspicious. If you do not have orange clothing, do not worry; you can also wear red, yellow, or other traditional colours.
What is Goddess Shailputri’s favourite offering (bhog)?
Goddess Shailputri is particularly fond of pure desi cow’s ghee and white sweets made from cow’s milk. You can offer items such as Khoya Barfi, Peda, Mawa Ladoo, or Kheer as bhog.
Direction for Ghatasthapana
The *Ghatasthapana* ritual for the Goddess is performed on the first day of Navratri. Since the northeast direction is associated with the deities, it is considered the most auspicious direction for this installation. Shardiya Navratri Ghatasthapana Muhurta 2026
Ghatasthapana Muhurta – 06:31 AM to 10:27 AM
Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurta – 12:01 PM to 12:49 PM
Importance of the Durgasaptshati lesson
Reciting Durga Saptashati during Navratri is considered very fruitful. The person who recites Durgasaptshati gets rid of every kind of fear, obstacle, worry and enemy, etc. By doing this recitation, all the wishes are fulfilled. This lesson removes the problems of life. This lesson is considered especially beneficial for those who are struggling with financial and physical problems.
Mata Rani’s mantras
Durga Ashtakshar Mantra – Om Hreem Dun Durgaayi Namah.
Durga Gayatri Mantra – Om Girijayai Cha Vidmahe Shivpriyaai Cha Dhimahi. Tanno Durga Prachodayat.
Durga Beej Mantra – Om Dun Durgaayi Namah.
Durga Navarna Mantra – Om Ain Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vicche.
Mantras of Maa Shailputri
‘Om Ain Hreem Kleem Shailputryai Namah’
Or an institution in the form of Goddess Sarvabhuteshu Shailputri. Namastesyaye, Namastesyaye, Namastesyaye, Namo, Namah.
Vande vanchit labhay chandrardhakritshekharam. Vrisharudham Shuldharam Shailputri Yashasvinim.
Vande Vanchitlabhay Chandrardhakrit Shekharam. वृषारुधां शूलधारं शैलपुत्रिं यशस्विनिम्॥
How to worship on the first day of Navratri?
On the first day of Navratri, wake up early in the morning, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
Thoroughly clean the place of worship.
Then, spread a red cloth over a wooden platform and place an image of Goddess Durga upon it.
Purify the worship area by sprinkling Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges) and offer flowers, a *Chunri* (sacred veil), and items of adornment to the Goddess.
Next, fill an earthen pot with clean soil and sow barley seeds in it.
Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil and sprinkle a little water.
Afterward, place the pot at the designated spot for worship.
Tie a sacred thread (Kalava) around the neck of a *Kalash* (ritual pot) and fill it with *Gangajal* and clean water.
Place five or seven mango or Ashoka leaves at the mouth of the Kalash.
Now, place the Kalash next to the pot containing the barley and light a ghee lamp before Goddess Durga.
Offer incense, flowers, fruits, and sweets; chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Durga; and perform the *Aarti*.