This year the festival of Shardiya Navratri will start from 11 October 2026. There is a tradition to worship nine forms of Goddess Durga during these nine days. But this time people have questions regarding the dates of Ashtami and Navami, because both the dates are falling on 19th October. In such a situation, many people want to know whether this time Navratri will last only for eight days or will be celebrated for nine days only.
According to the Panchang, the date of Durga Ashtami will start from 8:27 am on October 18 and will continue till 10:51 am on October 19. After this Navami Tithi will start. In such a situation, Kanya Puja of Ashtami can be done before 10:51 am on October 19, while after this, puja and havan of Navami can be done. However, please check the time of puja according to the local calendar. Despite Ashtami and Navami falling on the same day, Navratri will be considered not of eight days but of nine days only.
When will Shardiya Navratri start?
In the year 2026, the festival of Shardiya Navratri will start from 11th October. During this time devotees worship nine different forms of Mother Durga. The festival will start with the worship of Maa Shailputri on the first day and Maa Siddhidatri will be worshiped on the last day. On this occasion, Kalash is established in homes. At the same time, Navratri will end on 19th October.
When is Ashtami?
According to the calculations of the Panchang, Ashtami Tithi will start on October 18 at 8:27 AM and will end the next day i.e. October 19 at 10:51 AM. Based on the date present at the time of sunrise, this year Durga Ashtami will be celebrated on 19th October.
Will Navratri last for eight days this time?
This time Ashtami Tithi will be on the morning of 19th October, but Navami will be observed as soon as it ends at 10.51 am. That is, due to both the dates falling on the same day, devotees will be able to perform puja related to Ashtami and Navami. While determining the dates of many festivals in the Hindu calendar, importance is given to the date present at the time of sunrise. For this reason, this year Ashtami and Navami can be worshiped on the same date. However, due to both the dates falling on the same day, the duration of Navratri does not become eight days.
When to do Kanya Puja and Havan?
This year, Ashtami Tithi will be on 19th October till 10.51 am. In such a situation, devotees can worship girls according to Ashtami before this time. After this, as soon as Navami Tithi starts, Navami puja and havan of Maa Durga can be done. Before starting the puja, definitely check the time given in the almanac of your city.