New Delhi: Shardiya Navratri 2026: Sharadiya Navratri began on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and marks the start of the nine-day festival dedicated to Maa Durga. The festival opens with Ghatasthapana or Kalash installation on the first day, also known as Pratipada Tithi. Over these nine days, devotees across the nation worship Maa Durga’s nine divine forms with deep devotion.
Each day honors one of Maa Durga’s nine forms: Maa Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Throughout the festival, devotees observe fasts and offer bhog to the goddess as a mark of respect and reverence.
Shardiya Navratri 2026: Shubh muhurat and rituals
As per Drik Panchang, below are the details for the auspicious timings for puja:
- Brahma Muhurta 04:42 AM to 05:31 AM
- Pratah Sandhya 05:07 AM to 06:21 AM
- Abhijit 11:45 AM to 12:31 PM
- Vijaya Muhurta 02:04 PM to 02:50 PM
- Godhuli Muhurta 05:55 PM to 06:20 PM
- Sayahna Sandhya 05:55 PM to 07:09 PM
- Amrit Kalam 04:14 PM to 05:57 PM
- Nishita Muhurta 11:43 PM to 12:33 AM, Oct 14
- Ravi Yoga 01:43 AM, Oct 14 to 06:22 AM, Oct 14
Navratri Day 3: Color of the day
- October 13, 2026, Tuesday
- Navratri color of the day – Red
On Tuesday, wear Red color for your Navratri celebrations. Red symbolizes passion and love and is also the most preferred color of Chunri that is offered to Goddess. This color fills the person with vigour and vitality.
Maa Chandraghanta puja: Mantras, aarti, and more
Goddess Chandraghanta is the married form the Goddess Parvati. After getting married to Lord Shiva Goddess Mahagauri started adorning her forehead with half Chandra and due to which Goddess Parvati was known as Goddess Chandraghanta. Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navratri.
It is believed that the planet Shukra is governed by Goddess Chandraghanta. Goddess Chandraghanta mounts on the tigress. She wears the semi-circular moon, i.e., Ardha Chandra on her forehead. The half-moon on her forehead looks like the bell (Ghanta) and because of that she is known as Chandra-Ghanta. She is depicted with ten hands.
Maa Chandraghanta’s Favorite Flower: Jasmine (चमेली)
Shri Chandraghanta Mantra
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥
Shri Chandraghanta Prarthana
पिण्डज प्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।
प्रसादं तनुते मह्यम् चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥
