Sharadiya Navratri honours the Goddess in her many forms. In Maharashtra it is the festival of the kuldevis: Tulja Bhavani of Tuljapur, Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur, Renuka of Mahur and Saptashrungi of Vani.
Next: Sunday, 11 October 2026.
Ghatasthapana
On the first day a clay pot of water (ghat) is set up on a bed of soil sown with grain, and a nandadeep lamp is kept burning for nine days. A garland (maal) is added each day.
Bhondla and garba
Girls sing Bhondla (Hadga) songs around an elephant drawn in rangoli, while garba and dandiya nights are popular in cities.
Ashtami and Navami
Many families do the ghagar phunkane ritual or a homa on Ashtami, and kumarika puja on Navami.
How the date is fixed
Ghatasthapana is on Ashwin Shuddha Pratipada, taken at sunrise. Navratri runs until Navami and ends with Dasara.
Dates are calculated for Mumbai. A printed panchang from another city or tradition can differ by a day. For rituals, follow your family priest.
Questionsप्रश्नोत्तरे
When is Navratri and Ghatasthapana 2026?
Navratri and Ghatasthapana 2026 is on Sunday, 11 October 2026 (Ashwin Shuddha 1), calculated for Mumbai.
How long is Navratri?
Nine nights. When a tithi is added or dropped, the festival can be eight or ten days long, but Dasara always follows Navami.