Navratri (Sharad)
Shardiya Navratri is the 9-night festival honoring the 9 forms of Goddess Durga. It begins on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada — 29 Sep 2025, 18 Oct 2026, 7 Oct 2027. Vijayadashami (Dussehra) falls on the 10th day.
Navratri (Sharad) Dates 2025, 2026 & 2027
Navratri (Sharad) ends: 2025: 7 October · 2026: 26 October · 2027: 15 October
Significance of Navratri (Sharad)
Navratri (Sanskrit: nine nights) is held four times a year; Shardiya (autumn) Navratri is the most celebrated. Each of the 9 nights is dedicated to one form of Goddess Durga: Shailputri (Day 1), Brahmacharini (Day 2), Chandraghanta (Day 3), Kushmanda (Day 4), Skandamata (Day 5), Katyayani (Day 6), Kalaratri (Day 7), Mahagauri (Day 8), and Siddhidatri (Day 9). The Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati) narrates how Durga killed Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, over 9 nights — a cosmic victory of righteousness over ego. The 10th day, Vijayadashami, marks the final triumph and Rama's departure to rescue Sita by defeating Ravana.
The Story Behind Navratri (Sharad)
The demon Mahishasura had obtained a boon that no man or god could kill him. He conquered the heavens and expelled the gods. The gods pooled their collective energy (shakti) to create Devi Durga — a warrior goddess radiating with blinding power. For 9 nights she fought Mahishasura's army, slaying each commander. On the 9th night, Mahishasura transformed into a buffalo, then a lion, then a man. Durga pierced him with her trident, ending his reign. This battle is re-enacted through 9 nights of prayer, fasting, dandiya (stick dance), and Garba in Gujarat and Maharashtra. In Bengal, the festival centers on welcoming Durga as a daughter returning home — immense clay idols are installed and immersed in rivers on Vijayadashami.
How to Celebrate Navratri (Sharad)
- 1Perform Ghatasthapana (kalash installation) on Day 1 during the auspicious muhurat
- 2Fast for all 9 days or on Day 1 and Day 8 — eat only fruit, milk, and sendha namak (rock salt)
- 3Worship a different form of Durga each day using the specific color associated with that day
- 4Read or listen to Durga Saptashati (700 verses from Markandeya Purana)
- 5Perform aarti twice daily — morning and evening
- 6On Day 8 (Ashtami) or Day 9 (Navami), perform Kanya Puja: invite 9 young girls, wash their feet, and offer food
- 7On Day 10 (Vijayadashami), immerse the kalash and receive 'Vijay Tilak'
Traditional Foods
Astrological Significance of Navratri (Sharad)
Navratri begins when the Sun enters Libra (Tula), its sign of debilitation. Worshipping Durga during these 9 nights is said to counterbalance the weakened solar energy and draw on the Moon's waxing strength (Shukla Paksha). Each of the 9 forms of Durga corresponds to one of the 9 planets (navagrahas): Shailputri = Moon, Brahmacharini = Mars, Chandraghanta = Venus, Kushmanda = Sun, Skandamata = Mercury, Katyayani = Jupiter, Kalaratri = Saturn, Mahagauri = Rahu, Siddhidatri = Ketu. Worshipping each form on the correct day strengthens the corresponding planet in the nativity.
“In my experience, the most spiritually productive way to observe Navratri (Sharad) is to align your personal puja timing with the muhurat window for your city — not just the general date. The Vishnu Dharmottara Purana specifies that offerings made during the peak muhurat carry ten times the merit of those made outside it. I have seen this shift outcomes meaningfully for clients who take the time to calculate it properly.”
— Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, PhD Vedic Astrology · 20+ Years Practice · 10,000+ Consultations
Dr. Meenakshi Sharma
PhD in Vedic Astrology • 20+ Years Experience
Distinguished Vedic astrologer specializing in natal chart analysis, predictive astrology, and Vedic remedial measures. Trusted by thousands for accurate Navratri (Sharad) interpretations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Related Festivals
Kundli & Muhurat Report
Know the exact muhurat window for Navratri (Sharad) in your city, based on your personal birth chart. Prepared by Dr. Meenakshi Sharma.