Sharadiya Navratri 2026: Sharadiya Navratri has begun, and devotees are worshipping Maa Bhagwati with great enthusiasm in various ways. However, many people are still uncertain about when the three-day Durga Puja rituals will begin, when to observe the Ashtami fast, and when to perform the worship of Maa Durga.
Spiritual Significance of the Nine Days
Worshipping Maa Durga is believed to increase positive energy within the family and help devotees overcome their enemies. The worship of Maa Bhagwati is not merely a religious ceremony but also a symbol of faith, devotion, spirituality, and liberation. It is believed to provide positive energy both internally and externally while offering relief from negative influences and spiritual obstacles.
According to the Durga Saptashati, worshipping and praying to Maa Durga during Navratri brings special spiritual merit. Each of the nine days of Navratri holds its own significance. Sharadiya Navratri began on October 11 and will conclude on October 20, 2026, with Dashami. However, each day of Navratri has a distinct religious significance.
When Will the Three-Day Durga Puja Begin?
The three-day Durga Puja holds special significance during Navratri. These rituals generally begin on Saptami and conclude on Navami after the recitation and performance of the Havan. On Saptami, the idol of Maa Durga is installed in the pandal, followed by the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) and invocation of the Goddess. These rituals are performed when Saptami coincides with the Mula Nakshatra.
Dates for the Three-Day Durga Puja in 2026
In 2026, the three-day Durga Puja will begin on October 17, 2026, and conclude on October 20, 2026. Navratri Parana will also be performed on this day.
Why Is the Three-Day Puja Performed?
The term Tridivasiya Puja refers to worship performed over three days. This form of worship is undertaken under particular circumstances, especially when a person develops strong faith or wishes to fulfil a specific desire through spiritual practice. According to a mythological account, the three deities of the Divine Trinity performed three-day worship to please the three forms of Mahashakti and fulfil their wishes. This is considered an extremely rigorous form of worship.
Auspicious Timings for Saptami Puja
- Saptami Tithi begins: Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 3:47 AM.
- Saptami Tithi ends: Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 5:53 AM.
Mula Nakshatra Timings
- Mula Nakshatra begins: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 6:22 AM.
- Mula Nakshatra ends: Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 8:58 AM.
Auspicious Muhurat for Maa Durga Puja and Pandal Curtain Opening
The auspicious time for worshipping Maa Durga and opening the curtains of the Durga Puja pandal is Saturday, October 17, 2026, until 8:58 AM.
Maha Ashtami Fast and Puja Timings
- Ashtami Tithi begins: Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 5:54 AM.
- Ashtami Tithi ends: Monday, October 19, 2026, at 7:53 AM.
Note: Ashtami Puja is performed during the evening. Therefore, the Ashtami observance will take place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, and the Maha Nishtha Puja will be performed.
When Is Navami? When Should Navami Puja Be Performed?
- Navami Tithi begins: Monday, October 19, 2026, at 7:54 AM.
- Navami Tithi ends: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 9:34 AM.
The Navami fast will be observed on Monday, October 19, 2026. Chamunda Puja and Bali Puja can be performed after 9:34 AM on this day, as stated in the provided schedule. On October 20, Navami will be observed according to the Udaya Tithi (the lunar date prevailing at sunrise) until 9:34 AM.
Auspicious Time for Navratri Parana
Navratri Parana, marking the conclusion of the Navratri fast, will be performed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, after 9:34 AM.
Jyotishacharya Sanjeet Kumar Mishra
Astrology, Vastu and Gemstone Expert
Contact: 8080426594 / 9545290847
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