Written by the Vandanam editorial team, with inputs from our panel of verified Vedic pandits. Last updated September 2026.
Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on 11 October and ends on 20 October. Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) is done on the first day within a fixed muhurat window. This guide gives the nine-day calendar, the Ghatasthapana timing and vidhi, and how to set up the kalash and akhand jyot correctly at home.
Navratri 2026 nine-day calendar
| Day | Date (2026) | Goddess / ritual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Pratipada | 11 October | Ghatasthapana; Maa Shailputri |
| 2 – Dwitiya | 12 October | Maa Brahmacharini |
| 3 – Tritiya | 13 October | Maa Chandraghanta |
| 4 – Chaturthi | 14 October | Maa Kushmanda |
| 5 – Panchami | 15 October | Maa Skandamata |
| 6 – Shashthi | 16 October | Maa Katyayani |
| 7 – Saptami | 17 October | Maa Kalaratri |
| 8 – Ashtami | 18 October | Maa Mahagauri; Sandhi Puja |
| 9 – Navami | 19 October | Maa Siddhidatri; Havan & Kanya Pujan |
| 10 – Dashami | 20 October | Vijayadashami; visarjan |
Ghatasthapana muhurat on 11 October 2026
Ghatasthapana is performed in the morning during the Pratipada tithi, ideally in the first one-third of the day and avoiding the Chitra nakshatra and Vaidhriti yoga periods. If a clean morning muhurat is not available, the Abhijit muhurat around midday is used as an alternative. Because these windows are short and location-specific, most families have the pandit confirm the exact minutes for their area.
How to set up for Ghatasthapana at home
- Place: a clean spot in the north-east of the home (ishan kon).
- Jware (barley): a wide clay or brass bowl with a layer of clean soil; sow barley seeds evenly and sprinkle water.
- Kalash: a copper or brass pot filled with clean water, gangajal, a coin, whole rice, a betel nut, and five kinds of leaves at the mouth; a coconut wrapped in a red chunri on top.
- Akhand jyot: a ghee lamp kept continuously lit for all nine days — place it safely and top up the ghee daily.
- Idol or photo of Maa Durga, with shringar items (bangles, bindi, sindoor, chunri).
Durga Saptashati, Ashtami/Navami Havan and Kanya Pujan
Through the nine days a pandit can recite the full Durga Saptashati (Chandi Path), or a shorter version with the Navarna mantra, Argala, Keelak and selected adhyays if time is limited. The Havan is usually on Ashtami or Navami, followed by Kanya Pujan — worshipping young girls as forms of the Goddess, washing their feet, offering halwa-puri-chana and gifts.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ghatasthapana in 2026?
Ghatasthapana is on 11 October 2026, in the morning Pratipada muhurat. Confirm the exact minutes for your city with your pandit.
Can I book only Ghatasthapana and the Havan?
Yes. Many families book Ghatasthapana on Day 1 and the Havan with Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami, rather than all nine days.
What if the akhand jyot goes out?
Relight it calmly and continue; the intention and continuity of worship matter most. Keep spare ghee and wicks ready.
Which day is best for Kanya Pujan?
Ashtami (18 October) or Navami (19 October) 2026. Some families do it on both.
Book a pandit for Navratri Puja at home
Vandanam arranges verified Vedic pandits for Ghatasthapana, Durga Saptashati path, Havan and Kanya Pujan at home across Delhi NCR, with all samagri included. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 87964 76233, or see the Navratri Puja page to book. Families also pair Navratri with Navgraha Puja for planetary peace.