In 2026, Sharad Navratri begins on October 11 and the festival ends with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, on October 20. Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, known as Navadurga . During Sharad Navratri, devotees pray, observe fasting traditions and celebrate the victory of good over evil.
These forms carry spiritual meanings that devotees may reflect on during prayer and meditation. Use this day to reflect on your foundations and work through fear or insecurity. Focus on patience and staying committed to your goals. Reflect on how you express yourself and maintain healthy boundaries. Make space for gratitude, hope and joy. Remember to care for yourself as well as others. Find the strength to face difficult situations. Reflect on the challenges you want to overcome. Consider letting go of guilt and practising self-forgiveness. Reflect on your strengths and the choices you can make with confidence. Also Read Sadhguru on Navratri: Why these nine nights are linked to transformation, not just celebration Navratri celebrates Shakti, the divine feminine power, and the victory of good over evil. For many devotees, the nine days also offer an opportunity to reflect on personal growth, faith and inner strength. Acharya Poonam Dutta of Satyamshakti, Chief Astrologer at BV Astro, offers another spiritual interpretation of the nine forms. She connects them with inner challenges such as inertia, impulsiveness, people-pleasing, burnout, fear and self-doubt.
Also Read Sharad Navratri Day 1 2026: What Maa Shailputri brings to spiritual seekers According to the Drik Panchang calendar for San Jose, California, Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Day 1, Maa Shailputri: She represents strength and stability. Day 2, Maa Brahmacharini: She represents devotion and discipline. Day 3, Maa Chandraghanta: She symbolises courage. Day 4, Maa Kushmanda: She represents creative energy and warmth. Day 5, Maa Skandamata: She represents nurturing and care. Day 6, Maa Katyayani: She symbolises courage and determination. Day 7, Maa Kalaratri: She represents the power to confront darkness and fear. Day 8, Maa Mahagauri: She symbolises peace and purity. Day 9, Maa Siddhidatri : She represents spiritual fulfilment and wisdom.
The main dates are: According to vedic astrologer, Acharya Poonam Dutta of BV Astro, e ach day of Navratri honours a different form of Goddess Durga.
