Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October, and continues till Monday, 19 October, culminating in Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on 20 October. The nine-day festival dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga) formally starts with Kalash Sthapana, also known as Ghatasthapana.
Kalash Sthapana Date
Kalash Sthapana will be performed on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Although Ashwin Shukla Pratipada Tithi begins around 9:19 PM on 10 October and ends around 9:30 PM on 11 October, the tradition follows the tithi present at sunrise. Hence, 11 October is observed as the first day of Navratri and the day for installing the sacred kalash.
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Shubh Muhurat for Kalash Sthapana 2026
According to widely followed Panchang calculations (New Delhi reference):
Primary Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM (duration: approximately 3 hours 52 minutes)
Abhijit Muhurat (alternative window): 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM (duration: about 46 minutes)
These timings vary slightly by city due to differences in sunrise. For example, Mumbai’s morning window is roughly 6:31 AM–10:27 AM, while Kolkata’s is earlier. Devotees are advised to consult their local Panchang for precise city-specific muhurat.
Significance of Kalash Sthapana
Kalash Sthapana marks the invocation of Goddess Shakti into the home or pandal. A clean earthen or copper pot is filled with water (preferably Ganga jal), topped with mango leaves and a coconut, and placed on a bed of soil sown with barley seeds. This ritual symbolises the arrival of Maa Durga and the beginning of nine days of devotion, fasting, and worship, starting with Maa Shailputri.
Perform the ritual during the auspicious window, preferably in the morning, while maintaining purity and devotion. Avoid night-time installation. May the divine energy of Navratri 2026 bring strength, prosperity, and blessings to all devotees.
