Maha Navami: Saturday, 9 October 2027. Navami tithi in New Delhi: 8 Oct, 06:28 – 9 Oct, 09:02 IST.
Timings in New Delhi
- Navami tithi
- 8 Oct, 06:28 – 9 Oct, 09:02
How we calculate this
- Computed with Swiss Ephemeris (Lahiri) from each city's own sunrise and sunset. Other almanacs can differ by a minute or two.
Maha Navami (महा नवमी) is a festival falling in the Hindu lunar month of आश्विन. Its position is fixed by tithi rather than by the Gregorian calendar, so the date moves every year and is computed from the panchang. Tradition keeps a fast on the day. The observance itself, and its puja vidhi, stay the same each year.
Maha Navami
महा नवमी
Hindu month: आश्विन
Panchang Basis (Tithi Rule)
Ashvina Shukla Navami fixes the day, so the English date moves each year.
About This Festival
The final night of Sharad Navratri — Siddhidatri puja, the concluding havan of the nine-night vrat, kanya pujan where it was not done on ashtami, and Ayudha Puja in the south, before Vijayadashami's celebrations begin.
शारदीय नवरात्रि की अंतिम रात्रि — सिद्धिदात्री पूजा, नवरात्रि व्रत का समापन हवन, कन्या पूजन और दक्षिण भारत में आयुध पूजा का दिन।
Significance
Last day of Navratri worship, marking the culmination of the Goddess's nine-night battle against the demon Mahishasura. Goddess Durga granted victory to the Devas on this day, so Maha Navami is revered as the triumph of dharma over adharma. Siddhidatri, the ninth Navadurga, is believed to bless sincere devotees with siddhis — spiritual attainments — and to remove ignorance. In Bengal and eastern India, Maha Navami is one of the grandest days of Durga Puja, with elaborate bhog offerings and the concluding rituals of the pandal worship; in South India it is observed as Ayudha Puja, when tools, books, and instruments are honoured as embodiments of the Goddess's power. Preparations begin for Dussehra, and many families conclude their Navratri vrat after Kanya Pujan on this day.
Puja Vidhi (How to Observe)
Take an early bath and make a sankalp for the final day of worship. Perform the Maha Puja of Goddess Durga with flowers, kumkum, and incense, and worship Goddess Siddhidatri, the ninth form of the Navadurga. Offer a havan with the traditional Navami offerings. Conduct Kanya Pujan — welcome nine young girls as living forms of the Navadurga, wash their feet, offer a bhog of halwa, puri, and black chana, and give dakshina or small gifts. Feed Brahmins and the needy. Families in South India also perform Ayudha Puja, honouring tools, instruments, books, and vehicles. Those keeping the Navratri fast traditionally break it after Kanya Pujan, according to family tradition.
Regional Names
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Maha Navami celebrated?
Maha Navami falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 and on Saturday, 9 October 2027.
Is Maha Navami a fasting (vrat) day?
Yes, Maha Navami is a vrat.
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