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Hindu Calendar/Sharad Navratri Begins

Sharad Navratri Begins (शारद नवरात्रि आरंभ) 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.

FestivalFasting Day

Sharad Navratri Begins

शारद नवरात्रि आरंभ

Hindu month: आश्विन

2026
Sunday, 11 October 2026
2027
Thursday, 30 September 2027

Panchang Basis (Tithi Rule)

Tithi
Pratipada
Paksha
Shukla
Hindu month
Ashvina (आश्विन)

Each year this observance falls on the Pratipada tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashvina. Because lunar tithis drift against the Gregorian calendar, the English date shifts every year — the tithi rule above is what stays fixed.

About This Festival

The most celebrated Navratri — nine nights of Goddess Durga worship

सबसे प्रसिद्ध नवरात्रि — देवी दुर्गा की नौ रातों का महोत्सव

Significance

The most popular of all four Navratris. Nine forms of Goddess Durga (Nav Durga) are worshipped over nine nights. Culminates in Vijayadashami. Garba and Dandiya Raas are performed in Gujarat and across India.

Puja Vidhi (How to Observe)

Day 1: Ghatasthapana at shubh muhurat — install Kalash with coconut, mango leaves. Light akhand jyoti. Worship Shailaputri (Day 1) through Siddhidatri (Day 9). Follow sattvic diet. Recite Durga Saptashati or Durga Chalisa daily.

Regional Names

Durga Puja (Bengal)Garba (Gujarat)

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Sharad Navratri Begins celebrated?

Sharad Navratri Begins is celebrated on Sunday, 11 October 2026 and on Thursday, 30 September 2027. The date changes each year because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar (Panchang) — every date here is computed from real planetary positions using the Swiss Ephemeris engine, not copied from a fixed list.

Is Sharad Navratri Begins a fasting (vrat) day?

Yes — Sharad Navratri Begins is observed as a vrat (fasting day). Devotees keep a fast and complete the puja before breaking it, following the puja vidhi for the day.

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