Sharad Navratri 2026 is one of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to Maa Durga and her nine forms. Across India, devotees observe these nine days with fasting, prayers, aarti, meditation, Garba, Dandiya and traditional puja rituals.
In 2026, Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, with Ghatasthapana, and the Navratri worship continues through October 19. Vijayadashami/Dussehra falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
For many families, Navratri is also a time to bring traditional elements into the home, from lighting a diya and performing aarti to preparing havan samagri. Products traditionally associated with these rituals, such as desi cow bilona ghee, gobar kanda, havan cups and diyas, can be included according to one's family tradition and local puja practices.
In this guide, let us understand the Sharad Navratri 2026 dates, puja vidhi, essential pooja samagri, Ghatasthapana, havan essentials, and the role of traditional Gavyamart products in Navratri rituals.
When Is Sharad Navratri 2026?
According to the 2026 Navratri calendar for Gujarat, Sharad Navratri begins on October 11, 2026, with Ghatasthapana and Maa Shailputri Puja.
Sharad Navratri 2026 Calendar
| Day | Date | Puja / Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | October 11, 2026 (Sunday) | Ghatasthapana & Maa Shailputri Puja |
| Day 2 | October 12, 2026 (Monday) | Maa Brahmacharini Puja |
| Day 3 | October 13, 2026 (Tuesday) | Maa Chandraghanta Puja |
| Day 4 | October 14, 2026 (Wednesday) | Maa Kushmanda Puja |
| Day 5 | October 15, 2026 (Thursday) | Maa Skandamata Puja |
| Day 6 | October 16, 2026 (Friday) | Maa Katyayani Puja |
| Day 7 | October 17, 2026 (Saturday) | Maa Kalaratri Puja |
| Day 8 | October 18, 2026 (Sunday) | Maa Mahagauri / Durga Ashtami |
| Day 9 | October 19, 2026 (Monday) | Maa Siddhidatri / Maha Navami |
| Dussehra | October 20, 2026 (Tuesday) | Vijayadashami |
The detailed panchang can vary by location, so devotees should follow their local panchang or family tradition for exact muhurat timings. For example, Drik Panchang's Gujarat calendar lists Ghatasthapana on October 11 and the subsequent Navratri observances through October 20. In some regional calendars, such as Delhi's, Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami both fall on October 19.
What Is Sharad Navratri?
Sharad Navratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to Maa Durga and her nine forms, known as Navadurga.
The word Navratri comes from two Sanskrit words:
- Nav – nine
- Ratri – nights
During these nine nights, devotees traditionally focus on prayer, devotion, fasting, meditation, aarti and worship.
Different regions celebrate Navratri in different ways. In Gujarat, for example, Garba and Dandiya are an important part of the celebration, while many households also maintain a home shrine and perform daily puja.
The festival culminates in Vijayadashami, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
Sharad Navratri Puja Vidhi
The exact puja procedure can differ according to regional and family traditions. A simple home Navratri puja may include the following steps.
1. Clean the Puja Area
Before beginning Navratri, clean the place where you plan to establish the puja altar. You can decorate the area with:
- Rangoli
- Flowers
- Toran
- Red or yellow cloth
- Maa Durga's idol or picture
- Kalash
Keeping the puja space clean is traditionally considered an important part of preparing for worship.
2. Perform Ghatasthapana
Ghatasthapana, also called Kalash Sthapana, marks the beginning of Navratri worship.
Traditionally, a kalash filled with water is prepared and decorated with sacred items such as mango leaves and a coconut. Many households also sow barley or other grains in a pot as part of the ritual.
The exact procedure should be followed according to your family tradition and local panchang.
For 2026, Ghatasthapana falls on October 11.
3. Light a Diya
Lighting a diya is an important part of many Hindu puja traditions. A diya is commonly placed near the deity or puja altar before beginning prayers and aarti.
For Navratri, families may choose to light a diya during:
- Morning puja
- Evening aarti
- Durga Saptashati path
- Bhajan and devotional sessions
- Special Navratri rituals
Gavyamart Diya
For devotees looking for a traditional diya for their Navratri puja setup, Gavyamart's natural cow dung diyas can be included as part of the pooja samagri.
A simple traditional setup can include the diya alongside Maa Durga's idol, flowers, kumkum, roli, akshat and other puja essentials.
4. Perform Aarti
After completing the main puja, devotees traditionally perform Maa Durga's aarti. The aarti may be accompanied by:
- Diya
- Incense
- Flowers
- Bells
- Conch
- Devotional songs
Families can follow the aarti and prayers traditionally practised in their household or region.
5. Perform Havan
Some families perform a Navratri Havan during Ashtami, Navami or another chosen day according to their tradition.
Havan involves offerings into the sacred fire while mantras are recited. Common havan ingredients may include:
- Havan samagri
- Wood/sacred fuel as traditionally prescribed
- Gobar kanda
- Ghee
- Herbs and grains according to the havan tradition
The exact ingredients and procedure can vary depending on the ritual being performed.
Traditional Navratri Havan Essentials
Gobar Kanda
Gobar Kanda, traditionally made from cow dung, is used in various Indian household and religious practices, including certain forms of havan.
When used for a ritual fire, it should be handled and burned safely in an appropriate havan kund or designated vessel.
Gavyamart Gobar Kanda
Gavyamart Gobar Kanda can be included among the traditional items prepared for a Navratri havan. It can be paired with other havan essentials according to the family's customary havan vidhi.
Havan Cup for Navratri Puja
A havan can be performed using an appropriate havan kund or havan cup, depending on the scale and type of ritual.
For a small home puja, a compact setup can make the ritual more convenient while still maintaining the traditional character of the ceremony.
Gavyamart Havan Cup
Gavyamart's cow dung havan cups can be included in a home Navratri puja setup for those who prefer a convenient format for their traditional havan rituals.
For safety, always place the havan cup on a stable, heat-resistant surface and keep children, curtains, paper and other flammable materials away from the flame.
Why Is Ghee Used in Havan?
Ghee has traditionally been used as an offering in many Hindu fire rituals.
During a havan, small quantities of ghee may be offered into the sacred fire while specific mantras are recited.
For families who follow traditional cow-ghee-based rituals, Desi Cow Bilona Ghee can be part of the havan samagri.
Gavyamart Desi Cow Bilona Ghee for Navratri Puja
Gavyamart Desi Cow Bilona Ghee can be included in traditional puja and havan practices where ghee is used as an offering.
The traditional Bilona method involves preparing curd from milk, churning the curd to obtain makhan, and then making ghee from the makhan.
For Navratri, families can use Bilona ghee according to their household's puja and havan traditions. It can also be kept as part of the festive kitchen and puja essentials during the nine days.
Important: The amount and method of ghee used during a havan should follow the specific ritual instructions being followed.
Also Read: Bilona Ghee vs Regular Ghee: Method, Difference & How to Choose
Essential Pooja Items for Sharad Navratri 2026
If you are preparing for Navratri at home, keeping a checklist can make the puja preparation easier.
Basic Navratri Pooja Samagri
- Maa Durga idol or photograph
- Puja chowki
- Red or yellow cloth
- Kalash
- Coconut
- Mango leaves
- Roli
- Kumkum
- Akshat/rice
- Flowers
- Garland
- Fruits
- Sweets/prasad
- Incense
- Camphor
- Cotton wicks
- Diya
- Oil or ghee
- Water
- Panchamrit ingredients
- Bell
- Conch, if traditionally used
- Havan samagri
- Havan cup or kund
- Gobar kanda
- Desi cow ghee
Navratri Puja Essentials from Gavyamart
For those preparing a traditional puja setup, these Gavyamart products can be included according to your family's rituals:
- Gavyamart Diya: For lighting during daily puja and aarti.
- Gavyamart Havan Cup: For a convenient small-scale havan setup at home.
- Gavyamart Gobar Kanda: A traditional cow-dung-based fuel used in certain havan and religious practices.
- Gavyamart Desi Cow Bilona Ghee: Traditional Bilona ghee that can be used where ghee is required for puja or havan offerings.
Together, these products can help families prepare a simple traditional setup for Navratri puja and havan. You can find all of them in Gavyamart's Pooja & Hawan Essentials collection.
Navratri Puja Checklist: Quick Version
Before beginning your puja, you can use this simple checklist:
For Puja
- Maa Durga idol/photo
- Kalash
- Coconut
- Flowers
- Kumkum & roli
- Akshat
- Prasad
- Diya
For Aarti
- Diya
- Cotton wick
- Ghee/oil
- Camphor
- Incense
For Havan
- Havan kund/cup
- Gobar kanda, where traditionally used
- Havan samagri
- Desi cow ghee
- Suitable puja utensils
How to Prepare Your Home for Navratri
Navratri preparation doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple steps can help create a peaceful puja environment.
Clean the Puja Space
Clean the area before setting up the altar and remove unnecessary items around the puja space.
Prepare Pooja Samagri in Advance
Keep your essential items together so you don't have to search for them during the puja.
Keep the Diya Ready
Prepare your diya, wick and oil or ghee before the aarti.
Keep Havan Items Separately
If you plan to perform a havan, keep the havan cup/kund, samagri, gobar kanda and ghee together in a safe location.
Follow Your Family Tradition
Navratri rituals can vary from one family and region to another. Follow the puja vidhi, mantras and fasting practices traditionally followed in your household.
Why Traditional Products Are Part of Navratri Puja
Indian festivals have traditionally connected worship with natural and household materials.
A diya represents the light used during worship. Ghee is traditionally used in various fire rituals. Cow-derived materials such as gobar kanda have also been used as traditional fuel in some ritual practices.
Using these items during Navratri can therefore become part of maintaining a familiar traditional puja environment. However, the specific use of each item depends on the ritual and family tradition.
Navratri Havan Safety Tips
If you perform a havan at home, safety should always come first.
- Use a stable and heat-resistant havan setup.
- Keep the havan away from curtains, furniture and other flammable materials.
- Keep children at a safe distance.
- Do not leave the fire unattended.
- Use only the quantity of ghee and samagri appropriate for the ritual.
- Keep water or an appropriate fire-extinguishing method accessible.
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Extinguish the fire completely after the ritual.
For elaborate havans, families may choose to have the ritual performed or supervised by a knowledgeable priest.
Sharad Navratri 2026: Celebrate with Tradition
Sharad Navratri is a time when homes come alive with prayer, devotion, music and tradition.
From Ghatasthapana on October 11 to the concluding celebrations around Ashtami, Navami and Vijayadashami, each day offers an opportunity to spend time in devotion and connect with family traditions.
Whether your family observes a simple daily puja or performs a traditional havan, preparing the right pooja samagri can make the process organised and meaningful.
Gavyamart Diya, Havan Cup, Gobar Kanda and Desi Cow Bilona Ghee can be included among traditional Navratri essentials according to your family's puja practices.
This Navratri, prepare your puja space with care, follow your family traditions, and celebrate the nine nights of devotion with श्रद्धा and simplicity.
Shubh Sharad Navratri 2026! 🙏🌺
Shop Gavyamart Pooja & Hawan Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Sharad Navratri 2026?
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on October 11, 2026, with Ghatasthapana. The Navratri worship continues through October 19, followed by Vijayadashami on October 20.
2. When is Ghatasthapana in 2026?
Ghatasthapana is on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The exact auspicious timing varies by location, so devotees should check their local panchang.
3. What are the essential Navratri pooja items?
Common items include a Maa Durga idol or picture, kalash, coconut, flowers, kumkum, roli, akshat, diya, incense, camphor, prasad and other items according to the family's puja tradition.
4. Can ghee be used in Navratri havan?
Ghee is traditionally used as an offering in many Hindu fire rituals. The quantity and method should follow the specific havan vidhi being observed.
5. What is Gobar Kanda used for?
Gobar Kanda, traditionally made from cow dung, is used in several traditional practices and may be used as fuel in certain havan rituals.
6. What is Bilona Ghee?
Bilona ghee is traditionally prepared by first converting milk into curd, churning the curd to obtain makhan, and then heating the makhan to produce ghee.
