Shardiya Navratri 2026: Dates, Nine Devis, Crystals and Rudraksha Guide
Shardiya Navratri is a time for devotion, self-discipline, prayer, service and inner reflection. Devotees worship the nine forms of Maa Durga, collectively known as Navdurga:
Shailputri → Brahmacharini → Chandraghanta → Kushmanda → Skandamata → Katyayani → Kalaratri → Mahagauri → Siddhidatri.
Many devotees also ask: “Which crystal can I use for each Devi? Which Rudraksha should I wear? Does every Goddess have a prescribed gemstone?”
Wearing a different crystal, gemstone or Rudraksha for each Navdurga form is not a universally prescribed ritual requirement. In this guide, crystals are optional symbolic reminders of personal intentions. Rudraksha suggestions reflect devotional traditions rather than compulsory rules.
Keep Maa Durga, mantra, devotion, sattvic conduct and actions aligned with your intentions at the centre of your Navratri practice.
Quick Answer: When Is Shardiya Navratri 2026?
Navratri begins and Ghatasthapana: Sunday, 11 October 2026.
Saptami: Present at sunrise on both 17 and 18 October. Ashtami begins later on 18 October.
Durga Ashtami and Mahagauri Puja: Monday, 19 October 2026.
Sandhi Puja and Maha Navami Puja: Monday, 19 October 2026.
Sandhi Puja: 10:27 AM–11:15 AM IST on 19 October.
Navami Tithi: Begins at 10:51 AM IST on 19 October and ends at 12:50 PM IST on 20 October.
Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan and Vijayadashami: Listed on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
Calendar reference: Drik Panchang, New Delhi. Ritual timings and regional observances may differ. A tithi transition time is not automatically a complete puja muhurat.
Why the Nine Devi Forms Do Not Fit Nine Consecutive Dates in 2026
In 2026, the lunar tithis do not follow a simple pattern of one new tithi on each civil date. Saptami is present at two consecutive sunrises, while Ashtami changes to Navami on 19 October.
This guide therefore groups Kalaratri's Saptami practice across 17–18 October. It places Mahagauri with Durga Ashtami on 19 October and Siddhidatri's Navami practice after Navami begins that day.
These devotional placements need to be distinguished from the source calendar: Drik lists Kalaratri Puja on 17 October, while its 18 October entry lists Saptami without separately naming Kalaratri Puja. On 19 October, it lists Maha Navami but does not separately name Siddhidatri Puja.
The continuation and Siddhidatri placement are DivineRoots' devotional editorial arrangement. Navami remains present on the morning of 20 October. Follow your family tradition and local Panchang for actual ritual observance.
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Shardiya Navratri 2026: Calendar and Devi-Wise Crystal Guide
| Date — 2026 | Tithi / Observance | Devi / Practice | Daily Colour | Optional Crystal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, 11 October | Pratipada, Ghatasthapana | Maa Shailputri | Orange | Tiger Eye |
| Monday, 12 October | Dwitiya | Maa Brahmacharini | White | Clear Quartz / Sphatik |
| Tuesday, 13 October | Tritiya | Maa Chandraghanta | Red | Red Carnelian |
| Wednesday, 14 October | Chaturthi | Maa Kushmanda | Royal Blue | Amethyst |
| Thursday, 15 October | Panchami | Maa Skandamata | Yellow | Citrine |
| Friday, 16 October | Shashthi | Maa Katyayani | Green | Green Aventurine |
| Saturday, 17 October | Saptami at sunrise, Kalaratri Puja | Maa Kalaratri | Grey | Black Tourmaline |
| Sunday, 18 October | Saptami at sunrise; Ashtami begins later | Maa Kalaratri — Saptami practice continues | Purple | Black Tourmaline |
| Monday, 19 October | Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja and Sandhi Puja | Maa Mahagauri | Peacock Green | Rose Quartz |
| Monday, 19 October — after 10:51 AM IST | Navami begins; Maha Navami Puja | Maa Siddhidatri — Navami practice | Peacock Green | Green Jade |
| Tuesday, 20 October | Navami until 12:50 PM IST, followed by Dashami. Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Parana, Visarjan and Vijayadashami listed on this date. | Navami worship continues; concluding rituals | No separate colour listed in the nine-colour sequence | Continue your chosen crystal if desired |
About the colours: The colours follow the popular nine-day calendar sequence. They are not permanent or compulsory colours for individual Goddesses. Both sections dated 19 October therefore show Peacock Green.
About the crystals: A crystal does not need to match the daily colour. Rose Quartz for Mahagauri and Green Jade for Siddhidatri are symbolic suggestions based on the intentions used in this guide.
Reference: Calendar dates, colours and timings follow Drik Panchang, New Delhi. Kalaratri's Saptami continuation on 18 October and Siddhidatri's Navami placement on 19 October are DivineRoots' devotional editorial arrangement. Crystal pairings are optional symbolic suggestions. Regional observances may differ.
Are Nine Crystals a Scriptural Navratri Requirement?
No. The crystal pairings below are a modern intention-based approach. They are not a compulsory puja method, a prescription from Drik Panchang or a requirement for receiving Maa Durga's blessings.
You may use one crystal throughout Navratri, keep a Sphatik Mala for jaap, wear Rudraksha or practise without any spiritual product.
Crystals cannot guarantee health, financial or spiritual outcomes. Let them remind you of the qualities you intend to practise.
1. Maa Shailputri — A Grounded Beginning
Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026
Tithi / Occasion: Pratipada and Ghatasthapana.
Maa Shailputri is the first Navdurga form. Begin your practice with steadiness, faith and a clear intention.
Daily Colour: Orange
Optional Crystal: Tiger Eye
Intention: Courage and a grounded beginning.
Simple Mantra: ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः
Rudraksha Suggestion: 5 Mukhi for a simple regular spiritual practice.
Sankalp: “I begin my practice with faith, steadiness and discipline.”
2. Maa Brahmacharini — Discipline and Focus
Date: Monday, 12 October 2026
Tithi: Dwitiya.
Brahmacharini represents tapas, devotion and perseverance. Make consistency part of your daily prayer and conduct.
Daily Colour: White
Optional Crystal: Clear Quartz / Sphatik
Intention: Clarity and spiritual focus.
Simple Mantra: ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः
Rudraksha Suggestion: 5 Mukhi.
Sphatik Mala is used in Indian devotional practice for mantra repetition and meditation.
3. Maa Chandraghanta — Courage and Awareness
Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Tithi: Tritiya.
Chandraghanta's form inspires courage, alertness and commitment to Dharma. Reflect on how to act confidently and responsibly.
Daily Colour: Red
Optional Crystal: Red Carnelian
Intention: Confidence and purposeful action.
Simple Mantra: ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः
Rudraksha Suggestion: 5 Mukhi for general practice; 9 Mukhi is optional within Devi-oriented traditions.
4. Maa Kushmanda — Light and Creation
Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Tithi: Chaturthi.
Kushmanda's form is associated with creation and light. Use your practice as an opportunity for reflection and constructive thinking.
Daily Colour: Royal Blue
Optional Crystal: Amethyst
Intention: Reflection and meditation.
Simple Mantra: ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः
Rudraksha Suggestion: 5 Mukhi.
5. Maa Skandamata — Care and Responsibility
Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Tithi: Panchami.
Skandamata holds Skanda, also known as Kartikeya, in her lap. Reflect on nurturing strength, care and responsibility.
Daily Colour: Yellow
Optional Crystal: Citrine
Intention: Optimism and constructive action.
Simple Mantra: ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः
Rudraksha Suggestion: 5 Mukhi is a simple choice. Some Rudraksha traditions associate 6 Mukhi with Kartikeya; this should not be treated as a universal prescription for Skandamata worship.
6. Maa Katyayani — Strength and Resolve
Date: Friday, 16 October 2026
Tithi: Shashthi.
Katyayani's warrior form inspires strength and resolve. Let your intention include standing up for what is right through thoughtful action.
Daily Colour: Green
Optional Crystal: Green Aventurine
Intention: Growth and confident progress.
Simple Mantra: ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः
Rudraksha Suggestion: Optional 9 Mukhi within Devi-oriented traditions, or 5 Mukhi for general practice.
7. Maa Kalaratri — Courage and Steadiness
Dates: Saturday, 17 October & Sunday, 18 October 2026
Tithi Note: Saptami is present at sunrise on both dates. Ashtami begins later on 18 October; this combined section does not mean Saptami lasts throughout that date.
Drik Panchang lists Kalaratri Puja on 17 October. Including the following morning's Saptami practice here is DivineRoots' devotional editorial arrangement.
Kalaratri's form inspires courage in the face of fear and steadiness in Dharma.
Daily Colours: Grey on 17 October; Purple on 18 October.
Optional Crystal: Black Tourmaline
Intention: Grounding and a protection intention.
Simple Mantra: ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः
Rudraksha Suggestion: Optional 9 Mukhi for Devi-oriented practice or 5 Mukhi for general practice.
8. Maa Mahagauri — Purity and Compassion
Date: Monday, 19 October 2026
Occasion: Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja and Sandhi Puja.
Mahagauri's form reminds devotees of purity, forgiveness and inner peace. Make kindness and patience part of your intention.
Daily Colour: Peacock Green
Optional Crystal: Rose Quartz
Intention: Compassion and emotional gentleness.
Simple Mantra: ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः
Rudraksha Suggestion: 5 Mukhi.
Sandhi Puja Time: Monday, 19 October 2026 — 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM IST, according to Drik Panchang for New Delhi.
Timing Note: The Ashtami–Navami transition occurs at 10:51 AM IST. The Sandhi Puja window starts 24 minutes before this transition and ends 24 minutes after it. Check your local Panchang and regional tradition for ritual guidance.
9. Maa Siddhidatri — Gratitude and Fulfilment
Date: Monday, 19 October 2026 — Navami begins at 10:51 AM IST
Occasion: Maha Navami Puja is listed on this date in the New Delhi reference calendar.
Siddhidatri is the ninth Navdurga form. Let your practice express gratitude, humility and spiritual fulfilment.
Daily Colour: Peacock Green, since this section also falls on 19 October.
Optional Crystal: Green Jade
Intention: Balance, gratitude and responsible growth.
Simple Mantra: ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः
Rudraksha Suggestion: Optional 9 Mukhi within Devi-oriented traditions, or 5 Mukhi for general practice.
Sankalp: “Maa, may the faith, patience and discipline developed through my practice continue in my everyday actions.”
Clarification: This placement follows Siddhidatri's traditional association with Navami. Drik lists Maha Navami on this date without separately naming Siddhidatri Puja. Navami continues until 12:50 PM IST on 20 October. The 10:51 AM time marks the tithi's beginning, not a complete puja muhurat.
20 October — Continuing Navami Worship and Vijayadashami
Date: Tuesday, 20 October 2026
In the New Delhi reference, Navami remains until 12:50 PM IST, followed by Dashami.
The calendar lists the following observances on this date:
- Ayudha Puja;
- Navami Homa;
- Navratri Parana, or breaking the fast;
- Durga Visarjan;
- Vijayadashami / Dussehra.
These observances do not all share one ritual time. Refer to the relevant muhurat and your tradition for Homa, Parana and Visarjan. Do not assume the end of Navami is the starting time for every concluding ritual.
Carry your Navratri intentions forward through courage, discipline and responsible action.
Which Rudraksha Should You Choose: 5 Mukhi or 9 Mukhi?
5 Mukhi Rudraksha
For regular mantra practice, meditation and a simple daily spiritual routine, 5 Mukhi is a practical option. You do not need a different Mukhi for every Devi.
Explore 5 Mukhi Rudraksha Mala 108+1
9 Mukhi Rudraksha
Many contemporary Rudraksha traditions associate 9 Mukhi with Navdurga and Shakti. It may be chosen for Devi-oriented practice, but it is not compulsory for Navratri.
Explore 9 Mukhi Indonesian Rudraksha
Faith, regular prayer and right conduct do not depend on purchasing a particular bead.
Do You Need to Change Your Crystal Bracelet Every Day?
No. You can:
- Wear one crystal bracelet throughout Navratri;
- Use a Sphatik Mala for mantra practice;
- Wear a Rudraksha bracelet or mala;
- Use crystals you already own as reminders of your intentions;
- Focus entirely on prayer, mantra and service without any crystal.
Worshipping nine Devi forms does not require nine purchases.
A Simple Way to Wear Rudraksha During Navratri
- Bathe and wear clean clothes.
- Place the Rudraksha in a clean puja space.
- Remember Maa Durga, Lord Shiva, your Isht Devta and your Kul Devta.
- Offer incense or a diya according to your tradition.
- Take a sincere Sankalp for devotion and consistent practice.
- You may chant Om Namah Shivaya or your customary Devi mantra 11 or 21 times.
- Wear the bracelet or mala comfortably.
Care: Keep Rudraksha away from soap, shampoo, perfume and sanitiser. Removing it before bathing is a practical way to protect it.
Follow your Guru's instructions or family tradition if they prescribe a different method.
A Simple Daily Navratri Practice
- Bathe and keep your prayer space clean.
- Light a diya and offer your pranam to Maa Durga.
- Meditate on the Devi form followed in your tradition.
- Chant with devotion; 11 or 21 repetitions can be a simple personal routine.
- Offer fresh, suitable prasad according to your family tradition.
- Observe fasting according to your health and capacity.
- Choose one practical intention, such as patience, truthfulness, service or anger control.
- Reflect on your actions and end the day with gratitude.
Give consistency and aligned actions more importance than the spiritual products you use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming every civil date represents a new lunar tithi.
- Assigning the nine Devis directly to 11–19 October without checking the 2026 Panchang.
- Presenting daily colours as compulsory or permanent colours of individual Goddesses.
- Treating crystal pairings as scriptural gemstone prescriptions.
- Believing a new bracelet or Rudraksha is necessary for each Devi.
- Expecting guaranteed health, wealth or spiritual outcomes from a crystal or bead.
- Choosing Jyotish gemstones such as Blue Sapphire or Yellow Sapphire solely from festival colours.
- Ignoring health needs during fasting or overlooking local ritual timings.
Nine Devis, One Central Practice: Faith, Discipline and Right Action
Crystals and Rudraksha can remind you of your Sankalp. Support your devotion with regular mantra practice, service, self-discipline and actions that reflect your intention.
Key Summary
Navratri begins: Sunday, 11 October 2026.
Saptami at sunrise: 17 and 18 October.
Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja and Maha Navami Puja: Monday, 19 October.
Sandhi Puja: 10:27 AM–11:15 AM IST on 19 October.
Navami Tithi: 19 October at 10:51 AM to 20 October at 12:50 PM IST.
Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Parana, Visarjan and Vijayadashami: Listed on Tuesday, 20 October.
Mahagauri's optional crystal: Rose Quartz.
Siddhidatri's optional crystal: Green Jade.
Rudraksha: 5 Mukhi for general practice; optional 9 Mukhi within Devi-oriented traditions.
Reference: Calendar details follow New Delhi. The devotional arrangement and crystal suggestions are DivineRoots' editorial guidance. Regional traditions may differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does Shardiya Navratri 2026 begin?
It begins on Sunday, 11 October 2026 with Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja.
2. Why is Saptami shown on both 17 and 18 October?
Saptami is present at sunrise on both dates. Ashtami begins later on 18 October. Lunar tithis do not always correspond to separate civil dates.
3. When are Durga Ashtami and Mahagauri Puja?
Drik Panchang's New Delhi calendar lists both on Monday, 19 October 2026.
4. What is the Sandhi Puja time?
For New Delhi, it is 10:27 AM–11:15 AM IST on 19 October. The Ashtami–Navami transition occurs at 10:51 AM IST.
5. Is Maha Navami Puja on 19 or 20 October?
The reference page lists Maha Navami Puja on 19 October. Navami begins at 10:51 AM IST that day and continues until 12:50 PM IST on 20 October. Navami Homa and other concluding observances are also listed on 20 October. Follow your regional tradition.
6. Why is Siddhidatri's practice placed on 19 October?
This guide follows her traditional Navami association and places that practice after Navami begins on 19 October. It is DivineRoots' devotional editorial arrangement. Drik lists Maha Navami on the date without separately naming Siddhidatri Puja.
7. When is Vijayadashami 2026?
The New Delhi reference calendar lists Vijayadashami on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
8. Do Mahagauri and Siddhidatri have different daily colours on 19 October?
No. The popular nine-colour sequence gives Peacock Green for 19 October. The daily colour does not change when the tithi changes on the same date.
9. Do I need all nine crystals?
No. The pairings are optional. You can use one crystal, a Sphatik Mala, Rudraksha or no product at all.
10. Is 9 Mukhi Rudraksha compulsory?
No. Many Rudraksha traditions associate it with Navdurga and Shakti, but purchasing or wearing it is not required for Navratri.
11. Can I use a Sphatik Mala for mantra practice?
Yes, Sphatik Mala is used for jaap and meditation. Follow your Guru or family tradition if a particular mala has been prescribed.
12. Should I choose a Jyotish gemstone from the Navratri colour?
No. Do not select a planetary gemstone solely because it matches a festival colour. If you follow Jyotish traditions, consider individual horoscope guidance.
Calendar Sources and Reference Notes
- Drik Panchang — Shardiya Navratri 2026 Calendar, New Delhi
- Drik Panchang — Durga Ashtami 2026, New Delhi
- Drik Panchang — Maha Navami 2026 and Navami Tithi Timings, New Delhi
- DivineRoots — Hindi Version of This Guide
Calendar dates, colours, Sandhi Puja and Navami timings follow the New Delhi references above. Crystal pairings and the devotional presentation are DivineRoots' editorial suggestions. Check the year and location settings when opening Panchang sources.
About DivineRoots
DivineRoots shares practical guidance on Rudraksha, Sphatik Mala, natural crystals and Indian spiritual products. We distinguish traditional beliefs, modern crystal practices and Jyotish gemstone recommendations.
Our approach connects spiritual practice with faith, consistency, clear intention and aligned actions.