📅 Navratri (Sharad) 2026 — Dates
Monday, 21 Sep 2026
UpcomingAbout Navratri (Sharad)
Navratri (Nine Nights) is the most important festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine manifestations (Navadurga). Each day is associated with a different form of the goddess. The festival celebrates the victory of Shakti (divine feminine energy) over the demon Mahishasura.
🎉 Traditions & Customs
Fasting is observed for 9 days, with many people eating only saatvik (pure) food — fruits, milk, and no grains. Colorful dandiya and garba dances are performed in the evening. Kanya Puja (worship of young girls as embodiments of the goddess) is performed on Ashtami or Navami. A jyot (holy flame) burns continuously in many homes.
🌾 In Haryana & Mundakhera
In Haryana villages, jagrans (all-night devotional singing) are organized during Navratri. The village Durga Mandir is decorated and special aarti is performed daily. Women take turns keeping vrat (fast). Kanya Puja on Ashtami is taken very seriously — 9 girls are fed puri-chana-halwa and gifted new clothes or coins.
🌙 Panchang Notes
Begins on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada. Ashtami and Navami are the most auspicious days for Devi puja.