Navaratri Begins 2026

Devi Navaratri Begins: Kalasha Sthapana and the Start of Dasara

Sharannavaratri, also called Devi Navaratri, begins on Ashwayuja Shukla Padyami. On this first day families perform Kalasha Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) and then worship Goddess Durga in her different forms for nine nights, ending with Vijayadashami on the tenth day. For Telugu people, the festive mood of Dasara starts from this day.

Background

According to the Devi Mahatmyam, Goddess Durga fought Mahishasura for nine days and destroyed him on the tenth. Navaratri and Vijayadashami celebrate that victory. Other traditions say Sri Rama worshipped the Devi before his battle with Ravana, and that the Pandavas took back their weapons hidden in the jammi (shami) tree on Vijayadashami after their year in disguise. On the first day, Goddess Shailaputri, daughter of the mountain king, is usually worshipped.

First-Day Puja Vidhanam

• Bathe early, clean the house and puja room, and tie mango-leaf toranams at the door.
• At the auspicious muhurtham, spread rice on a peeta, place a water-filled kalasham with mango leaves and a coconut, and invoke the Goddess.
• Some families sow navadhanyalu in a clay pot and water them for nine days to grow sprouts.
• Some keep an akhanda deepam burning through all nine days.
• Begin a parayanam of Lalitha Sahasranamam, Durga Saptashati or the Devi Bhagavatam.
• Offer pulihora, payasam, vadapappu and panakam and perform harathi.

Dasara in the Telugu States

At Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada, Kanaka Durgamma appears in a different alankaram each day of Dasara and lakhs of devotees visit. Navaratri is also celebrated grandly for Bhramaramba at Srisailam and Gnana Saraswati at Basara. In Telangana these are the days of Bathukamma, when women stack flowers into Bathukammas and sing and dance around them. Many homes set up a bommala koluvu and invite married women for perantam.

Fasting and Rules

Some devotees fast or eat one meal all nine days, while others fast only on the first day and on Ashtami. Sattvic food without onion and garlic and a peaceful atmosphere at home are customary. Choose a fasting method that suits your health.

May Jaganmata Durgamma bless everyone with strength, victory and peace this Navaratri.