Sharannavaratri 2026

Sharannavaratri, popularly called Dasara Navaratrulu, is the nine-night festival of Goddess Durga from Ashwayuja Shukla Padyami to Ashwayuja Shukla Navami, followed by Vijayadashami on Dashami. It is the most celebrated of the four Navratris and is observed with great devotion across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The Puranic Background

The Devi Mahatmyam (Durga Saptashati) tells how the gods combined their powers to create Durga, who fought the buffalo demon Mahishasura and slew him, earning the name Mahishasura Mardini. Vijayadashami also marks Sri Rama's victory over Ravana, and the day the Pandavas took back their weapons from the Shami tree after their exile. So these days celebrate the victory of dharma over adharma.

Sharannavaratri in the Telugu States

At the Kanaka Durga temple on Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada, the goddess is decorated in a different alankaram each day, and lakhs of devotees visit. The day of Moola nakshatra is especially important as Saraswati puja, and the Gnana Saraswati temple at Basara is crowded for aksharabhyasam during these days. In Telangana, Bathukamma is celebrated alongside, ending with Saddula Bathukamma on Durgashtami. Many homes also arrange bommala koluvu (doll displays).

How to Perform the Puja at Home

• On Padyami, install a kalasham (Ghatasthapana) and sow navadhanyalu.
• Light the lamp daily and worship the goddess of the day; many follow the nine forms Shailaputri to Siddhidatri.
• Recite Lalitha Sahasranamam, Durga Saptashati or Devi Bhagavatam.
• Do Saraswati puja on Moola nakshatra, Durgashtami on Ashtami, and Ayudha puja on Navami.
• On Vijayadashami, worship the Shami (jammi) tree and exchange jammi leaves with elders.

Fasting and Rules

Some devotees fast through all nine days, some eat one meal a day, and some fast only on Ashtami or Navami. Sattvic food, celibacy and daily parayanam are the main disciplines. Follow what your health allows.

May Goddess Durga remove every obstacle and bless your home with victory and peace.