Devi Navratri Dates 2026

Devi Navratri, also called Sharan Navaratri, is the nine-night worship of Goddess Durga in nine forms from Ashwayuja Shukla Padyami to Navami, followed by Vijayadashami (Dasara) on the tenth day. It is among the grandest festivals of the year in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Puranic Background

The Devi Mahatmyam narrates how the demon Mahishasura, proud of his boons, tormented all three worlds. From the combined radiance of the Trimurti and the devas arose Goddess Durga, who fought him for nine days and slew him on the tenth, earning the name Mahishasuramardini. Tradition also holds that Sri Rama worshipped the Goddess before defeating Ravana, and that the Pandavas retrieved their weapons from the Shami tree on Vijayadashami at the end of their exile.

Navaratri in Telugu Lands

At Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada, Kanaka Durgamma appears in a different alankaram each day, with the Saraswati alankaram on Moola nakshatram drawing huge crowds. Srisailam celebrates Bhramaramba Devi and Basara honours Gnana Saraswati. In Telangana, the flower festival Bathukamma is played through these days and ends with Saddula Bathukamma on Durgashtami. Many Andhra families arrange a bommala koluvu (doll display). Ayudha puja on Navami, Shami puja and sighting the palapitta (Indian roller) on Vijayadashami are cherished customs.

Puja Steps

• Perform Ghatasthapana on Padyami and light an akhanda deepam.
• Worship one form daily: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.
• Read Lalitha Sahasranamam or Durga Saptashati every day.
• On Moola nakshatram, place books and study items before the Goddess for Saraswati puja.
• Do kanya puja on Durgashtami and ayudha puja on Mahanavami.
• Offer pulihora, daddojanam, chakkera pongali, payasam and bobbatlu as naivedyam.

Fasting Rules

Some devotees eat one meal a day for all nine days; others fast only on Ashtami. A sattvic diet without onion and garlic, and celibacy, are the common rules. Choose a level of fasting that suits your health.

Significance

The inner meaning of Navaratri is conquering the demons within us, such as desire, anger and greed, and walking the path of dharma. Elders say sincere worship of the Mother grants knowledge, strength and prosperity together.

May Durgamma's grace bring victory and joy to every home this Dasara.