Check Navratri 2026 dates for Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Navami and Dussehra, along with important tithi timings and Vijay Muhurat.
Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. During these nine days, devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, perform special rituals and seek the blessings of the Goddess. The final days hold particular importance because of Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, Kanya Pujan, Navratri Parana and Dussehra.
This year, devotees may find it difficult to determine the correct dates for Ashtami and Navami because the respective tithis extend across two calendar days. According to the Panchang details provided, Maha Ashtami falls around October 18–19, while Navami is observed on October 19. Dussehra will be celebrated on October 20, 2026.
If you are planning your festival rituals, here is a detailed guide to the Navratri 2026 dates, important tithi timings and auspicious muhurats.
When Is Saptami During Navratri 2026?
Saptami is an important day of Navratri when devotees worship Goddess Durga and continue their religious observances. In 2026, the Saptami tithi extends across October 17 and 18, according to the supplied Panchang information.
The date on which devotees observe Saptami-related rituals may depend on their family traditions and the day chosen for Ashtami celebrations. Those observing Maha Ashtami on October 18 may follow October 17 for their Saptami observance, while devotees celebrating Ashtami on October 19 may observe Saptami on October 18.
Devotees should check their local Panchang before deciding on the precise fasting and puja schedule.
Maha Ashtami 2026: October 18 or October 19?
Maha Ashtami is among the most important days of Sharadiya Navratri. Devotees worship Goddess Durga, perform special pujas and havans, and, in many households, arrange Kanya Pujan according to their religious customs.
The Ashtami tithi is expected to begin at 8:27 am on October 18 and end at 10:51 am on October 19, 2026, according to the timings supplied.
This overlap has led to differing views on the appropriate day for Maha Ashtami celebrations. Some Panchang calculations favour October 19, while certain scholars recommend October 18 based on the tithi’s presence during the night.
Pandit Sujit Ji Maharaj has described Ashwin Shukla Ashtami as “Moharatri” and emphasised the significance of the Nishita period for certain forms of worship. Based on this interpretation, he recommends Sunday, October 18, for the main Ashtami observance and specific night-time rituals.
Because observance rules can differ by tradition and region, devotees should follow the guidance of their family priest or a trusted local Panchang.
When Is Maha Navami in 2026?
Maha Navami will be observed on Monday, October 19, 2026, according to the supplied festival calendar. It marks the final phase of the nine-day worship of Goddess Durga and is considered highly significant by devotees.
The Navami tithi is expected to begin at 10:51 am on October 19 and continue until 12:50 pm on October 20.
also read:-Navratri Ashtami And Navami 2026: Date, Puja Timings,…
Many devotees perform Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami. During this ritual, young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the Goddess and offered food, gifts and prayers. The exact day for Kanya Pujan varies according to family traditions, regional practices and the Panchang followed.
Those planning Navami puja, havan or other religious ceremonies should confirm the local tithi timings before finalising their schedule.
Navratri Parana 2026: When Can Devotees Break Their Fast?
Navratri Parana refers to the conclusion of the Navratri fast. The appropriate time depends on the type of fast being observed and the religious tradition followed by the devotee.
According to the supplied Panchang details, Dashami begins at 12:50 pm on October 20 and ends at 2:11 pm on October 21, 2026. Devotees whose fasting practice calls for breaking their fast after the relevant tithi transition may consider the time after 12:50 pm on October 20.
However, there is no single Parana rule that applies to every household or fasting tradition. Some devotees conclude their fast after Ashtami or Navami rituals, while others follow Dashami-related observances. It is advisable to consult the local Panchang or family priest to establish the appropriate time.
Dussehra 2026 Date and Vijay Muhurat
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The festival symbolises the victory of good over evil and is associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana as well as Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura.
The Vijay Muhurat is traditionally regarded as an auspicious period for beginning important activities and performing certain religious observances. According to the supplied timings, the Vijay Muhurat on Dussehra will be from 1:59 pm to 2:45 pm.
The Aparahna puja period is listed as 1:14 pm to 3:30 pm. These timings should be checked against a location-specific Panchang, as auspicious periods can vary by city.
Navratri 2026: Important Dates at a Glance
Here is a quick overview of the key dates for the final days of Navratri:
Saptami: October 17 or 18, depending on the observance.
Maha Ashtami: October 18 or 19, depending on the Panchang and tradition.
Maha Navami: October 19.
Dashami and suggested Parana timing: October 20, with the supplied Dashami tithi beginning at 12:50 pm.
Dussehra: October 20.
Vijay Muhurat: 1:59 pm to 2:45 pm, according to the supplied timings.
The Navratri 2026 dates are especially important for devotees planning fasting, Kanya Pujan, havan and other religious ceremonies. Since Ashtami and Navami tithis span two calendar dates, the day chosen for a particular ritual may differ between regions and traditions.
Before observing a fast or scheduling a puja, check the Panchang applicable to your location. This will help you follow the relevant tithi, sunrise-based observance rules and auspicious muhurat according to your tradition.
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