Quick Answer
Navratri 2026 (Sharad Navratri) begins on Sunday, 11 October, and continues for nine nights through Monday, 19 October, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. Each of the nine nights honours a different form of Goddess Durga — the Navadurga — with its own colour, energy, and traditionally associated crystal. This guide covers the complete calendar, the meaning of each day, and how to bring intention-based crystal energy into your Navratri celebration.
Navratri 2026: Complete Date & Calendar
| Event | Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| Navratri Begins (Ghatasthapana) | Sunday, 11 October |
| Nine Nights of Worship | 11–19 October |
| Durga Ashtami | 18 October |
| Maha Navami | 19 October |
| Vijayadashami (Dussehra) | Tuesday, 20 October |
Ghatasthapana — the ritual installation of the sacred Kalash — marks the formal start of the festival and must be performed during the auspicious morning muhurat on Day 1. Exact minute-by-minute timing varies by city; confirm with your local Panchang closer to the date.
The Nine Nights: Navadurga Forms, Colours & Crystal Energy
Each night of Navratri is dedicated to one form of the Goddess. Traditionally, devotees wear the colour of the day and focus their prayers on the quality that the form represents. Pairing this with a crystal that reflects the same energy is a meaningful way to deepen the practice.
Day 1 — Shailputri: Purity & New Beginnings (Yellow)
Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains, represents purity and the start of the spiritual journey. Selenite — known for its cleansing, purifying quality — is a fitting stone to place on the altar as Navratri begins, clearing the space before the nine nights ahead.
Day 2 — Brahmacharini: Devotion & Discipline (Green)
This form represents penance and unwavering devotion. Amethyst, traditionally associated with spiritual focus and calm discipline, supports the meditative intention of this day.
Day 3 — Chandraghanta: Courage & Grace (Grey)
Chandraghanta is depicted ready for battle, yet graceful. Tiger's Eye, associated with courage and inner strength, mirrors this balance of boldness and composure.
Day 4 — Kushmanda: Creative & Cosmic Energy (Orange)
Believed to have created the universe with her smile, Kushmanda represents vital, creative life-force. Sunstone, linked to vitality and creative energy, reflects this radiant quality.
Day 5 — Skandamata: Nurturing & Motherly Love (White)
As the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), this form embodies maternal love and protection. Rose Quartz, the stone most associated with unconditional love, is a natural pairing for this day's intention.
Day 6 — Katyayani: Strength & Warrior Energy (Red)
Katyayani represents fierce strength and the courage to fight for what's right. Red Jasper, traditionally linked to grounded strength and endurance, supports this warrior energy.
Day 7 — Kalaratri: Protection & Destroying Darkness (Royal Blue)
Considered the fiercest form of the Goddess, Kalaratri destroys ignorance and negativity. Black Tourmaline, one of the most trusted protective stones, aligns closely with this day's protective intention.
Day 8 — Mahagauri: Peace & Forgiveness (Pink)
Mahagauri represents purity, calm, and forgiveness — often worshipped on Ashtami alongside Kanya Puja. Clear Quartz, the "Master Healer" associated with clarity and purity, complements this gentle, forgiving energy.
Day 9 — Siddhidatri: Spiritual Perfection (Purple)
The final form, Siddhidatri, bestows spiritual accomplishment and grants siddhis (supernatural attainments). A 7 Chakra crystal set, representing complete energetic alignment, is a fitting way to mark the culmination of the nine nights.
Setting Up Your Navratri Puja Altar
A meaningful Kalash setup goes beyond the traditional coconut and mango leaves. Many households now include a Durga or Devi idol as the centrepiece of their altar throughout the nine days — a lasting piece that returns to the altar every year, unlike decorations that are discarded after the festival. Explore our full God Idols collection for pieces crafted to anchor your Navratri and year-round puja space.
Navratri Fasting: Supporting the Nine-Day Practice
Many devotees observe a full or partial fast through the nine nights. Alongside a sattvic diet, some pair their fasting practice with a grounding stone — Black Tourmaline or Amethyst — worn or kept nearby as a steady, physical reminder of the discipline and intention behind the fast.
Gifting for Navratri
Navratri is also a time of visiting family, attending Garba and Dandiya nights, and exchanging small gifts. A crystal bracelet or a small Devi idol makes a more lasting gift than sweets alone — something that carries the spirit of the festival well past Vijayadashami. Browse our God Idols and full crystal collections for Navratri-ready gifting options.
Reiki-Charged for Your Navratri Practice
Every crystal at Calminds goes through our proprietary S.P.A.C.E. process — sourced, purified, activated, charged, and energised — developed by founder Sweeny Panjrath, a Certified Reiki Grandmaster with over nine years of experience in crystal healing. Whether you're setting up your Kalash, observing a fast, or gifting a loved one this Navratri, each piece is prepared with intention before it reaches you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of Navratri in 2026?
Navratri 2026 (Sharad Navratri) begins on Sunday, 11 October and continues through Monday, 19 October, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
What are the 9 days of Navratri dedicated to?
Each of the nine nights honours a different form of Goddess Durga — Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri — collectively known as the Navadurga.
What is the colour for each day of Navratri?
The widely followed sequence is: Day 1 Yellow, Day 2 Green, Day 3 Grey, Day 4 Orange, Day 5 White, Day 6 Red, Day 7 Royal Blue, Day 8 Pink, Day 9 Purple.
Which day is Kanya Puja performed on?
Kanya Puja is typically performed on Ashtami (Day 8) or Navami (Day 9), when young girls are worshipped as living representations of the Goddess.
Can crystals really be used during Navratri worship?
Crystals aren't a scriptural requirement, but many devotees use them as a personal, meditative aid — a physical object that reflects the quality or energy they're focusing on for that day's worship. It's a traditional wellness practice, not a religious substitute.
What is the difference between Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri?
Chaitra Navratri falls in spring (March–April) and marks the Hindu New Year, while Sharad Navratri falls in autumn (September–October) and is the larger, more widely celebrated of the two, culminating in Dussehra.
Preparing your Navratri altar this year? Explore our full God Idols collection and Reiki-charged crystals to bring intention to all nine nights.
