Navratri October 2026: First Day Celebration, Maa Shailputri Puja and Ghatasthapana

Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga. The first day marks the beginning of nine days of devotion, prayer, fasting and celebration. Devotees worship Maa Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga, and pray for strength, peace, prosperity and happiness.

Navratri 2026 Day 1: Important Details

• Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026
• Goddess worshipped: Maa Shailputri
• Day 1 colour: Orange
• Main ritual: Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana

1. Who Is Maa Shailputri?

Maa Shailputri is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. Her name means “daughter of the mountain.” She is traditionally identified as the daughter of Himavan, the king of the Himalayas.

She is commonly depicted riding a white bull and holding a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other. Devotees worship her for strength, stability, devotion and spiritual well-being.

2. Ghatasthapana: First-Day Puja Ritual

Ghatasthapana is an important ritual performed on the first day of Sharad Navratri. It symbolises the invocation of Goddess Durga and the beginning of nine days of worship.

1. Clean the prayer area and prepare a sacred place for the puja.
2. Place an earthen pot with soil and barley seeds, according to family tradition.
3. Set up the sacred Kalash with water, mango leaves and a coconut.
4. Offer flowers, incense, a lamp, fruits and other puja items to Maa Shailputri.
5. Recite Durga mantras and perform the aarti.
6. Maintain the sacred setup throughout Navratri according to family tradition.

Ghatasthapana timing: A published New Delhi Panchang gives 6:19 AM–10:12 AM on 11 October 2026, with an alternative Abhijit Muhurat of 11:44 AM–12:31 PM. These timings are location-specific. Check a local Bengali Panchang for the correct time in West Bengal.

3. Maa Shailputri Mantra

ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥

Om Devi Shailputryai Namah

Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Shailputri.

4. Bhog and Fasting

Devotees may offer fresh fruits, milk, sweets and other traditional foods to the goddess. Some families offer white sweets or dishes made with milk according to their customs.

People observing a Navratri fast often eat fruits, dairy products and permitted fasting foods. Fasting practices vary, so follow your family tradition and personal health needs.

5. Why Is the First Day Important?

The first day represents a fresh spiritual beginning. Worshipping Maa Shailputri is traditionally associated with strength, courage, peace, family harmony, devotion and spiritual growth.

6. Navratri 2026: Festival Calendar

Date	Observance
11 October, Sunday	Day 1 – Maa Shailputri
12 October, Monday	Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini
13 October, Tuesday	Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta
14 October, Wednesday	Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda
15 October, Thursday	Day 5 – Maa Skandamata
16 October, Friday	Day 6 – Maa Katyayani
17 October, Saturday	Day 7 – Maa Kalaratri
18 October, Sunday	Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri
19 October, Monday	Day 9 – Maa Siddhidatri
20 October, Tuesday	Vijayadashami / Dussehra

Dates follow a commonly published Sharad Navratri calendar for 2026. Regional observances and tithi-based rituals can differ; check a local Panchang for your area.

Conclusion

Sharad Navratri begins on Sunday, 11 October 2026, with the worship of Maa Shailputri and the ritual of Ghatasthapana. Devotees welcome the festival through prayer, offerings, fasting and acts of kindness. The first day encourages everyone to begin the nine-day celebration with faith, positivity and devotion to Goddess Durga.

Jai Mata Di! 🙏