Sharadiya Navratri, one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrates the divine power of Goddess Durga and her nine manifestations. Observed during the Hindu month of Ashwin, usually in September or October, the festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The celebrations culminate in Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, on the tenth day.
In 2026, Sharadiya Navratri began on Sunday, October 11, with Ghatasthapana, the ritual installation of a sacred pot, and the worship of Goddess Shailputri. The festival is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday, October 20, with Vijayadashami.
During the nine days, devotees worship a different form of the Goddess, offer prayers, perform rituals and observe fasts. One of the central legends associated with the festival is the battle between Maa Durga and Mahishasura, a powerful demon whose defeat represents the restoration of peace and the victory of divine power over evil.
Who was Mahishasura?
According to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Mahishasura was born from the union of Rambha and a female buffalo known as Mahishi. He consequently possessed the characteristics of both a human and a buffalo, making him a formidable demon.
According to Drik Panchang, Mahishasura undertook severe penance to seek immortality from Lord Brahma. When Brahma refused to grant him eternal life, the demon requested a boon that only a woman could kill him. Confident that no woman could challenge his power, he believed the condition would make him virtually invincible.
After receiving the boon, Mahishasura grew increasingly arrogant. He attacked the Earth and the underworld before turning his attention to heaven. Having defeated Lord Indra, he seized control of the celestial realm and forced the gods to search for a way to end his reign.
How Maa Durga was created
Unable to defeat Mahishasura, the gods approached the divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva for help. They realised that the boon granted to the demon meant that only a woman could bring about his downfall.
The gods combined their divine energies to create a powerful Goddess, who came to be known as Maa Durga. She embodied their collective strength and was entrusted with the task of defeating Mahishasura and restoring cosmic balance.
According to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Lord Shiva presented her with a trident, while Lord Vishnu gave her his Chakra. The Himalayas provided her with a lion as her mount. Other gods also offered weapons, including a bow and arrows, equipping the Goddess for the battle ahead.
With these divine powers, Maa Durga prepared to confront the demon and free the three realms from his rule.
The nine-day battle between Maa Durga and Mahishasura
When Mahishasura first saw Maa Durga, he was captivated by her appearance and sent a messenger to propose marriage. The Goddess rejected his advances and challenged him to fight instead.
Confident that his boon would protect him, Mahishasura went to war against her. According to Drik Panchang, the fierce battle continued for nine days, with Maa Durga confronting the demon and defeating his army.
Mahishasura repeatedly changed his form in an attempt to mislead and overpower the Goddess. However, none of his transformations helped him escape defeat. Maa Bhagwati eventually killed the demon by severing his head with her Sudarshan Chakra, according to the account described in the source material.
Following Mahishasura's defeat, the gods rejoiced and offered prayers to the Goddess, asking her to return whenever they needed her protection.
The legend remains central to the religious significance of Navratri and Durga Puja, with the Goddess revered as a protector who defeats evil and restores order.
Why is Durga Puja celebrated?
Durga Puja commemorates Maa Durga's victory over Mahishasura and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. His defeat represents the restoration of peace across heaven, Earth and the underworld, while the Goddess symbolises strength, courage and protection.
The festival is marked by prayers, rituals and offerings dedicated to Maa Durga. Devotees seek her blessings for prosperity, well-being and protection from negative forces.
Although Navratri is devoted to worshipping the Goddess in her nine forms, Durga Puja places particular emphasis on her battle against Mahishasura. The traditions associated with both festivals reflect the belief that divine power ultimately triumphs over arrogance and wrongdoing.
Sharadiya Navratri 2026: Dates and day-wise celebrations
According to the Drik Panchang calendar, Sharadiya Navratri in 2026 runs from October 11 to October 20. Each day is associated with a form of Goddess Durga and particular religious observances. The following schedule reflects the dates and rituals listed in the supplied calendar; observances can vary according to regional traditions and panchang calculations.
- October 11, Sunday: Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja
- October 12, Monday: Brahmacharini Puja
- October 13, Tuesday: Chandraghanta Puja
- October 14, Wednesday: Kushmanda Puja
- October 15, Thursday: Skandamata Puja
- October 16, Friday: Katyayani Puja and Saraswati Aawahan
- October 17, Saturday: Kaalratri Puja and Saraswati Puja
- October 18, Sunday: Saraswati Puja and Kaalratri Puja
- October 19, Monday: Mahagauri Puja, Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami
- October 20, Tuesday: Navami Havan, Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan and Vijayadashami
The festival's rituals and stories together honour the many forms of the Goddess and reinforce its central message: the victory of good over evil and the restoration of harmony.