Navratri 2026: This time there is special enthusiasm among the devotees regarding Shardiya Navratri. According to the calculations of the Panchang, the festival of Durga Puja in 2026 will last for 11 days instead of the usual 10 days. The reason for this change is being said to be the special date sequence formed between the dates of Ashtami and Navami.

According to Mithila Panchang, this time Navratri will start from 11th October. On this day, the worship of Maa Durga will begin with the installation of the Kalash. Preparations for Navratri have also intensified in temples and puja pandals. The work of idol making, pandal decoration and cleaning has started reaching the final stage.

Worship of Maa Durga will start from October 11

According to the Panchang, Shardiya Navratri will begin with the installation of the Kalash on October 11. After this, different forms of Maa Durga will be worshiped on different dates. Due to difference in the dates of Ashtami and Navami after Saptami, there will be a change in the duration of the festival this time.

This is the calculation regarding the date of Ashtami and Navami (Navratri 2026)

According to the available Panchang calculations, Mahashtami fast will be observed on 18th October. The date of Navami will start from 7:34 am on October 19 and will continue till 9:45 am on October 20. Based on Udaya Tithi, Mahanavami fast will be observed on 20th October.

Due to this date sequence, October 19 has been considered as zero date. After this, the puja festival will conclude with the immersion of the idols of Maa Durga on the day of Vijayadashami on 21st October. However, there is difference regarding the date of Vijayadashami in different almanacs.

Mother Durga will come riding on an elephant, it is considered a sign of happiness and prosperity.

This time another special belief to Navratri is attracting the attention of the devotees. According to astrological belief, Maa Durga will arrive on elephant i.e. Gaj vehicle. Even at the time of farewell on the day of Dashami, it has been said to depart on Mata’s Gaj vehicle only.

In religious beliefs, elephants are associated with peace, stability, opulence and prosperity. Therefore, the arrival and departure of Mother Goddess on elephant is considered an auspicious sign. It is also associated with good rains, increase in wealth and happiness and prosperity.

Preparations started in puja pandals

As the date of Navratri approaches, puja committees have intensified preparations. Pandals are being prepared at many places, while cleaning and decoration work is going on in Durga temples. The work of construction of the statue is also being completed rapidly. There is already enthusiasm among the devotees regarding this long lasting festival.