Key Highlights
- Begins today: Sharadiya Navratri 2026 starts on Sunday, October 11.
- Day 1: Devotees worship Maa Shailputri, the first form of Durga.
- Dussehra: The festival ends with Vijayadashami on October 20.
- PM’s wishes: PM Modi prayed for “happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health” for all.
- A Tamil touch: He also shared the Tamil devotional song “Karpoora Nayagiye.”
Sharadiya Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, began on Sunday. Devotees across India will observe prayers, fasts and rituals over the coming days, leading up to Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil.
PM Modi’s Greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on X. “May the grace of Maa Jagadamba bring happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health to everyone’s life, strengthening the resolve for national unity and progress,” he wrote.
In another post, he offered prayers to Maa Shailputri: “May her divine grace light the lamp of patience and self-confidence in everyone’s heart.”
The Prime Minister also shared a YouTube link to “Karpoora Nayagiye,” a Tamil devotional song dedicated to Goddess Amman, on a day he is in Chennai to launch development projects.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also wished residents, praying that Mata Rani’s grace brings “happiness, peace, health, and prosperity” to every family.
Navratri 2026: Day-Wise Guide
| Day | Date | Goddess |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 11 | Maa Shailputri |
| 2 | October 12 | Maa Brahmacharini |
| 3 | October 13 | Maa Chandraghanta |
| 4 | October 14 | Maa Kushmanda |
| 5 | October 15 | Maa Skandamata |
| 6 | October 16 | Maa Katyayani |
| 7 | October 17 | Maa Kalaratri |
| 8 | October 18 | Maa Mahagauri |
| 9 | October 19 | Maa Siddhidatri |
| Dussehra | October 20 | Vijayadashami |
Dates are indicative; exact tithis may vary by local panchang.
Who Is Maa Shailputri?
Shailputri, meaning “daughter of the mountain,” is the first form of Goddess Durga. Devotees worship her on the opening day of Navratri, seeking strength and well-being.
Why It Matters: One Festival, Many Traditions
Navratri is celebrated very differently across India: with Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat, Durga Puja pandals in Bengal, Golu displays in Tamil Nadu and Ramlila performances in the north. The PM sharing a Tamil devotional song alongside traditional Hindi greetings reflects that diversity, one festival honoured in many languages and forms.
The Bottom Line
From Shailputri today to Siddhidatri on the ninth day and Dussehra on October 20, Navratri’s nine days of devotion have begun across the country.
Key Highlights
- Begins today: Sharadiya Navratri 2026 starts on Sunday, October 11.
- Day 1: Devotees worship Maa Shailputri, the first form of Durga.
- Dussehra: The festival ends with Vijayadashami on October 20.
- PM’s wishes: PM Modi prayed for “happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health” for all.
- A Tamil touch: He also shared the Tamil devotional song “Karpoora Nayagiye.”
Sharadiya Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, began on Sunday. Devotees across India will observe prayers, fasts and rituals over the coming days, leading up to Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil.
PM Modi’s Greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on X. “May the grace of Maa Jagadamba bring happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health to everyone’s life, strengthening the resolve for national unity and progress,” he wrote.
In another post, he offered prayers to Maa Shailputri: “May her divine grace light the lamp of patience and self-confidence in everyone’s heart.”
The Prime Minister also shared a YouTube link to “Karpoora Nayagiye,” a Tamil devotional song dedicated to Goddess Amman, on a day he is in Chennai to launch development projects.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also wished residents, praying that Mata Rani’s grace brings “happiness, peace, health, and prosperity” to every family.
Navratri 2026: Day-Wise Guide
| Day | Date | Goddess |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 11 | Maa Shailputri |
| 2 | October 12 | Maa Brahmacharini |
| 3 | October 13 | Maa Chandraghanta |
| 4 | October 14 | Maa Kushmanda |
| 5 | October 15 | Maa Skandamata |
| 6 | October 16 | Maa Katyayani |
| 7 | October 17 | Maa Kalaratri |
| 8 | October 18 | Maa Mahagauri |
| 9 | October 19 | Maa Siddhidatri |
| Dussehra | October 20 | Vijayadashami |
Dates are indicative; exact tithis may vary by local panchang.
Who Is Maa Shailputri?
Shailputri, meaning “daughter of the mountain,” is the first form of Goddess Durga. Devotees worship her on the opening day of Navratri, seeking strength and well-being.
Why It Matters: One Festival, Many Traditions
Navratri is celebrated very differently across India: with Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat, Durga Puja pandals in Bengal, Golu displays in Tamil Nadu and Ramlila performances in the north. The PM sharing a Tamil devotional song alongside traditional Hindi greetings reflects that diversity, one festival honoured in many languages and forms.
The Bottom Line
From Shailputri today to Siddhidatri on the ninth day and Dussehra on October 20, Navratri’s nine days of devotion have begun across the country.