Sharad Navratri 2027 begins on Thursday, September 30, and Vijayadashami (Dussehra) falls on Saturday, October 9. Pratipada tithi runs from 8:05 AM on September 30 to 5:34 AM on October 1 (IST), so it never touches an October 1 sunrise and Ghatasthapana moves to September 30. In New Delhi the Ghatasthapana muhurat is 8:05 AM to 10:12 AM, with the Abhijit muhurat from 11:47 AM to 12:35 PM as the fallback (Drik Panchang).
The general rule for Ghatasthapana
Ghatasthapana is considered auspicious in the morning during Pratipada tithi. The exact muhurat each year depends on when Pratipada tithi prevails in the morning; Chitra nakshatra and Vaidhriti yoga are treated as inauspicious for it.
In most years, the morning window between sunrise and roughly 10 AM works well. But there are years when Pratipada tithi begins late in the morning or Chitra nakshatra or Vaidhriti yoga overlap the whole window, as in 2026. When that happens, the general principle is: Pratipada tithi takes priority. In those years the panchang still gives a Pratipada morning window, and Abhijit muhurat is the accepted fallback. Ghatasthapana after Pratipada tithi has ended is not.
What Ghatasthapana involves
The ritual itself is straightforward. A copper or earthen pot (kalash) is filled with water and placed on a mound of clean soil, often mixed with barley or wheat seeds. Mango leaves are arranged around the pot’s rim, and a whole coconut wrapped in red cloth sits on top. The pot represents Goddess Durga, and the sprouting seeds over nine days are a traditional indicator of the season ahead.
For NRI families who’ve set this up in apartments in the US or UK, a practical tip: use a wide plate or tray under the soil to catch water. The barley needs to be kept moist, and without proper drainage, you’ll have a mess by day four. Some families use a shallow baking tray lined with soil, which works perfectly.
The nine-day calendar
The nine days of Navratri are dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Maa Durga, one per day:
- Shailputri (Day 1, September 30): Daughter of the mountains
- Brahmacharini (Day 2, October 1): The ascetic form
- Chandraghanta (Day 3, October 2): The warrior adorned with a crescent moon
- Kushmanda (Day 4, October 3): Creator of the universe
- Skandamata (Day 5, October 4): Mother of Kartikeya
- Katyayani (Day 6, October 5): The fierce warrior form
- Kalaratri (Day 7, October 6): The destroyer of darkness
- Mahagauri (Day 8, October 7): The fair and radiant form
- Siddhidatri (Day 9, October 8): Bestower of siddhis
Durga Ashtami falls on October 7 and Maha Navami on October 8 (Drik Panchang, New Delhi). The popular “Navratri colors” dress code changes every year with the weekday Navratri starts on, so check that year’s list rather than reusing an old one.
Fasting during Navratri
The nine-day fast is one of the more rigorous ones in the Hindu calendar. Most people follow the “phalahari” (fruit-based) diet: fruits, milk, sabudana, kuttu ka atta, singhare ka atta, and rock salt. Regular salt, grains, onion, and garlic are avoided. Some keep a strict fast on the first and last days and a lighter version in between. There’s no single right way, and your family tradition takes precedence over any generic recommendation.
How to check the exact time for your city
Select your city on the panchang page to confirm that day’s tithi and nakshatra, and perform Ghatasthapana with Rahu Kaal avoided. The muhurat page will also show you the Abhijit Muhurat window as an alternative auspicious time if the morning doesn’t work for your schedule.