Shardiya Navratri begins: Ghatasthapana timings and worship of Goddess Shailputri on day one

Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on October 11. Navratri comes four times a year, but the Shardiya Navratri that falls in the month of Ashwin is considered the major one. Over these nine days, devotees worship Adishakti, fast, hold night vigils and raise cries in praise of the Goddess.

The first day of Navratri is the day of Ghatasthapana, and the festival is considered to begin in earnest from this day. On the first day, Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped.

Shailputri is the daughter of Himalaya, king of the mountains, which is how she gets her name. In images she is shown holding a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other, seated on Nandi. It is said that worship with a sincere heart on the first day removes obstacles in life and brings stability to the home.

A different goddess is worshipped on each of the nine days of Navratri. Shailputri is worshipped on the first day, Brahmacharini on the second, Chandraghanta on the third, Kushmanda on the fourth and Skandamata on the fifth. Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day, Kalaratri on the seventh, Mahagauri on the eighth and Siddhidatri on the ninth. Each goddess has a different meaning and a different power.

This year, orange is considered auspicious for the first day. Orange is said to be the colour of energy and positive thinking, so many women wear an orange sari or dress to the puja on the first day. The colour changes every year according to the Panchang.

Items made from cow's ghee are said to be very dear to Shailputri. On this day, an offering of ghee, cow's milk, kheer, peda and white flowers is made. The most important thing at the time of worship is that the place is clean and the heart is devout.

On October 11, after bathing in the morning and putting on clean clothes, the ghat is installed in the home temple. A kalash is placed on the ghat and an idol of the Goddess is placed on it. The Goddess is worshipped with flowers, akshat, incense and a lamp lit before her.

According to the Panchang, sunrise on the 11th will be at 6:27 am. The best time for Ghatasthapana is from 6:27 am to 10:27 am. After that, the Abhijit Muhurat runs from 11:57 am to 12:48 pm.

During worship, the mantra "Om Devi Shailputryai Namah" is chanted. Many people have said that chanting this mantra while performing the aarti brings peace of mind.

The first day is considered the foundation of Navratri. The pledge for the next nine days is taken by performing worship on this day. It is said that worship of Shailputri steadies the mind and increases confidence. Many people begin a nine-day fast from this day.