Shardiya Navratri begins October 11: fasting rules and how to perform Kanya Pujan

Shardiya Navratri begins on October 11, 2026, and ends on October 20, which is Dussehra. Pratipada begins at 9.19 pm on October 10 and ends at 9.30 pm on October 11. The first day of Navratri falls on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The nine days from October 11 to 20 are dedicated to the Goddess.

With Pitru Paksha over, everyone starts looking forward to Navratri. There are lights, flowers and garba everywhere. Over the nine days, people worship the nine forms of the Goddess, and many also fast.

Fasting is said to be more than just giving up food, and it comes with certain rules. It is said that the fast bears fruit only if these rules are kept, and otherwise it amounts to merely suppressing hunger. Fasting is not about starving the stomach but about keeping the mind calm and avoiding bad speech and bad conduct. Keeping the mind, speech and conduct sattvic for nine days is what the Goddess likes.

The first rule is to have one full pharal meal a day. Many people keep eating all day and call it a fast. Eating continually is said to break the fast and reduce its merit.

The second is to give up mutton, chicken, fish and eggs entirely during the nine days. Cigarettes, gutkha and tobacco should not be touched. Very spicy and very oily food should also be avoided. All of this is considered forbidden during the days of the Goddess.

The third point concerns water. Drink water when thirsty, but avoid drinking it again and again. Some people drink water constantly during a fast and are told that this weakens the vow. Water should be taken only when needed.

The fourth is to go barefoot if possible. Elders did not wear footwear during Navratri and stayed barefoot for the nine days. Office work means not everyone can manage this today, but people should try to go without footwear at least at home. It is said that this drives out negative energy from the body.

The fifth is to eat light, sattvic food. Sabudana khichdi, varai rice, fruit, milk and peanuts are permitted during the fast. Fried food from outside and packaged food should be avoided. Simple food made at home is best.

Sometimes a person falls ill or cannot complete the fast because of work. In such a case it should not be abandoned midway. One should fold one's hands before the Goddess, seek forgiveness and say sincerely, "Mother, I have made a mistake, please forgive me", and only then break the fast.

Those who break the fast on Saptami, Ashtami or Navami must perform Kanya Pujan, an important ritual. For this, nine young girls are invited home. Their feet are washed and haldi-kumkum is applied to them. They are served a meal of puri, vegetables and halwa as an offering and given a small gift. It is said that doing this brings the full fruit of the fast. The girls are believed to carry a part of the Goddess herself.

Navratri is not merely about going hungry but about cleansing one's own mind. It is said that if devotion, discipline and restraint are maintained for nine days, the Goddess is certain to be pleased and prosperity and happiness come to the home.