Sharad Navratri 2027 begins on Friday, October 1, and Vijayadashami (Dussehra) falls on Saturday, October 9.
The general rule for Ghatasthapana
Ghatasthapana is considered auspicious in the morning during Pratipada tithi. The exact muhurat each year depends on how tithi and Chitra nakshatra align, so rather than a fixed minute here, it’s best to confirm with a current panchang. The alignment matters because Chitra nakshatra is specifically associated with Goddess Durga, and performing Ghatasthapana while it’s active adds an extra layer of auspiciousness.
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 day or Chitra nakshatra falls at an awkward hour, forcing families to choose between tithi and nakshatra. When that happens, the general principle is: Pratipada tithi takes priority. Ghatasthapana without Chitra nakshatra is acceptable. 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): Daughter of the mountains, associated with the color orange
- Brahmacharini (Day 2): The ascetic form, associated with white
- Chandraghanta (Day 3): The warrior adorned with a crescent moon, associated with red
- Kushmanda (Day 4): Creator of the universe, associated with royal blue
- Skandamata (Day 5): Mother of Kartikeya, associated with yellow
- Katyayani (Day 6): The fierce warrior form, associated with green
- Kalaratri (Day 7): The destroyer of darkness, associated with grey
- Mahagauri (Day 8): The fair and radiant form, associated with purple or pink
- Siddhidatri (Day 9): Bestower of siddhis, associated with peacock green
The color associations vary by region and year, so treat them as one common tradition rather than a fixed rule. Many workplaces in India now observe “Navratri colors” as a dress code through the week, which has made these associations more widely known.
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.