The Mahalaxmi Calendar 2026 October month is one of the most sacred and festive periods in the Hindu calendar. October 2026 is marked by the beginning of Sharad Navratri, powerful Devi worship, Vijayadashami, and important Ekadashi and Sankashti vrats. This month represents the victory of good over evil and is observed with devotion, fasting, and grand celebrations across India.
Below is the complete and accurate October 2026 festival and vrat details as per the Shri Mahalaxmi Calendar.
October 2026 Hindu Month Overview
October 2026 begins with Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha and transitions into Ashwina Shukla Paksha. The most important highlight of this month is Sharad Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Durga, followed by Vijayadashami and Kojagari Purnima. The Sun also transits into Tula Rashi during this month, making it spiritually significant.
Important Vrat and Festivals in October 2026
Mahalaxmi Navratri Calendar 2026 October – Festivals and Vrat Table
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with Ghatasthapana and continues through Navratri Day 9 on October 19. Vijayadashami is observed on October 20, 2026. The table below provides the Navratri day, date, tithi, associated puja and Navratri color.
| Navratri Day | Date | Day | Tithi | Festival / Puja | Navratri Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | October 11, 2026 | Sunday | Shukla Pratipada | Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja | Orange |
| Day 2 | October 12, 2026 | Monday | Shukla Dwitiya | Chandra Darshana, Brahmacharini Puja | White |
| Day 3 | October 13, 2026 | Tuesday | Shukla Tritiya | Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja | Red |
| Day 4 | October 14, 2026 | Wednesday | Shukla Chaturthi | Kushmanda Puja, Kapardisha Chaturthi | Royal Blue |
| Day 5 | October 15, 2026 | Thursday | Shukla Panchami | Upang Lalita Vrat, Skandamata Puja | Yellow |
| Day 6 | October 16, 2026 | Friday | Shukla Shashthi | Saraswati Avahan, Katyayani Puja | Green |
| Day 7 | October 17, 2026 | Saturday | Shukla Saptami | Saraswati Puja, Kalaratri Puja | Grey |
| Day 8 | October 18, 2026 | Sunday | Shukla Saptami | Saptami | Purple |
| Day 9 | October 19, 2026 | Monday | Shukla Ashtami | Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja, Maha Navami | Peacock Green |
| Day 10 | October 20, 2026 | Tuesday | Shukla Navami | Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan, Vijayadashami | — |
Important Navratri Dates
- Navratri Begins & Ghatasthapana: October 11, 2026
- Saraswati Avahan: October 16, 2026
- Saraswati Puja: October 17, 2026
- Durga Ashtami: October 19, 2026
- Maha Navami: October 19, 2026
- Vijayadashami (Dussehra): October 20, 2026
Krishna Paksha in October 2026
Krishna Paksha in October 2026 occurs in two parts because the month begins during the waning phase of the Moon and enters another Krishna Paksha after Sharad Purnima. From October 1 to October 10, 2026, the calendar follows Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha, beginning with Panchami on October 1 and continuing through Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Dashami, Ekadashi, Dwadashi, Trayodashi and Chaturdashi before Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10. The Krishna Paksha Ashtami falls on October 3, 2026, with the Ashtami Tithi continuing into October 4 according to the Tithi timings.
The next Krishna Paksha begins after Ashwina Shukla Purnima, with Krishna Pratipada on October 27, 2026. Therefore, October 27 to October 31 falls under the beginning of the following Krishna Paksha. The exact Tithi boundaries should be checked according to the local Panchang because Tithis can begin or end at different times during a civil date.
Shukla Paksha in October 2026
Shukla Paksha in October 2026 begins on October 11, 2026, immediately after Ashwina Amavasya on October 10. The sequence starts with Shukla Pratipada on October 11 and continues through Dwitiya on October 12, Tritiya on October 13, Chaturthi on October 14, Panchami on October 15, Shashthi on October 16, Saptami on October 17, and Ashtami on October 18, 2026. The following days are Navami on October 19, Dashami on October 20, Ekadashi on October 21, Dwadashi on October 22, Trayodashi on October 23, Chaturdashi on October 24, and Purnima on October 25/26 depending on the local Panchang and observance convention. For the Indian calendar data checked here, the major Durga Ashtami is observed on October 18, 2026, while Dussehra falls on October 20.
October 2026 Panchang – Tithi, Nakshatra & Sunrise
| Date | Tithi / Nakshatra | Sunrise |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Oct 2026 | Panchami (Krishna) / Rohini | 06:25 AM |
| 2 Oct 2026 | Shashthi (Krishna) / Mrigashira | 06:25 AM |
| 3 Oct 2026 | Saptami (Krishna) / Ardra | 06:25 AM |
| 4 Oct 2026 | Navami (Krishna) / Punarvasu | 06:26 AM |
| 5 Oct 2026 | Dashami (Krishna) / Pushya | 06:26 AM |
| 6 Oct 2026 | Ekadashi (Krishna) / Ashlesha | 06:26 AM |
| 7 Oct 2026 | Dwadashi (Krishna) / Magha | 06:26 AM |
| 8 Oct 2026 | Trayodashi (Krishna) / Purva Phalguni | 06:26 AM |
| 9 Oct 2026 | Chaturdashi (Krishna) / Uttara Phalguni | 06:27 AM |
| 10 Oct 2026 | Purnima (Krishna) / Hasta | 06:27 AM |
| 11 Oct 2026 | Pratipada (Shukla) / Chitra | 06:27 AM |
| 12 Oct 2026 | Dwitiya (Shukla) / Swati | 06:27 AM |
| 13 Oct 2026 | Tritiya (Shukla) / Vishakha | 06:28 AM |
| 14 Oct 2026 | Chaturthi (Shukla) / Anuradha | 06:28 AM |
| 15 Oct 2026 | Panchami (Shukla) / Jyeshtha | 06:28 AM |
| 16 Oct 2026 | Shashthi (Shukla) / Jyeshtha | 06:29 AM |
| 17 Oct 2026 | Saptami (Shukla) / Mula | 06:29 AM |
| 18 Oct 2026 | Saptami / Purva Ashadha | 06:29 AM |
| 19 Oct 2026 | Ashtami (Shukla) / Uttara Ashadha | 06:29 AM |
| 20 Oct 2026 | Navami (Shukla) / Shravana | 06:30 AM |
| 21 Oct 2026 | Dashami (Shukla) / Dhanishtha | 06:30 AM |
| 22 Oct 2026 | Ekadashi (Shukla) / Shatabhisha | 06:30 AM |
| 23 Oct 2026 | Dwadashi (Shukla) / Purva Bhadrapada | 06:31 AM |
| 24 Oct 2026 | Trayodashi (Shukla) / Uttara Bhadrapada | 06:31 AM |
| 25 Oct 2026 | Chaturdashi (Shukla) / Revati | 06:31 AM |
| 26 Oct 2026 | Amavasya / Ashwini | 06:32 AM |
| 27 Oct 2026 | Pratipada (Krishna) / Bharani | 06:32 AM |
| 28 Oct 2026 | Tritiya (Krishna) / Krittika | 06:33 AM |
| 29 Oct 2026 | Chaturthi (Krishna) / Rohini | 06:33 AM |
| 30 Oct 2026 | Panchami (Krishna) / Mrigashira | 06:33 AM |
| 31 Oct 2026 | Shashthi (Krishna) / Ardra | 06:34 AM |
Indira Ekadashi
Indira Ekadashi is observed on October 6, 2026, during Bhadrapada Krishna Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is especially dedicated to ancestors, and devotees observe fasting and perform rituals for Pitru Shanti.
Navratri Begins and Ghatasthapana
Sharad Navratri begins on October 11, 2026, during Ashwina Shukla Pratipada. On the same day, Ghatasthapana is performed to invoke Goddess Durga. This marks the start of nine nights of Devi worship, fasting, and spiritual discipline.
Saraswati Avahan and Saraswati Puja
Saraswati Avahan is observed on October 16, 2026, during Ashwina Mula Nakshatra, followed by Saraswati Puja on October 17, 2026, during Purva Ashadha Nakshatra. These days are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, wisdom, and learning.
Tula Sankranti
Tula Sankranti falls on October 17, 2026, marking the Sun’s transit from Kanya to Tula Rashi. This day is considered auspicious for charity, Surya worship, and religious activities.
Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami October 2026
Durga Ashtami 2026 will be observed on Monday, October 19, 2026, during Sharad Navratri. It is also known as Maha Ashtami and is one of the most important days of Navratri. Devotees worship Goddess Durga and Goddess Mahagauri, observe fasting according to their traditions, and perform special prayers and puja. In many places, Sandhi Puja is performed at the transition between Ashtami and Navami.
According to the Panchang data for 2026, Ashtami Tithi begins on October 18 and ends on October 19, with the Tithi prevailing at sunrise on October 19. Therefore, Durga Ashtami is observed on October 19, 2026. On this day, Sandhi Puja is listed from 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM, based on the location-specific Panchang calculation. Exact puja and Sandhi Puja timings can vary by city, so devotees should check the local Panchang for their location before performing the rituals.
Durga Ashtami 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, October 19, 2026 |
| Festival | Durga Ashtami / Maha Ashtami |
| Navratri | Sharad Navratri |
| Goddess Worshipped | Goddess Mahagauri |
| Tithi | Shukla Paksha Ashtami |
| Sandhi Puja | 10:27 AM – 11:15 AM* |
*Sandhi Puja timing is location-dependent and should be checked for the reader’s city.
Vijayadashami and Dasara
Vijayadashami, also known as Dasara, is celebrated on October 20, 2026, during Ashwina Shukla Dashami. This festival symbolizes the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. It is considered an auspicious day for new beginnings, education and business.
Papankusha Ekadashi
Papankusha Ekadashi is observed on October 22, 2026, during Ashwina Shukla Ekadashi. Devotees fast on this day to seek forgiveness for past sins and attain spiritual growth through Lord Vishnu’s blessings.
Kojagari Purnima
Kojagari Purnima is celebrated on October 25, 2026, during Ashwina Shukla Purnima. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this night for wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Many devotees stay awake throughout the night in devotion.
Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi
Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi is observed on October 29, 2026, during Ashwina Krishna Chaturthi. This vrat is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is observed to remove obstacles and ensure success in life.
Shardiya Navratri 2026 in October Complete Calendar
Shardiya Navratri 2026 will be observed in Pune, Maharashtra, from October 11 to October 20, 2026. The festival begins with Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja and continues with worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. In the Pune Panchang, the Navratri observance culminates with Durga Ashtami on October 19 and Navami and Vijayadashami-related observances on October 20.
Navratri Day 1 – October 11, 2026
The first day of Shardiya Navratri falls on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The day marks the beginning of Navratri and is associated with Shailputri Puja. Ghatasthapana is performed to formally begin the Navratri worship. The Navratri color for the day is Orange.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 11, 2026 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Navratri Day | Day 1 |
| Tithi | Pratipada |
| Goddess | Maa Shailputri |
| Main Observance | Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja |
| Navratri Color | Orange |
Navratri Day 2 – October 12, 2026
Monday, October 12, 2026, is the second day of Shardiya Navratri in Pune. Devotees worship Goddess Brahmacharini, the second form of Navdurga. The day is also associated with Chandra Darshana. The Navratri color for Day 2 is White.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 12, 2026 |
| Day | Monday |
| Navratri Day | Day 2 |
| Tithi | Dwitiya |
| Goddess | Maa Brahmacharini |
| Main Observance | Chandra Darshana, Brahmacharini Puja |
| Navratri Color | White |
Navratri Day 3 – October 13, 2026
The third day falls on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Chandraghanta, the third form of Navdurga. The day also includes the observance of Sindoor Tritiya. The traditional Navratri color for this day is Red.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 13, 2026 |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Navratri Day | Day 3 |
| Tithi | Tritiya |
| Goddess | Maa Chandraghanta |
| Main Observance | Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja |
| Navratri Color | Red |
Navratri Day 4 – October 14, 2026
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, marks the fourth day of Navratri. Devotees worship Goddess Kushmanda, the fourth form of Navdurga. The day is also associated with Kapardisha Chaturthi. The Navratri color for Day 4 is Royal Blue.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 14, 2026 |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Navratri Day | Day 4 |
| Tithi | Chaturthi |
| Goddess | Maa Kushmanda |
| Main Observance | Kushmanda Puja, Kapardisha Chaturthi |
| Navratri Color | Royal Blue |
Navratri Day 5 – October 15, 2026
The fifth day of Shardiya Navratri falls on Thursday, October 15, 2026. This day is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, the fifth form of Navdurga. Upang Lalita Vrat is also observed on this date according to the Pune Panchang. The Navratri color is Yellow.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 15, 2026 |
| Day | Thursday |
| Navratri Day | Day 5 |
| Tithi | Panchami |
| Goddess | Maa Skandamata |
| Main Observance | Upang Lalita Vrat, Skandamata Puja |
| Navratri Color | Yellow |
Navratri Day 6 – October 16, 2026
Friday, October 16, 2026, is the sixth day of Navratri. Devotees worship Goddess Katyayani, the sixth form of Navdurga. Saraswati Avahan is also listed among the day’s observances. The Navratri color for Day 6 is Green.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 16, 2026 |
| Day | Friday |
| Navratri Day | Day 6 |
| Tithi | Shashthi |
| Goddess | Maa Katyayani |
| Main Observance | Saraswati Avahan, Katyayani Puja |
| Navratri Color | Green |
Navratri Day 7 – October 17, 2026
The seventh day falls on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The day is associated with Saraswati Puja and the worship of Goddess Kalaratri, the seventh form of Navdurga. The Navratri color for the day is Grey.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 17, 2026 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Navratri Day | Day 7 |
| Tithi | Saptami |
| Goddess | Maa Kalaratri |
| Main Observance | Saraswati Puja, Kalaratri Puja |
| Navratri Color | Grey |
Navratri Day 8 – October 18, 2026
Sunday, October 18, 2026, is listed as Navratri Day 8 in the Pune calendar data, but the Tithi is shown as Saptami. This is important because the Navratri day count and the Tithi name do not always change at the same time. The Navratri color for Day 8 is Purple.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 18, 2026 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Navratri Day | Day 8 |
| Tithi | Saptami |
| Navratri Color | Purple |
Navratri Day 9 – Durga Ashtami – October 19, 2026
Monday, October 19, 2026, is Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, in the Pune Panchang. It is one of the most important days of Sharad Navratri and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Mahagauri. Sandhi Puja is also performed around the transition from Ashtami to Navami. For Pune, the provided Panchang data lists Sandhi Puja from 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM. The Navratri color for the day is Peacock Green.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 19, 2026 |
| Day | Monday |
| Navratri Day | Day 9 |
| Tithi | Ashtami |
| Goddess | Maa Mahagauri |
| Main Observance | Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja |
| Sandhi Puja | 10:27 AM – 11:15 AM |
| Navratri Color | Peacock Green |
Navratri Day 10 – October 20, 2026
The final day of the Navratri period falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The day’s observances include Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Navratri Parana and Durga Visarjan. Vijayadashami (Dussehra) is also observed on this date, marking the conclusion of the Sharad Navratri festival.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 20, 2026 |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Navratri Day | Day 10 |
| Tithi | Navami |
| Main Observance | Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa |
| Other Observances | Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan |
| Festival | Vijayadashami / Dussehra |
Importance of Mahalaxmi Calendar 2026 October Month
The Mahalaxmi Calendar 2026 October month helps devotees observe Navratri, Dussehra, Ekadashi, and Sankashti vrat with correct tithi and authentic Hindu calendar calculations. It is widely followed for planning puja, fasting, and religious events.
Shri Mahalaxmi Calendar 2026 PDF
Devotees can use the Shri Mahalaxmi Calendar 2026 PDF to access month-wise vrat, festival, and tithi details offline in a clean and printable format.
Make Your Navratri Planning Easier
Keep the important Navratri information together in one printable guide. The Navratri 2026 Complete Kit includes dates, colours, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, vrat food guidance, recipes and a daily puja checklist.
FAQ
October 2026 is marked by major Hindu festivals such as Sharadiya Navratri, Vijayadashami (Dussehra), Ekadashi, Sankashti Chaturthi, and Tula Sankranti. The Mahalaxmi Calendar provides accurate tithi-based dates for all rituals.
Sharadiya Navratri begins on Pratipada tithi of Shukla Paksha. The exact start date, Kalash Sthapana muhurat, and daily tithis are clearly mentioned in the Mahalaxmi Calendar 2026 October.
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Devotees perform Shastra Puja and Dashami rituals on the date specified in the Mahalaxmi Calendar for proper religious observance.
