The very auspicious celebration of Shardiya Navratri starts with immense devotion all over India, wherein nine days are devoted to Goddess Durga along with her nine incarnations (Navdurga). Day 1 is dedicated to the worship of Maa Shailputri, which is the first incarnation of the Goddess, symbolising power, dedication, and purity. The ritual of Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) is done by devotees to seek divine blessings from her. Read all about Maa Shailputri puja on Day 1 of Navratri 2026.

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day 1

Ritual

Details

Festival

Shardiya Navratri 2026

Day

Day 1

Date

October 11, 2026

Goddess

Maa Shailputri

Puja

Ghatasthapana, prayers, and mantra chanting

Bhog

Traditional offerings such as cow's ghee, fruits, milk-based sweets, and sattvic foods

Colour

Orange (Navratri 2026 Day 1 colour) / White (Associated with Maa Shailputri)

Significance

Strength, purity, devotion, and auspicious new beginnings

Shardiya Navratri 2026 Day 1: Date And Significance

Shardiya Navratri Day 1 is observed on Sunday, October 11, 2026. There is great religious significance in this particular day because of Ghatasthapana, which involves the worship of the holy vessel (Kalash).

Who Is Maa Shailputri? Know About The First Form Of Navdurga

Shail refers to a mountain, whereas Putri is used for daughter. Maa Shailputri is the divine daughter of King Himavat, who rules the Himalayan mountains. Her representation shows her riding on a bull (Nandi), while she carries a trident (Trishul) in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left.

Maa Shailputri Puja Vidhi: Rituals To Follow On Day 1

  1. Pavitrakaran: Clean the puja room and take an early morning bath.

  • Ghatasthapana: Place a clay pot filled with holy water, mango leaves, and a coconut tied with red thread (Kalava). Sowing barley (Jowar) seeds near the altar is mandatory.

  • Invocation: Offer red chunri, flowers (especially hibiscus or white lotus), akshat, and kumkum to Goddess Shailputri.

  • Aarti & Chanting: Light a ghee diya and perform the Aarti with devotion.

    • Maa Shailputri Bhog 2026: What Food Should You Offer?

    Devotees offer pure cow's ghee or milk-based sweets (like kheer or pedha) to Maa Shailputri. Offering pure ghee is believed to bless the devotee with a disease-free life and physical strength.

    Maa Shailputri Mantra And Chants To Seek Goddess Durga's Blessings

    Recite the following mantras during the morning puja:

    • Prarthana Mantra:
      Vande Vanchhitlabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam. Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailputrim Yashasvinim.

  • Beej Mantra:
    Om Sham Shailputryai Namah.

    • Navratri Day 1 Colour 2026: What Colour Should You Wear?

    Orange is the official colour for Day 1 (Sunday, 11th October 2026) of the Navratri colour code list. This stands for warmth and energy. White is also an option because it represents purity and calmness linked to Maa Shailputri.

    Significance Of Worshipping Maa Shailputri During Navratri

    Devotion to Maa Shailputri keeps the mind grounded and gives stability, peace, and resolve. Being the ruler of the Muladhara Chakra, devotion to her gives one a good foundation.

    Conclusion

    Beginning Shardiya Navratri 2026 with sincere devotion to Maa Shailputri sets a positive, sacred tone for the festive season. By performing Ghatasthapana, chanting her mantras, and offering pure bhog, devotees invoke peace, stability, and health into their homes.

    Image credits: Freepik

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