The ancestors leave tonight. The Goddess arrives.

Navratri 2026: From Pitru Paksha to Devi Paksha

Today, the fortnight of the ancestors ends with Mahalaya Amavasya and Sharad Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana: nine nights of the Divine Mother, in India and the USA alike.

Lord Rama’s “UNTIMELY AWAKENING” of the Goddess

Sharad Navratri falls in Dakshinayana, when the devas are said to rest. In the Krittivasi Ramayana, Rama could not wait for spring. Before facing Ravana, he woke the Goddess early, which is called Akaal Bodhan, and offered her 108 blue lotuses. One lotus was missing, so he moved to offer his own lotus-like eye. Durga stopped him and granted him victory. That victory is Vijayadashami.

CHECK YOUR CHART

In the middle of Navratri, on Oct 17 (7:51 PM IST / 7:21 AM PDT), the Sun enters Libra, its sign of debilitation. Which house is Libra in your chart? That area of life may ask you to soften the ego and lean on Shakti instead of forcing things.

FOR 9 NIGHTS

• Light one diya each evening.
• Chant 108 times daily: Om Dum Durgayai Namah

LEARN TO READ IT YOURSELF​
The last three nights of Navratri honor Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge. My live Bhrigu Nandi Nadi classes begin during Navratri, on Wednesday, Oct 14. Foundation and Advanced run side by side on Wednesdays through Dec 30, and every class is recorded.
[EXPLORE THE COURSE & JOIN]

ASHTAMI & NAVAMI OPEN THE FESTIVAL SEASON​
These two nights are the first of the 21 festivals in my Diwali 2026 guide.

• 🔱 Durga Ashtami: India Mon Oct 19 | USA Sun Oct 18
• 🪔 Maha Navami: India Tue Oct 20 | USA Mon Oct 19
• 🏹 Dussehra: Tue Oct 20 (both)

Many US temples follow the India dates, so check with yours.

► Watch: Diwali 2026: 21 Festivals | Every Date, India + USA

Namaste,

Amit Garg​
​Join Live Courses starting next Wednesday, October 14