• For Sponsoring Mata ki Chowki, Havan, Pushp Seva, Poshak Seva, Bhandara and Puja, Contact Temple Manager @703-690-9355.

• Sponsors are requested to arrive early.

• Bhandara will be served every day after evening aarti.

Saturday, Oct 17, 2026

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Mata Chowki

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Sharad Navratri 2026 will begin on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and conclude on October 20, 2026 with the celebration of Vijaya Dashami. 

The festival of nine days dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms.

Sharad Navratri is one of the most spiritually significant festivals in Hindu tradition. The festival represents the triumph of divine feminine energy, known as Shakti. During these nine days, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively called Navadurga. Observed during the Hindu month of Shukla Paksha Ashvin, it symbolizes renewal, devotion, and the victory of divine energy over negativity. Millions of devotees across India and around the world observe fasting, prayers, and rituals during this auspicious period.

Nine Days of Goddess Durga Worship

Each day of Sharad Navratri 2026 is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga:

Day 1 – Maa Shailputri (Daughter of the Mountain)

Symbol of strength and purity. Devotees begin the festival with Ghatasthapana and prayers.

Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini (The Ascetic)

Represents devotion and spiritual discipline.

Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta (The Brave)

Associated with courage and protection from evil.

Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda (The Creator)

Believed to create the universe with her divine smile.

Day 5 – Maa Skandamata (Mother of Skanda/Kartikeya)

Symbolizes motherhood and compassion.

Day 6 – Maa Katyayani (The warrior)

Worshipped for courage and protection.

Day 7 – Maa Kalaratri (Destroyer of darkness)

Represents the destruction of negativity and darkness.

Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri (The Radiant and Pure)

Symbol of purity, peace, and forgiveness.

Day 9 – Maa Siddhidatri (Giver of Perfection/Siddhi)

Bestows wisdom, blessings, and spiritual powers.

The festival culminates on the 10th day with Vijaya Dashami (commonly known as Dusshera)

Common Rituals Observed During Navratri

Devotees follow several rituals during Sharad Navratri 2026 to honor Goddess Durga:

• Observing Navratri fasts (vrat) for nine days or on specific days.

• Performing daily Durga puja and aarti.

• Reading sacred texts like Durga Saptashati.

• Decorating homes and temples with flowers and lights.

• Conducting Kanya Puja on the eighth or ninth day to honor young girls as forms of the goddess.

• These practices symbolize devotion, discipline, and gratitude toward divine energy.

During Navratri, devotees consume satvik foods, which are simple and pure. Common fasting foods include:

• Sabudana (tapioca pearls) dishes

• Kuttu or singhara flour preparations

• Fruits and milk

• Potatoes and rock salt-based dishes

These foods are believed to maintain energy while keeping the body light and spiritually focused.