Author: Saanvi Gupta

Diwali 2026: Date, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat & Vastu Tips

Posted on by Saanvi Gupta

Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Lakshmi Puja in New Delhi is best done between 5:54 PM and 7:50 PM, as per Drik Panchang. The five-day festival starts with Dhanteras on Friday, 6 November.

Every October, the same question lands in my inbox from clients across Noida and Delhi. “Ma’am, which day is Diwali this year, and what should I fix in the house before it?” This year a lot of people assumed it would be in October, like 2025. It isn’t. Diwali 2026 comes almost three weeks later, so you actually have time to prepare properly.

This guide covers the exact dates, the puja muhurat, and the Vastu changes I ask my own clients to make before Lakshmi Puja. Nothing complicated. Most of it costs nothing except an afternoon of effort.

Diwali 2026 calendar: all five days

Diwali isn’t one night. It’s a five-day stretch, and each day has its own purpose. Here’s how it falls in India this year:

Day Festival Date What it’s for
1 Dhanteras Friday, 6 Nov 2026 Buying metal or new utensils, Kuber and Dhanvantari puja
2 Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi) Saturday, 7 Nov 2026 Abhyang snan, final cleaning, Yam deepak
3 Diwali / Lakshmi Puja Sunday, 8 Nov 2026 Lakshmi-Ganesh puja, diyas, Chopda pujan
4 Govardhan Puja / Annakut Tuesday, 10 Nov 2026 Worship of Govardhan, food offering to Krishna
5 Bhai Dooj Wednesday, 11 Nov 2026 Sisters apply tilak to brothers

A quick note on Govardhan Puja. Some calendars show it on 9 November. Drik Panchang places it on 10 November for India, because Pratipada tithi is present at sunrise only on the 10th. That’s why Bhai Dooj also moves to the 11th. If your family follows a local pandit, go with what they say.

Lakshmi Puja muhurat 2026: what time should you do the puja?

For New Delhi, Noida and Gurugram, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat on 8 November 2026 is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM, as per Drik Panchang. This window falls inside Pradosh Kaal, the period right after sunset, and overlaps with Vrishabha Lagna. Vrishabha is a fixed (sthir) lagna. The belief is simple: whatever you invite in during a fixed lagna tends to stay.

You’ll see slightly different timings online. Some sites say 5:32 PM, others 6:29 PM. That happens because each panchang uses a different city, sunrise reference or calculation method. Muhurat shifts by a few minutes from city to city, so if you live outside NCR, check your local panchang.

My practical advice: have everything ready by 5:30 PM. Thali set, diyas filled, rangoli done, family bathed and dressed. Then the puja starts on time instead of in a rush.

Vastu tips for Diwali 2026: how to prepare your home for Lakshmi

The best Vastu tip for Diwali is also the oldest one: clear out what’s blocking the flow of energy before you invite anything new in. Lakshmi doesn’t walk into clutter. Below is the order I follow with clients.

1. Start the clean-up from the north-east

The north-east (Ishan kon) is the zone of clarity and divine energy. In many Noida flats, this is exactly where the shoe rack, inverter or old cartons end up. Clear this corner first. Keep it light, open and spotless. If your mandir is here, wipe the idols and replace old flowers and faded cloth.

2. Fix the main entrance

Your main door is where Lakshmi is welcomed, so it needs the most attention:

  • Oil the hinges if the door creaks. A squeaky door is considered an energy leak.
  • Remove dustbins, old shoes and broken pots near the entrance.
  • Hang a fresh toran of mango or ashoka leaves, or marigold.
  • Make sure the nameplate is clean and the light outside the door works.
  • Draw small Lakshmi footprints (charan) pointing inward, never outward.

3. Set up the puja in the right direction

Place the Lakshmi-Ganesh idols in the north-east or north of the room. You should face east or north while doing the puja. North is Kuber’s direction, the zone of wealth and new opportunities, which makes it especially suitable for Diwali. Keep Ganesh ji on Lakshmi ji’s left side.

4. Place diyas zone by zone

Don’t just line diyas along the balcony. Place them with intent:

  • Main entrance: two diyas, one on each side.
  • North-east: a ghee diya near the mandir.
  • South-east: this is the fire zone, so a diya here supports cash flow and confidence.
  • North: a diya for career and money opportunities.
  • Kitchen and water areas: one diya each, kept safely.

One diya that burns through the night (akhand diya) in the puja area is traditional. Use a deep diya with enough ghee, and never leave it near curtains.

5. Choose rangoli colours by direction

Rangoli isn’t only decoration. In Vastu, colour carries element energy:

  • North: green and blue.
  • East: green, yellow.
  • South-east: red, orange, pink.
  • South-west: yellow, earthy tones.
  • Entrance: bright, warm colours with a lotus or swastik motif.

Avoid black and very dark grey in rangoli on Diwali.

6. Clear the money zone

Your almirah or locker should ideally sit in the south-west and open towards the north. Before Dhanteras, clean it out completely. Throw away old bills and expired cards. Place a red cloth inside, along with a few silver coins, whole haldi, and kamal gatta if you have it.

7. Throw out broken things before Dhanteras

Broken clocks, cracked mirrors, dead plants, torn idols and electronics that haven’t worked in months. All of these hold stuck energy. Dispose of them before 6 November so that whatever you buy on Dhanteras enters a clear space.

Common Diwali Vastu mistakes I see every year

Most of these come from habit, not ignorance. Fixing them takes minutes.

  • Keeping the puja area in the south-west or under a staircase. Shift it, even if it’s just for Diwali night.
  • Leaving the house dark after the puja. Keep lights on at least till midnight. A dark home on Amavasya night goes against the whole idea of the festival.
  • Shutting the main door during the muhurat. Keep it open, or at least slightly ajar, while the puja is on.
  • Gifting sharp or black items. Knives, scissors and black clothes aren’t great Diwali gifts in Vastu terms.
  • Placing Lakshmi’s photo facing the toilet wall. Check what’s on the other side of the wall behind your mandir. It happens a lot in compact flats.
  • Ignoring the south-west. People clean the drawing room and forget the master bedroom. The south-west is about stability. Clean it too.

Diwali 2026 FAQs

When is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. It falls on Kartik Amavasya.

When is Dhanteras 2026?

Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November 2026. It’s the first day of the five-day festival.

What is the Lakshmi Puja time on Diwali 2026 in Delhi?

In New Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat is 5:54 PM to 7:50 PM on 8 November 2026, as per Drik Panchang. Timings vary slightly by city.

Which direction should Lakshmi-Ganesh idols face?

Place the idols in the north or north-east of the room. The person doing the puja should face east or north.

Where should I keep diyas on Diwali as per Vastu?

Keep two diyas at the main entrance, one in the north-east near the mandir, and one each in the north and south-east. A ghee diya in the puja area is considered most auspicious.

What should I buy on Dhanteras 2026?

Traditionally, people buy gold, silver, brass or steel utensils, or a broom. Buy something you’ll actually use. Avoid iron, glass and black items.

Is Diwali 2026 on a Sunday?

Yes. Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November, which makes it convenient for families in NCR, since most offices are already closed.

When is Bhai Dooj 2026?

According to Drik Panchang, Bhai Dooj in India falls on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. Some calendars list it on 10 November.

Before you light the first diya

You don’t need a full renovation to get your home Diwali-ready. Start with the north-east, fix the entrance, clear the money zone and get rid of broken things before Dhanteras. Those four steps alone change how a home feels on Lakshmi Puja night.

If something in your home feels stuck, like money coming in but not staying, or constant arguments, Diwali is a good time to look at it properly. I do personalised Vastu consultations for homes and offices in Noida and Delhi. Book a session before 6 November so the corrections are in place before Dhanteras.

Wishing you and your family a bright, abundant Diwali 2026.

Vastu Tips for Buying a New Home in 2026

Posted on by Saanvi Gupta

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. In 2026 most buyers in Noida, Greater Noida, Gurugram and Delhi are choosing between high-rise flats, builder floors and a shrinking number of independent plots. Almost every brochure now promises a “100% Vastu-compliant” layout. Very few of them actually are.

The good news is that you do not need to memorise every Vastu rule to make a sound choice. You need to check a handful of things that truly matter, and you need to know which problems can be balanced later and which ones are a reason to walk away. This guide covers exactly that.

THE CORRECT VASTU APPROACH

Correct Vastu is not about fear, and it is not about breaking walls. It is about aligning your home with the natural flow of sunlight, air and earth energy, and correcting what you can with placement, colours and elements.

STEP 1

Find the true directions first

Every Vastu decision depends on knowing where North actually is. This is where most buyers go wrong. The north arrow printed on a builder’s brochure is often approximate, and sometimes it is simply wrong.

Use a proper magnetic compass or a reliable compass app. Stand near the centre of the flat or plot, keep at least a metre away from steel railings, electrical panels and your car, and take the reading three times. Note the exact degree, not just “north-ish”. Classical Vastu divides a home into 16 zones of 22.5° each, so a tilt of 10 to 15 degrees can move a room into a completely different zone.

The eight directions and the five elements (Pancha Bhoota). Each corner carries one element, and the centre is open space.

TIP

Take your compass reading on the actual site visit, not from the sample flat. Sample flats are often built in a different orientation from the tower you will live in.

STEP 2

Check the shape of the plot or flat

Shape matters because missing corners mean missing energy. A home with a cut in one zone tends to show weakness in the area of life that zone supports. Square and rectangular shapes are the safest.

Green shapes are safe choices. Red shapes need serious correction or should be avoided, especially for independent plots.

For flats, look at the shape of your unit, not just the tower. Many modern layouts have deep balconies or angled walls that create cuts. A small extension in the North-East is generally welcome. A cut in the North-East or South-West is the one to worry about, because the North-East supports clarity and new opportunities, and the South-West supports stability and relationships.

STEP 3

Look closely at the main entrance

The main door is where energy enters the home, so it deserves the most attention. Here is the first myth to drop: a South-facing entrance is not automatically bad. In Vastu, each side of a home is divided into nine segments called padas. Some segments are favourable and some are not, on every side. What matters is where exactly the door sits on that wall.

Facing Favourable part of the wall Part to avoid What it supports
North Centre towards North-East Extreme North-West end Career, new opportunities, cash flow
East Centre towards North-East Extreme South-East end Health, social connections, recognition
West Just North of centre Extreme South-West end Gains, profits, steady growth
South Just East of centre South-West half Fame and rest, when placed correctly

 

Also check what the door faces. Avoid a main door that opens directly opposite a lift, a staircase, a neighbour’s door or a pillar. Make sure it opens inward, clockwise, and that it is the largest door in the home.

STEP 4

Check where each room sits

Once you know the directions, lay a simple 3×3 grid over the floor plan, with North at the top. This quick sketch tells you most of what you need to know about a layout in under five minutes.

A simple room map for a Vastu-friendly home. Use it as a quick test on any floor plan the builder shares.

Room Best zones Avoid
Kitchen South-East, or North-West as second choice North-East, centre
Master bedroom South-West, South North-East, South-East
Puja / meditation North-East, East Under a staircase, next to a toilet
Toilets West of North-West, South of South-West North-East, centre, South-West corner
Children’s room West of South-West, North East of South-East
Living room North, East, North-East South-West corner
Staircase (duplex) South, West, South-West North-East, centre

 

Do not expect a perfect score. Very few modern flats tick every box. Focus on the three placements that carry the most weight: a clean North-East, a kitchen that is not in the North-East, and a master bedroom in the South-West or South.

STEP 5

Slopes, levels and water

This matters most for plots, villas and builder floors. The earth element should be heavy and high in the South-West, and the water element should be light and low in the North-East.

Element Correct placement Avoid
Plot or floor slope Lower towards North, East or North-East Sloping down towards South-West
Underground tank, borewell North-East, North, East South-East, South-West, centre
Overhead water tank South-West, West North-East
Septic tank North-West, or West North-East, South-West
Tall trees, heavy structures South, West, South-West North-East

STEP 6

Look around the property, not just inside

Your surroundings affect your home as much as the floor plan does. Walk around the building before you decide and look for these:

RED FLAGS OUTSIDE

A road ending straight at your main gate (a T-junction, called Veedhi Shoola). A high-tension tower or transformer close to the entrance. A much taller building blocking your North-East. A large tree, pole or pillar directly in front of the main door. An open drain along the North or East boundary.

Open spaces, parks and water bodies on the North or East side are a strong positive. For high-rise flats, a good view and morning sunlight from the East usually tell you the unit is well placed.

STEP 7

Special checks for flats in 2026

Most homes bought in NCR today are flats, often under construction. That brings its own set of questions.

  • Ask for the actual unit drawing, with dimensions and a north marker, not the glossy brochure plan. Then verify the north with your own compass on site.
  • Check where the toilets fall. Builders stack toilets vertically for plumbing, and many towers end up with a toilet in the North-East of every flat in a stack. If you have a choice, pick a different stack.
  • Check the centre of the flat. A toilet, a lift shaft wall or a heavy column in the middle of the unit blocks the Brahmasthan.
  • Balconies in the North, East or North-East are ideal. They bring light and keep those zones open.
  • Floor number is far less important than people think. Choose the floor that suits your family and budget.

STEP 8

What can be fixed and what cannot

This is the most useful question to ask before buying. Many defects can be balanced with colours, metals, elements and better placement of furniture, without breaking a single wall. A few are structural and difficult to correct.

Defect Level Correction approach
Clutter, heavy furniture or dustbin in the North-East Easy fix Clear the zone, keep it light and clean
Bedroom in South-East or North-East Easy fix Bed direction, zone colours, use as guest room if possible
Main door in a less favourable pada Needs expert Metal strips and element balancing at the threshold
Kitchen in the North-East Needs expert Shift the cooking platform within the room, element correction
Toilet in the North-East or centre Needs expert Zone isolation with colours and metals, keep it dry and closed
Large North-East cut in a plot Think twice Difficult to balance; better to choose another property
Plot sloping down to the South-West Think twice Needs levelling work; factor the cost before buying

A WORD OF HONESTY

If anyone tells you a property can only be “fixed” by buying expensive pyramids, crystals or yantras, or by demolishing walls in a new home, get a second opinion. Correct Vastu solutions are usually simple and low-cost.

STEP 9

Myths to ignore

Myth The correct view
“South-facing homes are always unlucky.” A South entrance in the right pada works well. Many North-facing homes have a door in the wrong pada.
“The brochure says 100% Vastu, so it is fine.” It is a marketing line. Verify it yourself with a compass and a 3×3 grid.
“Any Vastu problem means demolition.” Most defects in modern flats are balanced without construction.
“Higher floors are better in Vastu.” Layout and directions matter far more than the floor number.

AFTER YOU BUY

First steps when you move in

The way you set up the home in the first few weeks matters as much as the layout you chose. A few simple habits keep the energy of a new home fresh and balanced.

When What to do
Before moving in Deep-clean every room and let sunlight and fresh air in for a few days. Choose an auspicious date for Griha Pravesh with your family pandit.
Day one Enter through the main door, not the service door. Light a diya and boil milk in the kitchen as the first act of cooking.
First week Place heavy almirahs and storage in the South-West. Keep the North-East light, with only plants, water or the puja space.
First month Fix leaking taps, broken fittings and dead bulbs quickly. Water leaks in particular drain the energy of the zone they sit in.

BEFORE YOU PAY

Your site-visit checklist

Print this list and take it with you on the site visit. Tick each item as you check it.

☐  Took a compass reading at the centre of the actual unit, three times

☐  Unit shape is square or rectangular, with no North-East or South-West cut

☐  Main door sits in a favourable pada for its direction

☐  Main door does not face a lift, staircase or another door

☐  Kitchen is not in the North-East

☐  No toilet in the North-East or the centre

☐  Master bedroom is in the South-West or South

☐  North-East is open, with good light or a balcony

☐  No T-junction, transformer or tall block facing the entrance

☐  Asked which defects can be corrected without demolition

REMEMBER

Vastu is one part of a good buying decision. Also check RERA registration, the title documents, the builder’s delivery record and the structural quality before you sign.

IN CLOSING

Choose with clarity, not fear

A home that is aligned with nature supports your health, your relationships and your growth. You do not need a perfect property to get there. You need correct directions, an honest look at the layout, and a clear understanding of what can be balanced. When you buy with that clarity, Vastu stops being a source of worry and becomes a practical tool for a happier home.

Get a Vastu check before you book

Share the floor plan of the property you are considering, and get a clear, practical Vastu review from Saanvi Gupta and the Indian Vastu Experts team. No fear, no unnecessary remedies, only correct Vastu.

thesaanvigupta.com  ·  Instagram: Indian Vastu Experts

Navratri 2026: Day-Wise Puja, Prasad, Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on by Saanvi Gupta

Sharad Navratri 2026 began with Ghatasthapana on Sunday, 11 October and ends with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on Tuesday, 20 October. Over these nine nights, devotees worship Maa Durga in nine forms, the Navadurga, each with her own bhog, colour of devotion and blessing.

This guide walks you through each day of Navratri 2026: which Mata to worship, how to do her puja simply at home, what prasad to offer, and what blessings she grants. It ends with the essential do’s and don’ts so your vrat and puja are complete and joyful.

 

 

Navratri 2026 at a glance

One quirk to note this year: the tithis are compressed at the end. Ashtami is present at sunrise on Monday, 19 October but ends at 10:53 AM, after which Navami begins. So Maha Ashtami, the Sandhi Puja and Maha Navami are all observed on 19 October.

 

Day Date Tithi Goddess Bhog (prasad)
1 Sun, 11 Oct Pratipda   Maa Shailaputri     Pure cow ghee
2 Mon, 12 Oct Dwitiya   Maa   Brahmacharini   Mishri, sugar and

   fruits
3 Tue, 13 Oct Tritiya   Maa Chandraghanta     Milk, kheer or milk

      sweets
4 Wed, 14 Oct Chaturthi   Maa Kushmanda     Malpua
5 Thu, 15 Oct Panchami   Maa Skandamata     Bananas
6 Fri, 16 Oct Shashthi   Maa Katyayani       Honey
7 Sat, 17 Oct Saptami   Maa Kalaratri       Jaggery (gud)
8 Mon, 19 Oct Ashtami Maa Mahagauri Coconut
9 Mon, 19 Oct Navami Maa Siddhidatri Sesame (til), halwa-
10 Tue, 20 Oct Dashami Vijayadashami puri-chana

Aparajita puja, Shami
        puja

 

Timings vary by city, so confirm the exact tithi and muhurat with your local panchang.

 

  • Day 1 (11 October): Maa Shailaputri

Shailaputri, “daughter of the mountain”, is the daughter of King Himavat and the first form of Durga. She rides the bull Nandi, holding a trident and a lotus. She represents the root chakra (Muladhara) and the firm foundation on which the whole Navratri sadhana rests.

How to worship: After Ghatasthapana, offer white or red flowers, kumkum and akshat to her image beside the kalash. Chant Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah 108 times.

Prasad: Pure cow ghee, offered at her feet or used to make the bhog. After puja, the ghee can be given to a needy person or a Brahmin.

Benefits: Good health, freedom from disease, stability in life and a calm mind. Her worship also strengthens a weak Moon in the horoscope.

  • Day 2 (12 October): Maa Brahmacharini

Brahmacharini is the form of Parvati who performed years of penance to win Lord Shiva. She walks barefoot, holding a rosary (japa mala) in one hand and a kamandal in the other, and she is the very image of tapasya and self-control.

 

How to worship: Offer white flowers, especially jasmine, and sandalwood. Chant Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah. This is a good day to start a new spiritual practice or a study routine.

Prasad: Mishri (sugar crystals), sugar and seasonal fruits. Share the prasad with family members.

Benefits: Patience, willpower, discipline and success in studies and exams. She is believed to bless devotees with a long life and to strengthen Mars, giving courage.

 

  • Day 3 (13 October): Maa Chandraghanta

Chandraghanta wears a half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead. She rides a lion, has ten arms carrying weapons, and stands ready for battle, yet her face is serene. The sound of her bell is believed to drive away negative energies.

How to worship: Ring a bell during aarti, offer red flowers and light incense. Chant Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah.

Prasad: Milk, kheer or sweets made from milk. Feed the prasad to Brahmins or young girls and take it yourself afterwards.

Benefits: Freedom from fear, enemies and negativity, along with peace, prosperity and grace. Her worship is linked with Venus and supports harmony in marriage and relationships.

 

  • Day 4 (14 October): Maa Kushmanda

Kushmanda is believed to have created the universe with her gentle smile, when there was only darkness. She lives in the core of the Sun, has eight arms (hence the name Ashtabhuja) and rides a lion. She is the source of all light and energy.

How to worship: Offer red or orange flowers, roli and a lamp of ghee. Chant Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah. Offering water to the rising Sun on this day is especially fruitful.

Prasad: Malpua. After offering it to the Mata, distribute it at a temple or among Brahmins and family.

Benefits: Health, strength, fame and a sharp mind. She is linked with the Sun, so her worship builds confidence and helps those seeking government favour or leadership roles.

  • Day 5 (15 October): Maa Skandamata

Skandamata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), whom she holds in her lap. She sits on a lotus, which is why she is also called Padmasana Devi, and rides a lion. Worshipping her is said to bless the devotee with the grace of both mother and son.

How to worship: Offer yellow flowers and light a diya. Chant Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah. Mothers often pray to her for the wellbeing of their children.

Prasad: Bananas. Offer them at her feet, then give them to Brahmins or share them among family.

Benefits: Blessings for children, healthy progeny, wisdom and success in communication. She is linked with Mercury, which governs intellect, business and speech.

  • Day 6 (16 October): Maa Katyayani

Katyayani was born to the sage Katyayan and is the warrior form who slew Mahishasura. She rides a lion and holds a sword and a lotus. The gopis of Vrindavan are said to have worshipped her to win Lord Krishna as their husband.

How to worship: Offer red flowers, turmeric and red chunri. Unmarried girls traditionally chant Katyayani Mahamaye Mahayoginyadhishwari, Nandagopasutam devi patim me kuru te namah for a good life partner.

Prasad: Honey. Offer honey and fruits, and share the prasad with family. 

Benefits: Removal of obstacles to marriage, a loving spouse and courage to face adversity. She is linked with Jupiter, the planet of marriage, wisdom and good fortune.

  • Day 7 (17 October): Maa Kalaratri

Kalaratri is the fiercest form of Durga. Her complexion is dark as night, her hair is loose, she wears a garland that flashes like lightning, and she rides a donkey. Fierce as she looks, she is also called Shubhankari because she only ever does good for her devotees.

How to worship: Worship at night if possible. Offer blue or red flowers and light a mustard-oil lamp. Chant Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah. Many devotees also read the Durga Saptashati or Durga Kavach on this day.

Prasad: Jaggery (gud), or sweets made with jaggery. Offer it and give part of it to a Brahmin.

Benefits: Protection from evil eye, black magic, accidents and fear of any kind. She is linked with Saturn, so her worship eases Sade Sati and Shani dhaiya.

Sunday, 18 October falls between Saptami and Ashtami this year. Ashtami begins during the day but is not present at sunrise, so there is no new form of the Goddess to install. Continue your daily puja, keep the akhand jyoti burning and prepare for Ashtami.

 

 

Day 8 and Day 9 (19 October): Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri This year both forms are worshipped on Monday, 19 October. Ashtami is held until 10:53 AM, then Navami takes over, so plan your Mahagauri puja for the morning and the Siddhidatri puja and havan for later in the day. The Sandhi Puja is done at the meeting of the two tithis, around 10:53 AM.

 

  • Maa Mahagauri (Ashtami)

Mahagauri is radiantly fair, dressed in white and riding a white bull. After her long penance, Lord Shiva bathed her in the Ganga and restored her golden glow. She represents purity, forgiveness and the washing away of past sins.

How to worship: Offer white flowers and white clothes, and chant Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah.

Prasad: Coconut, or sweets made from coconut. Donate a coconut afterwards. 

Benefits: Release from past mistakes, peace in the family and fulfilment of wishes. She is linked with Rahu, so her worship clears confusion and anxiety. 

 

  • Maa Siddhidatri (Navami)

Siddhidatri sits on a lotus and grants all eight siddhis. It is said that even Lord Shiva received his siddhis through her grace, which made half his body hers as Ardhanarishvara.

How to worship: Perform havan with the Durga Saptashati mantras, then do Kanya Pujan. Chant Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah.

Prasad: Sesame (til), along with halwa, puri and black chana for Kanya Pujan. 

Benefits: Spiritual fulfilment, success in all efforts and protection from sudden misfortune. She is linked with Ketu and brings detachment and inner wisdom. Kanya Pujan

Invite nine girls (ideally aged 2 to 10) and one young boy, who represents Langur or Bhairav. Wash their feet, apply kumkum, tie a red thread and serve them halwa, puri and chana. Gift them a red chunri, bangles, fruits and dakshina, and touch their feet before they leave. Kanya Pujan completes the Navratri vrat.

 

10. Vijayadashami (20 October)

Dussehra celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. Immerse the kalash water and the jaware (barley sprouts), and keep a few sprouts in your locker or wallet for prosperity. Worship the Shami tree and Aparajita Devi, and start new work today; Vijayadashami is one of the most auspicious days of the year.

 

Do’s and don’ts during Navratri

 

Do’s

  •  Wake up early and bathe before puja. Brahma muhurat, about 90 minutes before sunrise, is the best time for jaap and meditation.
  • Keep the home and puja room spotless. Clean daily and place the kalash and the Mata’s image in the north-east (Ishaan) corner of the home.
  •  Keep the akhand jyoti burning. If you light one, make sure someone is always home to tend it, and place it on the south-east side of the idol.
  • Eat sattvik vrat food. Choose fruits, milk, curd, sabudana, makhana, kuttu, singhara or rajgira flour, potatoes and sendha namak (rock salt).
  • Offer each day’s bhog with devotion. Prepare it fresh and clean, and share it after the puja.
  • Read the Durga Saptashati or Durga Chalisa daily. Even one chapter or a chalisa a day is enough.
  • Respect women and girls. The Goddess lives in every woman; Navratri is incomplete without honouring them.
  • Donate. Give food, clothes or dakshina to the needy, especially on Ashtami and Navami.
  • Sow and tend the jaware. Water the barley daily; lush green sprouts are considered a sign of prosperity.

 

Don’ts

 

  • Don’t eat onion, garlic, meat, eggs or alcohol during the nine days, even if you are not fasting.
  • Don’t use regular salt or grains if you are keeping the vrat; use sendha namak and vrat flours instead.
  • Don’t cut hair, shave or trim nails during Navratri, as tradition advises.
  •  Don’t leave the home empty or locked if the kalash and akhand jyoti are installed.
  • Don’t sleep during the day when observing a fast; it is believed to reduce the fruit of the vrat.
  • Don’t use harsh words, argue or lie. The vrat is as much about the mind and speech as about food.
  • Don’t wear black clothes during puja, and avoid leather belts, bags and shoes in the puja room.
  • Don’t take the Mata’s bhog before offering it or serve prasad that is stale.
  • Don’t fast beyond your health. Pregnant women, the elderly, children and anyone with diabetes or blood pressure should keep a light fast or simply do puja, after consulting a doctor.

 

 

 

Final thoughts

Navratri is a journey through nine forms of the same Mother: from the steady strength of Shailaputri to the complete fulfilment of Siddhidatri. Each day asks for something simple, such as a flower, a lamp, a sincere mantra and a little bhog, and in return offers health, courage, prosperity and peace.

You don’t need an elaborate ritual to receive her blessings. A clean home, a pure heart, the right bhog on the right day and kindness towards others are enough. May Maa Durga fill your home with light this Navratri. Jai Mata Di! Sources

  • PanchangBodh: Sharad Navratri 2026 dates and day-wise forms
  • Shubh Panchang: Navratri 2026 date and tithi
  • Dekho Panchang: Navaratri (Sharad) 2026 muhurat

 

Sharad Navratri 2026: Dates, 9 Forms of Durga Maa, Colours, Puja Vidhi, Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on by Saanvi Gupta

Sharad Navratri is nine days of devotion to Maa Durga, and in 2026 it runs from Sunday, 11 October to Monday, 19 October, with Dussehra on Tuesday, 20 October.

“Navratri” means “nine nights.” During these nine nights, we worship the nine forms of Maa Durga, called the Navadurga. Each day is dedicated to one form of the Goddess, and each form blesses us with a different quality, such as strength, peace, courage or wisdom.

The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. Maa Durga fought the demon Mahishasura for nine days and defeated him on the tenth. That tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashami, also called Dussehra.

Sharad Navratri falls in the month of Ashwin, when the season changes from monsoon to autumn. This is why the nine days of fasting and simple food also give the body a gentle reset.

 

Key dates for Sharad Navratri 2026

Event                                                           Date

Navratri begins (Ghatasthapana)    Sunday, 11 October 2026

Durga Ashtami                              Sunday, 18 October 2026

Maha Navami                               Monday, 19 October 2026

Vijayadashami (Dussehra)             Tuesday, 20 October 2026

Ghatasthapana muhurat on 11 October: In Delhi, the auspicious time is 6:19 am to 10:12 am, and the Abhijit muhurat is 11:44 am to 12:31 pm. Timings differ slightly from city to city, so check your local panchang.

 

The 9 forms of Maa Durga and the colours to wear

Each day of Navratri honours one form of Maa Durga, and in 2026 the colours begin with orange because Navratri starts on a Sunday.

Day          Date         Form of Maa Durga Colour to wear         Bhog (offering)

1       Sun, 11 Oct       Shailputri                   Orange               Pure ghee

2       Mon, 12 Oct      Brahmacharini           White                Sugar and fruits

3       Tue, 13 Oct       Chandraghanta           Red                    Milk or kheer

4       Wed, 14 Oct      Kushmanda                Royal blue          Malpua

5       Thu, 15 Oct       Skandamata               Yellow              Banana

6       Fri, 16 Oct         Katyayani                  Green                 Honey

7       Sat, 17 Oct         Kalaratri                    Grey                  Jaggery

8       Sun, 18 Oct       Mahagauri                 Purple                Coconut

9       Mon, 19 Oct      Siddhidatri                 Peacock green         Sesame (til)

 

 

Day 1: Maa Shailputri

Shailputri means “daughter of the mountain.” She is the daughter of King Himalaya and rides a bull, holding a trident and a lotus. She gives stability and strength. Worship her to begin Navratri with a strong, steady mind.

 

Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini

She walks barefoot, holding a rosary and a water pot. She stands for tapasya, the power of discipline and self-control. Worship her for patience and focus.

 

Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta

She wears a half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead and rides a lion. She removes fear and negativity. Worship her for courage and peace of mind.

 

Day 4: Maa Kushmanda

She is believed to have created the universe with her gentle smile. She lives in the Sun, gives energy and good health. Worship her for vitality and well being.

Day 5: Maa Skandamata

She is the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda) and holds him on her lap. She blesses us with a mother’s love and care. Worship her for the happiness of children and family.

 

Day 6: Maa Katyayani

She is the warrior form who defeated Mahishasura. Young women traditionally pray to her for a good life partner. Worship her for courage and success in relationships.

 

Day 7: Maa Kalaratri

She is the fierce, dark form of the Goddess who destroys evil and darkness. Though she looks fearsome, she always protects her devotees. Worship her to remove fear and negative energy.

 

Day 8: Maa Mahagauri

She is fair, calm and dressed in white, riding a bull. She represents purity and forgiveness. Worship her to wash away past mistakes and bring peace to the home.

 

Day 9: Maa Siddhidatri

She sits on a lotus and grants siddhis, or spiritual powers and wisdom. Worship her to complete the nine days and receive her blessings for success.

 

How to do Navratri puja at home?

 

Navratri puja starts with Ghatasthapana on the first morning and continues with a simple daily puja for all nine days.

Things you will need: A clay or copper kalash, a wide clay pot, clean soil, barley (jau) seeds, a coconut with its husk, mango leaves, a red cloth, a red chunri for Maa, roli, rice (akshat), turmeric, flowers, a ghee diya, incense, fruits, and a picture or idol of Maa Durga.

Ghatasthapana: step by step (11 October)

  1. Wake up early, take a bath and wear clean clothes, ideally orange for Day 1.
  2. Clean the puja space, preferably in the North-East or East of your home. Sprinkle a little Gangajal.
  3. Place a wooden chowki and cover it with a red cloth. Place Maa Durga’s picture or idol on it.
  4. Sow the barley. Spread soil in the wide clay pot and sow the barley seeds in it. Sprinkle a little water.
  5. Prepare the kalash. Fill it with clean water. Add a coin, a betel nut, akshat and a little turmeric.
  6. Place the mango leaves around the mouth of the kalash.
  7. Wrap the coconut in red cloth or chunri and tie it with mauli (red thread). Place it on top of the kalash.
  8. Place the kalash on the soil in the middle of the barley pot, or beside it.
  9. Light the diya, offer flowers, roli and akshat, and pray to Maa to stay in your home for nine days.
  10. Do the aarti and offer the day’s bhog.

 

Daily puja (Day 1 to Day 9)

  • Bathe early and wear the colour of the day.
  • Light a ghee diya and incense before Maa.
  • Offer fresh flowers, especially red ones such as hibiscus or roses.
  • Offer the day’s bhog.
  • Chant the mantra “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Vichche” 108 times, or read a chapter of the Durga Saptashati.
  • Do the aarti in the morning and evening.
  • Water the barley daily.

 

Simple mantra for beginners

If you cannot do a long puja, simply sit before Maa for ten minutes each day, light a diya, and chant “Om Dum Durgaye Namah” 108 times with a calm mind. Maa values devotion more than ritual.

Navratri do’s and don’ts

A few simple rules help keep the home, body and mind pure during the nine days.

 Do’s

  • Keep the home clean, especially the puja area and the entrance. Clean before Ghatasthapana and keep it tidy all nine days.
  • Eat sattvic food. Fruits, milk, curd, sabudana, makhana, kuttu, singhara flour, potatoes and sendha namak are commonly eaten during the fast.
  • Drink plenty of water, coconut water and buttermilk. The season is changing, and staying hydrated keeps you healthy.
  • Light a diya in the morning and evening.
  • Speak kindly and keep calm. Navratri is as much about a pure mind as a pure diet.
  • Wear clean, fresh clothes, ideally in the colour of the day.
  • Respect women and girls. Maa lives in every woman.
  • Sleep on time. Rest helps the body during fasting.
  • Water the barley daily and watch it grow as a sign of blessings.

 Don’ts

  • Avoid onion, garlic, meat, eggs and alcohol in the home during the nine days.
  • Do not eat regular salt if you are fasting; use sendha namak instead.
  • Avoid grains such as wheat and rice if you are keeping a fast.
  • Do not leave the home empty if an akhand jyoti is lit; someone should always be there to look after it.
  • Avoid cutting hair, shaving and cutting nails, as many families follow this tradition.
  • Do not sleep during the day if you are fasting, as tradition advises staying alert and devoted.
  • Avoid anger, arguments and gossip.
  • Do not keep broken idols or torn pictures of the Goddess in the puja area.
  • Do not wear black for puja, especially during Ghatasthapana.

A note on health

If you are pregnant, diabetic, elderly, or on regular medicines, speak to your doctor before keeping a strict fast. You can also keep a partial fast with fruits and milk. Maa sees your devotion, not how hungry you are.

Auspicious things to do during Navratri

Beyond the daily puja, a few special practices are believed to bring Maa Durga’s blessings into the home.

 

 

  1. Akhand Jyoti

An akhand jyoti is a diya that burns without stopping for all nine days. Use a large brass or clay lamp with pure ghee or sesame oil, and place it on the right side of Maa’s picture. Make sure someone is home at all times and keep it safely away from curtains. If you cannot keep it lit for nine days, a morning and evening diya is perfectly fine.

 

  1. Durga Saptashati path

Reading the Durga Saptashati, a collection of 700 verses praising Maa, is one of the most powerful Navratri practices. You can read one or two chapters each day so that you complete it in nine days. If Sanskrit is hard, read a simple Hindi or English version, or listen to it.

 

  1. Kanya Pujan

On Ashtami (18 October) or Navami (19 October), invite nine young girls and one young boy (as Langur, a form of Bhairav) home. Wash their feet, apply tilak, tie mauli, and serve them halwa, puri and black chana. Give them a small gift and touch their feet for blessings. This honours the Goddess in the form of young girls.

 

  1. Daan (charity)

Give food, clothes or money to those in need, especially women and girls. Donating red chunri, bangles or sindoor to married women on Ashtami is considered very auspicious.

 

  1. Buy something new

Navratri is a good time to start new things: buying gold or silver, a new vehicle, or beginning a new business or home. Many people plan such purchases for these nine days.

 

  1. Hawan on the last day

On Navami, perform a small hawan with mango wood, ghee and samagri, offering ahutis with Maa’s mantra. This completes the nine-day worship.

 

 

  1. Visarjan and Dussehra

On Vijayadashami (20 October), do a final puja and gently move the kalash. Keep a few of the grown barley shoots in your wallet, locker or cash box as a sign of prosperity. Sprinkle the kalash water around the home. Then celebrate Dussehra, the victory of good over evil.

 

Final words

Navratri is not only about rituals. It is a time to clean your home, rest your body, calm your mind and connect with the divine mother within you. Even if you cannot follow every rule, light a diya with love, chant Maa’s name, and treat every woman with respect. That is the true spirit of Navratri.

 

Jai Mata Di!

Pitru Amavasya: The Sacred Culmination of Shraddh Paksh

Posted on by Saanvi Gupta

Introduction: Honouring the Roots That Hold Us

Pitru Amavasya is the most powerful day of Shraddha Paksha, the one day on which every ancestor of the family can be honoured together. In 2026 it falls on Saturday, 10 October.

In Sanatan Dharma, life is not seen as a straight line that begins at birth and ends at death. It is a continuous thread that runs back through our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, and forward through our children. The food we eat, the values we hold, the surname we carry and even the body we live in are gifts from those who came before us. Our scriptures call them the Pitru — the revered ancestors.

Every year, for about fifteen days in the dark half of the month of Ashwin, Hindu families pause their worldly celebrations to remember these ancestors. This period is called Shraddha Paksha or Pitru Paksha. Its final and grandest day is Pitru Amavasya, also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Mahalaya Amavasya or Pitru Visarjani Amavasya.

In this article, we explore what Pitru Amavasya means, when and how it is observed, the blessings it is believed to bring, and why families across India and abroad continue to perform it with such devotion.

 Understanding Shraddha Paksha

Shraddha Paksha is the fortnight dedicated to the ancestors, running from Bhadrapada Purnima (or the following Pratipada) to Ashwin Krishna Amavasya. In 2026 it runs from late September to 10 October.

The word Shraddha comes from Shraddhaa, meaning faith and sincere devotion. A Shraddha is any act done for the ancestors with genuine faith — offering water, food, prayers or charity in their name. The scriptures say that during this fortnight the Pitru descend from Pitru Lok, the realm of ancestors, to visit their descendants and receive these offerings.

Each day of the fortnight corresponds to a lunar date (tithi). A family performs Shraddha for a departed member on the tithi on which that person passed away. For example, someone who died on a Panchami is remembered on the Panchami of Shraddha Paksha, regardless of the month of death.

A well-known story from the Mahabharata explains the origin of this tradition. After Karna died in battle and reached heaven, he was offered gold and jewels instead of food. When he asked why, he was told that in his lifetime he had donated generously in gold, but had never offered food to his ancestors. Karna was allowed to return to earth for fifteen days to perform Shraddha and offer food and water to his forefathers. Those fifteen days came to be observed as Pitru Paksha.

Why Pitru Amavasya Is the Most Important Day

Pitru Amavasya is the day on which Shraddha can be offered to all ancestors at once — known or unknown, remembered or forgotten. That is why it is called Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the new moon of all ancestors.

Its special place comes from several beliefs:

  • For unknown dates: Many families do not know the exact tithi on which a grandparent or great-grandparent passed away. Scriptures such as the Garuda Purana say that Shraddha performed on this Amavasya reaches all of them.
  • For missed dates: If you could not perform Shraddha on the correct tithi because of travel, illness or work, this day makes up for it.
  • For those with no descendants: Ancestors who died unmarried, childless or far from home, and relatives whose lineage has ended, are remembered collectively on this day.
  • For the farewell: It is believed the Pitru return to their realm this evening. The day is therefore also called Pitru Visarjani Amavasya — the day of bidding farewell to the ancestors.

 

The name Mahalaya means a great abode or a great gathering, pointing to the idea that all generations of the family gather together on this day. In Bengal and eastern India, Mahalaya also marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha, as the household turns from honouring the ancestors to welcoming Maa Durga. In 2026, Sharad Navratri begins on 11 October, the very next day.

 When It Is Done: Date and Timing for 2026

Pitru Amavasya 2026 falls on Saturday, 10 October, which is Ashwin Krishna Amavasya. For India (IST), the Amavasya tithi runs from about 9:36 PM on 9 October to about 9:20 PM on 10 October (PanchangBodh).

Shraddha is traditionally performed in the late morning to afternoon, never at night or at sunrise. Three windows are considered auspicious:

Muhurat

When in the day

Notes

Kutup Kaal

Around midday (8th muhurat)

Considered the most auspicious for Shraddha

Rohina Kaal

Just after Kutup

Also favourable

Aparahna Kaal

Early to mid afternoon

Rites should be completed by its end; in Ujjain on 10 Oct 2026 it is about 1:23 PM to 3:44 PM (Haindavam)

 

Exact times shift by city and by country. Families living outside India should note that the tithi can fall on a different calendar day; for parts of the USA, some panchangs list Amavasya Shraddha on Friday, 9 October (Drik Panchang). Always confirm the local timing with your family priest or a panchang for your city.

 

How Pitru Amavasya Shraddha Is Performed?

 

The rite is usually performed by the eldest son or a male family member, though many families today also have daughters, wives or any sincere descendant perform it. Customs vary by region and community, but the core steps are similar.

  1. Purify yourself and the space: Wake early, bathe (ideally in a holy river, or add a few drops of Ganga jal to your bath water) and wear clean, simple clothes, often white. Clean the house, especially the kitchen and the place of worship.
  2. Take the sankalp: Sit facing south, the direction associated with the Pitru. Hold water, kusha grass and black sesame in your palm and state your name, gotra, the date and your intention to perform Shraddh for all ancestors.
  3. Offer tarpan: Wear a ring of kusha grass on the ring finger. Pour water mixed with black til (sesame), barley and flowers through the space between the thumb and index finger, calling the names of your father, grandfather and great-grandfather (and mother’s side as per custom), followed by a general offering for all known and unknown ancestors.
  4. Offer pind daan: Prepare small balls (pinds) of cooked rice or barley flour mixed with ghee, honey, til and milk. Place them on kusha grass or a leaf and offer them with prayers.
  5. Prepare sattvik food: Cook a simple, pure meal without onion and garlic. Typical dishes include kheer, puri, a simple sabzi (often pumpkin or lauki), dal and rice. Many families also cook the favourite dish of a departed parent.
  6. Panchabali (feed five beings): Set aside portions for the cow (Gau), the dog (Shwan), the crow (Kaak), the ants (Pipeelika) and the gods (Deva). The crow is especially significant, as it is believed to carry the offering to the Pitru.
  7. Brahmin bhojan: Invite one or more Brahmins (or, as many families now prefer, needy people) to eat with respect. Serve them first, offer dakshina and seek their blessings.
  8. Give daan: Donate food grains, clothes, til, ghee, jaggery, a vessel, or money according to your means.
  9. Light the farewell lamp: In the evening, light a lamp of sesame oil or ghee facing south, at the doorstep or under a peepal tree, to guide the ancestors back on their journey. Pray for their peace and ask forgiveness for any mistakes in the rites.

If you cannot perform the full vidhi, the scriptures are generous. Offering water with til, feeding a hungry person or a cow, and remembering your ancestors with a sincere heart is considered a valid Shraddh.

Do’s on Pitru Amavasya

  • The spirit of the day is simplicity, restraint and respect.
  • Eat sattvik food and keep the home calm
  • Offer food to crows, cows, dogs and ants
  • Use copper or brass vessels and kusha grass
  • Donate food, clothes and til
  • Light a lamp facing south in the evening
  • Speak of your ancestors with gratitude

Don’ts on Pitru Amavasya

  • Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion and garlic
  • Turning away a guest, beggar or animal who comes to your door
  • Iron vessels in the rites
  • Arguments, harsh words and anger in the house
  • Starting new ventures, buying a house or vehicle, or holding weddings and celebrations during the fortnight
  • Cutting hair or nails on the day, as many families observe

Above all, avoid treating the rite as a mere formality. The ancestors are believed to accept the feeling behind the offering more than its size.

The Advantages and Blessings of Pitru Amavasya

Tradition holds that satisfied ancestors bless the family with peace, health, prosperity and continuity, while neglected ancestors leave the family feeling stuck. The benefits described in scripture and in lived experience include:

  • Peace for the departed souls: Tarpan and pind daan are believed to nourish the ancestors and help them move towards moksha.
  • Relief from Pitru Dosh: In Vedic astrology, Pitru Dosh is linked to obstacles in marriage, childbirth, career and family harmony. Shraddh on this Amavasya is considered one of the most effective remedies.
  • Pitru Ashirvad — ancestral blessings: Pleased ancestors are believed to bless the lineage with healthy children, long life, wealth and good fortune. The Garuda Purana describes ancestors who, when satisfied, grant their descendants long life, progeny, wealth, knowledge and happiness.
  • Completion of missed duties: One Shraddha on this day covers all ancestors and any tithi that was missed, so no soul in the family is forgotten.
  • Merit through charity: Feeding Brahmins, the poor and animals generates punya, which is believed to protect the family.
  • Inner peace and closure: Many people find that the rite gives them a structured way to grieve, to remember, and to let go — especially in the first few years after losing a parent.
  • A spiritual transition: By clearing the debt to the ancestors just before Navratri, the family enters the festive season of the Goddess with a lighter and purer heart.

Pitru Paksha 2026: Do’s & Don’ts During Shradh

Why Everyone Performs Pitru Amavasya?

 

Pitru Amavasya is observed by almost every Hindu household because it is the one day that is open to everyone, whatever they know or do not know about their family history.

  • The duty of Pitru Rin: The Vedas describe three debts every person is born with: Dev Rin (to the gods), Rishi Rin (to the sages and teachers) and Pitru Rin (to the ancestors). Pitru Rin is repaid by continuing the family line with good values and by performing Shraddh. Pitru Amavasya offers a simple, complete way to honour this debt.
  • No one is left out: Modern families are spread across cities and countries. Old records are lost, and few people know the death tithi of a great-grandparent. This day removes that barrier. Whether you remember three generations or only one name, your offering on Sarva Pitru Amavasya is believed to reach all of them.
  • Gratitude as a way of life: At its heart, Shraddha is an act of thanksgiving. Our education, our land, our habits and even our faith came through the sacrifices of those before us. Pausing once a year to say thank you keeps us humble.
  • Family bonding: The day brings relatives together. Elders tell stories about grandparents the children never met. Recipes, names and memories are passed down. For many families, this is the only time the whole family tree is spoken aloud.
  • Compassion beyond the family: Feeding crows, cows, dogs, ants and the poor reminds us that our duty extends to all living beings. The ancestors are honored not only through rituals, but through kindness to others.
  • Setting an example: When children watch their parents offer water and food to their grandparents’ memory, they learn that love and responsibility do not end with death. In turn, they are likely to remember their own parents the same way.

 Conclusion: A Bridge Between Generations

Pitru Amavasya is the day the whole family line comes home, and the day we gently send it back with love. On Saturday, 10 October 2026, a little water, a few grains of til, a simple meal shared with the needy and a lamp lit facing south can become a bridge between generations.

The rituals may differ from Kashi to Kolkata, from Gaya to Rameswaram, and from a temple courtyard to a small apartment abroad. The message stays the same: we exist because they existed. Remembering them with faith keeps their blessings flowing into our lives, and keeps alive a culture that does not forget its roots.

This Pitru Amavasya, take a few quiet moments to say the names of those who came before you, offer what you can with a sincere heart, and ask for their blessings for the generations still to come.

Sources

* PanchangBodh — Sarva Pitru Amavasya

* Drik Panchang — Amavasya Shraddha 2026

* Haindavam — Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026 (Ujjain)

 

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Tips for Setting Up Shradh & Pind Daan at Home

Posted on by Saanvi Gupta

Pitru Paksha is a 16 days duration of fortnight generally falls in September or October. In 2026 it starts from 26th Sep Poornima Shradh to 10 Oct Sarva Pitru Amavasya. According to Hindu tradition Shradh is performed according to Tithi that matches their date of passing. Because of it, dates vary every year. If there is any confusion regarding tithi and muhurat then one should consult with a qualified priest to avoid any type of mistakes. And in case there is no idea of the tithi of the no more people then it can be performed on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

According Hindu tradition the elder son of the family is the primary performer of Shradh. In case if there is no son then eligible relative like – nephew, brother, grandson can perform such rituals. In some family if they don’t have son then the daughter is also permitted to perform these rituals of Shradh. Shradh can be performed at home and at holy place like Gaya, Haridwar and many more places. Up to 70% people use to perform these rituals at home. Let’s discuss about the things which we have to follow in case of performing such rituals at home.

 Key Samagri that requires to perform such rituals are as follows:

  • Most common samagri that is used in different religions is – water, black sesame, kusha, uncooked rice, brass or copper vessels and plate or thali (better if it is of copper or brass as these metals are auspicious for such rituals)
  • Chandan paste, flowers, diya, cotton wicks, incense sticks or dhoop, match box and ghee.
  • Pind making mixture for Pind daan, Fruits and sattvik food prepared for offerings.
  • The offerings must be served in banana leaves as it is considered auspicious or plates made up of dry leaves (pattal) . It totally depends on the tradition they follow.
  • Wear unstitched clothes of light colour and also include unstitched clothes for donation like white dhoti. Dakshina to give the priest after puja for performing the rituals.

These are the items or samagri that is widely used by many religions for Shradh rituals. If someone followed the rituals by Purohit guidance their list of samagri may be little elaborated.

 

 Tips for performing the rituals at home:

  • Cleanliness: clean your home completely. A tidy, quiet corner of the home creates an environment that attracts positivity and makes your mind stress free for performing the rituals.
  • Space to perform the rituals: Ideally according to Hindu tradition people use to perform such rituals in place near the Puja area or balcony or terrace with access to the open sky. Also make sure the space must be away from the household noise and foot traffic. In a clear word it is noise free space because it allows one to concentrate in rituals with peace of mind.
  • Food : Kitchen must be clean where you are going to prepare the offerings. It can be done without tasting the food before it is offered. It must be Sattvic food with garlic and onion.
  • Arrange puja samagri: Keep your all puja samagri ready  before performing the rituals. It will help the rituals flow smoothly and avoid any type of disturbance.
  • Maintain personal cleanliness: Personal cleaning is as important as house cleaning for this ritual. Take bath properly and wear clean and light-colored clothes. It will help you feel calm and focus on rituals. But don’t do any type of salon activity during this duration.
  • Keep the ritual area undisturbed: Until the ritual finishes avoid that area for unrelated household tasks that day. In some religions people don’t let the clothes dry of the person who is going to perform the rituals until the rituals get finished.

Shradh Vidhi:

  • Aasan: Clean the chosen area and place two aasan- one for who performs the rituals and one for the Priest.
  • Samagri: Keep all samagri at puja space to perform the rituals smoothly.
  • Sankalp: It is a short declaration of stating the ancestors and the purpose of ritual.
  • Tarpan: Tarpan means offering water with black sesame seeds with copper vessels by naming the ancestors and facing towards South as this direction is considered as the direction of ancestors.
  • Pind dan: Pind daan means offering a small rice ball structure by remembering the ancestors. These rituals can be done as per guidance of the Priest.
  • Food: Sattvic meal is prepared and a portion of it is kept first for ancestors on a banana leaf with lightning diya and praying for peace for their soul and for granting blessings to family members. Then after it will be distributed among family members.
  • Donation: Food and clothes are offered to Brahmins. Foods are also offered to crows, cows and dogs. According to hindu tradition, if the food is accepted by cow, crow and dog then it is believed that ancestors had accepted our offerings.

These all are the tips of performing the Shradh at home step by step. If it is difficult for you to perform at home then you can make a visit to Gaya, Rishikesh, Kashi, Haridwar, Puri and many more places where performing such rituals are considered auspicious.

 

Pitru Paksha 2026: Do’s & Don’ts During Shradh

Pitru Paksha Food Rules: What to Eat and Avoid?  

Posted on by Saanvi Gupta

As you all know Pitru Paksha is a fifteen lunar day period. According to Hindu tradition, this period is known as the ancestral remembrance period. This duration mostly falls in September or October month, the exact duration varies every year due to tithi according to Hindu calendar. During this duration people perform Tarpan, Shradh and Pind dan for their ancestors to seek their blessings. In other words it is described as a period when we pay homage through Shradh with prayer and food offerings for our ancestors. Offering of food has an important place in Shradh traditions. There are so many rules to be followed while making and offering food for these rituals. There are different procedures of offerings in different regions but the feeling of performing these rituals are the same.

 Shradh is becomes part of religious observance involving:

  • Respect for ancestors
  • Sincerely performing the rituals
  • Following the family traditions
  • Charity
  • Offerings

There are certain rules that must be followed by everyone while This period:

  • Cleanliness: cleaning your home is very important for energy flow in home that will boost the environment in performing the rituals sincerely. Every corner of the house should be clean, well organised and clutter free.
  • Favourable space for rituals: One should take care that the place where the rituals are to be performed must be facing towards the South and in the South direction at home. Keep this area neat and clean and in an organised way.
  • Offerings: The food cooked for rituals must be hygienically cooked in brass utensils or mud pot as these are considered as auspicious for these rituals. And offerings must be offered towards the South direction and the person who is performing the rituals must face towards the South direction while offering.
  • Vessels: Use Copper or silver vessels while performing Shradh rituals. These metals are considered pure for spiritual rituals.
  • Simple wearing: As light shades are known for calm, peace and purity. One should wear clothes of light colour while performing the rituals. It helps in creating positive thought and environment at home.
  • Mantra Chanting: One should practice chanting of mantras like “Gayatri mantra” or “Om Namah Shivay” to create a positive and serene environment. It will also strengthen your positive thoughts and help you in performing these rituals sincerely.

The diet we should follow while this fortnight are as follows:

  • Fresh food: Fresh food made up of fresh and clean vegetables are generally preferred for Shradh observances. Dishes made up of fresh vegetables are to be consumed during Shradh Paksha.
  • Rice: It is commonly used across India for Shradh. It may be used as giving daan to priests, used in making pind for shradh, used in making rice pudding (kheer). In some traditions some sweet dishes are also made for offerings.
  • Milk, Ghee and Curd: These are the foods that are considered as sattvic food. One can have these while Shradh Paksha. And are also used while preparing offerings for ancestors.
  • Fruits: One can also have fruits while this paksha as banana, apple, guava, coconut, papaya and many more.
  • Wheat or Millets: According to their tradition one can also have chapattis made up of atta or any other dishes made of atta and millets.
  • Sabudana and Makhana: These two items are considered as sacred food having this duration or the dishes made up of these ingredients.
  • Rock salt: Food cooked while Pitru Paksha for offerings or to eat must be cooked with rock salt(Sendha Namak).
  • Homemade food: One can only have food prepared at home with cleanliness and fresh food items.
  • Pulses: Mostly moong dal is used in such type of rituals but people can use dal according to their customs and traditions followed by their family and religion.

Food that can be avoided while Pitru Paksha are:

  • Non-veg: Non vegetarian food should be avoided during this paksha as it is considered as Tamsik Bhojan.
  • Onion and Garlic: These two vegetables are avoided since our ancestors were alive during fasting and any type of sacred activity performed. As these two are also considered as Tamsik food items.
  • Spicy and Fried food: One should have simple and boiled food during these duration. As these types of food are difficult to digest and it may create health issues. And it is also believed that simple food helps in paying attention towards performing the rituals.
  • Pulses: During this period of time in many traditions some pulses are avoided like – masoor, urad dal, rajma, black grams and many other pulses.

During Shradh specifically there are some common food items that are followed by most of the traditions like – rice, dal, vegetables, kheer, puri and other sattvic food items are prepared but the main menu is dependent on the family traditions that are being followed by our elders.

Pitru Dosh in Kundli: Causes, Symptoms & Remedies

Which Zodiac Signs Are Most Affected by Pitru Dosh?

Posted on by Saanvi Gupta

As we all know Pitru dosh is linked up to our ancestral karmic influences in the birth chart of the family members. It is identified by analysing the whole birth chart with the placement of Sun, Rahu, Ketu and Saturn in 9th house and their connections with other planets. Zodiac signs are not easily considered to have Pitru Dosh and the reason behind it is the sun sign and the moon sign. According to the astrological aspects there are certain zodiac signs that may be more sensitive when planetary combinations indicate Pitru Dosh in the birth chart.

  • Cancer (Kark Rashi): The lord of this zodiac sign is Moon that represents emotions, nurturing nature, sensitivity, intuitions etc. According to astrological traditions due to sensitive natives of this zodiac sign it is considered to be unresolved family patterns. So whenever the moon is present with Rahu, Saturn or other challenging planets in the same house then mental, emotional and family disturbances may be interpreted through ancestral lens. But then also it is not sure until the 4th, 5th and 9th house is not analyzed in detail.
  • Capricorn (Makar Rashi): The Lord of this zodiac sign is Saturn. Saturn is known for hard work, sincerity, delay, discipline, responsibilities and linked to our past actions. As Pitru Dosh is connected to the karmic influences of the ancestors, while analysing the birth chart astrologers use to check the Saturn positioning in the particular houses it presents. The conjunction of Saturn with Sun and Rahu in the 9th house in the birth chart indicates unresolved ancestral matters. It  can also be analysed by families facing delay in any work again and again repeatedly.
  • Scorpion (Vrishchika Rashi): Scorpions represent inheritance, transformations, hidden matters etc and these are connected with ancestral karma. If the 8th house and its lord conjunction with Sun, Rahu, Ketu or Saturn are involved in difficult combinations then it is considered as ancestral influences. All the Scorpion zodiac natives are advised to check with astrologers for detailed analysis of their kundali then come to any conclusion of Pitru Dosh.
  • Leo (Simha Rashi): The Lord of this zodiac sign is Sun which represents father, authority and family honour. If in one’s birth chart Sun is afflicted by Rahu strongly along with conjunction of other difficult planets then there is possibility of ancestral issues. It can be also identified by facing problems regarding father health, family responsibilities or in recognition.
  • Pices ( Meen Rashi): Lord of this zodiac sign is Jupiter that is known for communication skill, wisdom, faith, compassion etc. If Sun, Rahu and Jupiter are afflicted in 9th house then one should pay greater attention towards performing Pitru rituals and spiritual activities. It’s better to check with a qualified astrologer if he or she can guide you in the proper manner. Remedies suggested by then should be followed sincerely to reduce the effect of Pitru Dosh.
  • Aquarius ( Kumbha Rashi): Saturn is Lord of this zodiac sign. If there is a conjunction of Rahu, Sun, and 9th house then astrologers may analyse the birth chart carefully because there are chances of Pitru Dosh. It can also identified by checking with the pattern of problem facings by the family across generations.

So there are some combinations of some planets with particular houses that indicate that there may be Pitru Dosh but everyone should not reach to the conclusion because there is some more detailed analysis required in kundali.

Have you noticed the most common thing in these zodiacs is the placement of the Sun in the 9th house. Sun is the most important planet that is considered in Pitru Dosh as it represents father and ancestors. And the 9th  house is also considered as father, fortune, blessings and ancestral traditions.

The astrologer mostly examine in case of Pitru Dosh are:

  • Position of Sun
  • Rahu
  • Ketu
  • 9th house and its lord
  • 8th house and its lord
  • 5th house and its lord
  • Connection between these planets and houses
  • Overall strength of the kundali
  • Problem facing by the family across generations

According to traditional astrology Pitru Dosh is strongly indicated:

  • Delay in plans
  • Quarrel among family members and at working place also
  • Everything goes well but stuck at the end
  • Repetition of certain family problems across generations
  • Difficulties facing in ancestral property
  • Difficulties associated with family responsibilities
  • Problem in relation of children with father and elder once
  • Lack of peace within family

The birth chart, the placements of Sun, Rahu, Saturn, 8th house, 9th house, 5th house, ketu  and their relationships with each other are much more important than the zodiac sign alone. The zodiac signs like Capricorn, Aquarius, Leo, Pices, Cancer, Scorpion require more attention when there are ancestral influences because of lords of the particular planets or their symbolic associations in the birth chart. And it is incorrect to say that people born under these zodiac signs are affected by ancestral dosh until it is not checked regarding the combination of planets and their houses that do not come under circumstance as we discussed above. So, it is highly recommended to check the kundali first and the combination of planets and houses with other detailed analysis according to Pitru Dosh then go for the remedies after that. Don’t do anything by seeing videos on social media or in any confusion. It may create some new problems in your life. And at last be alert by choosing an astrologer and priest for your problems too.

Pitru Paksha 2026: Do’s & Don’ts During Shradh

Pitru Dosh in Kundli: Causes, Symptoms & Remedies

Posted on by Saanvi Gupta

According to Astrology and Hindu tradition Pitru Dosh is the dosh that is associated with Pitru means with our ancestors who are no longer with us. In other words we can also say that it is a karmic backlog towards one’s ancestors carried forward into the life of living ones of the family. With the help of  Vedic astrology we can identify through certain combinations or placement of planets in one’s birth chart. But there are also different criteria that are considered by different astrological traditions. Mostly it is associated with placement and relationship of Sun, Rahu and Ketu with particular houses and other planets on the birth chart. In some traditions they are identified by the placement relationship of Rahu, Ketu and Saturn with particular houses and other planets on the birth chart.

According to astrological belief Pitru Dosh arises if there are any unresolved ancestral obligations or when rituals or duties towards Pitru are not performed properly as per traditional and astrological guidance. In some traditions it is believed that if there are obligations continuing from generation to generation then also may pitru dosh arise.

According to astrological aspects there are 4 conditions when there is highly chances being affected by Pitru Dosh:

  • Shapit Dosh: When the conjunction of Saturn and Rahu occurred in the 9th or 12th house of the birth chart. It indicates a strong karmic indiscretion by ancestors that has not been addressed across generation. This effects on living ones for long term if it is not addressed properly by the family members.
  • Incomplete Shradh: If a family is not performing the Pitru Tarpan and Shradh for a long time then it affects them. Spiritual debt piles up over time and eventually shows up in a descendant’s astrological chart. This type of dosh is identified through a combination of family history with the birth chart.
  • Conjunction of Sun and Rahu: When Rahu is present in the 9th house of the birth chart with the Sun and it eclipses the Sun then it blocks the ancestral connections. It shows father’s health issues, career disruptions and many more effects.
  • Ancestral Karma: It is caused due to the karma of ancestors. In other words when ancestors caused harm to others and those karma like injustice and violent activity remain unresolved, it has to be borne by the descendant. This can be identified by the 8th house and 9th house in the birth chart along with the placement of the Zodiac sign scorpio.

Causes of Pitru Dosh are as follows:

  • Conjunction of Rahu, ketu, Saturn and the sun in the same house and other planetary combinations in the birth chart.
  • Affliction of 9th house in birth chart that is associated with father, ancestor blessings and karma
  • Not performing the traditional ancestral rituals like – Tarpan, Shradh and Pind Daan. Not performing these duties may cause the Pitru Dosh
  • Affliction of the Sun in birth chart
  • Unfavourable influences on the 9th house ruling planet

Symptoms of Pitru Dosha are as follows:

  • Problem in Career: Facing problems in getting stability or growth in career. Again and again downfall in work sometimes without any reasons or sometimes suddenly situations created that things happen unexpectedly.
  • Financial problem: unable to tackle the unexpected expenses and difficulty in maintaining financial stability.
  • Family relation: Unnecessarily quarrel at home and misunderstanding between family members results in frequent disputes.
  • Delay in marriage: If frequent disturbance is created in getting married or it is getting delayed for no reason.
  • Delay in child birth: If there is any problem in having a child with no reason. Everything seems good but facing having a child is also a reason for Pitru Dosh.
  • Repeated Obstacles: If facing unexpected hurdles again and again or things getting delayed for no reason.
  • Family problems: Similarity in facing problems across generations.

These are astrological interpretations according to different traditions.

Astrological remedies for overcome the Pitru Dosh:

  • Ancestral rituals: Performing the rituals like Tarpan, Shradh and Pind Daan during Pitru Paksh with sincerity at home along with the rules to be followed during these duration. Especially don’t perform any type of salon activity during this duration.
  • Water to Sun: Offer water with flowers or kumkum to Sun in a copper vessel every morning.
  • Always practise praying for ancestors with God everyday wholeheartedly. This will help you in seeking blessings of ancestors.
  • Traditional pilgrimage Places: If possible make a visit for rituals to pilgrimage sites like – Prayagraj, Gaya, Kashi etc. And perform the rituals under guidance of qualified Priests.
  • Donation: While Pitru Paksha donate clothes, money or other household things like groceries to the needy people in the name of ancestors.
  • Offer food: During fortnight duration offer food to crow, cow or dogs as they are believed to be connected to the ancestors.
  • Brahmin Bhoj: In some traditions offering food to brahmin and priests is considered auspicious and it helps in seeking ancestral blessings.
  • Do Chanting: Doing chanting of different types of mantras help in creating positive environment at home that gives strength to perform each and every rituals with sincerity

Pitru Dosh is an unfinished duty towards ancestors. If you want to fix it up to avoid such type of problems then you should consult with an astrologer who can identify your problems after analysing your birth chart and suggest proper remedies to overcome these problems. Then you can take the guidance of a qualified priest to perform all the rituals in the proper manner so that ancestors grant you growth, success and harmony in relationships.

Pitru Paksha 2026: Do’s & Don’ts During Shradh

Vastu Tips to Follow (and Avoid) During Pitru Paksha

Posted on by Saanvi Gupta

In Hindu tradition the Shradh is performed in Pitru Paksha. In other words it is also known as Mahalaya or Shradh Paksha. Pitru Paksha is a 16 lunar day that falls during Bhadrapada month and it lies mostly in August or September month. It is believed that ancestors visit during these fortnight duration to meet their family. So, throughout this period, people pay homage to their ancestors by offering food and water in the form of Pitru Tarpan or Pind daan or Shradh. During this period mostly people perform the rituals at home but some people visit the holy places where river ganga flows like – Gaya, Haridwar, Prayagraj, Varanasi to provide food, water and other offerings to their ancestors.

Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural science plays an important role in ensuring that the rituals are conducted in harmony with spiritual principles. Vastu principles help to invite pleasure and ancestor’s blessings for the family members. If it has been done according to vastu principles and with sincerity it brings the blessings of the ancestors and removes pitra dosha. Vastu Shastra helps in creating a positive, peaceful and spiritual environment in the home.

Vastu is the study of directions and the positive energy flow in these directions.

Do you know?

As each direction has a placement of different gods and those directions are associated with power and energy of respected gods. Similarly according to vastu shastra there is one direction that is denoted to ancestors and that is South direction and the Lord of this direction is Lord Yama. And this direction is associated with Pitru and ancestral energies. There are some tips to be followed and avoid according to vastu during Pitru Paksha to enhance the spiritual atmosphere and show respect to your ancestors.

Tips to be followed during Pitru Paksha are as follows:

  • Place for rituals: This is an important part according to vastu shastra for Pitru Paksha rituals. One should take care that the place where the rituals are to be performed must be facing towards the South and in the South direction at home. This area is well organised and clutter free.
  • Cleanliness: Keep your home neat and clean during this period of time. Organised space is considered auspicious for inviting Pitru in return they grant peace and harmonious life to their family members.
  • Offerings: The food cooked for rituals must be cooked in cleanliness and hygienically. And the offerings for your ancestral spirit must be in banana leaf as it is considered as auspicious according to vastu. And offerings must be offered towards the South direction and the person who is performing the rituals must face towards the South direction while offering.
  • Vessels: Use Copper or silver vessels for offering Tarpan to ancestors. These metals are considered pure for spiritual rituals. In many traditions people used brass or mud utensils for cooking food for these rituals.
  • Simple wearing: One should wear clothes of light colour and simple outfits with minimal ornamentation while performing the rituals. It helps in creating positive thought and environment at home.
  • Chanting: If possible one should practice meditation and chanting of mantras like “Gayatri mantra” or “Om Namah Shivay” to create a positive and serene environment.

 Tips to be avoid while Pitru Paksha are as follows:

  • No Alcohol: Alcohol should be avoided during this period. It is considered impure for that duration. Especially the person who will perform this ritual.
  • Tamsik food: During this fortnight period non-veg food, onion and garlic is to be avoided as these are considered as Tamsik food. Only vegetables should be consumed in this period. In some traditions some pulses are also avoided like – masoor dal, urad dal, rajma etc. Offerings of ancestors are also of vegetarian dishes.
  • Reduce entertainment: For this time of period one should avoid their entertainment activities like – parties, tours etc. As it distracts from the solemnity of the rituals.
  • Debt payment: Avoid any type of payment for the debts during this period. It can be paid before or after this fortnight period.
  • Avoid mess up: Don’t create any type of clutter at home during this period and stay away from any type of conflicts or fighting.
  • Nails and Hair: Avoid any type of salon activity during this period and it is applicable for both men and women like – cutting of hairs, nails etc. As this activity is considered as inauspicious and it may disconnect your spiritual practices.
  • Directions: Avoid performing this ritual in any direction. If you have any confusion regarding it or you are going to perform the rituals for the first time then it is better to consult with elders or with any qualified priests. But don’t make mistakes as it may create problems in your life in any form and your rituals can not satisfy your ancestors soul.

Pitru Paksha is a period in which we pay homage to our ancestors and their satisfied souls grant happiness, growth and harmony in life. This duration is considered as auspicious for seeking ancestors’ blessings. The vastu shastra principles during Pitra Paksha is about creating space of gratitude, positive intention and cleanliness. Vastu is a traditional science and its spiritual claim during Pitru Paksha is a matter of belief. This time period is known for remembering our ancestors with gratitude and respect. And dwelling of vastu principles can enhance the effect of these rituals in a positive way but it can’t replace the religious guidance and family tradition. By following this guidance you can also create a harmonious and spiritual environment in your home. And it strengthens your inner peace and helps you to conduct the rituals with devotion and sincerity.

Pitru Paksha 2026: Do’s & Don’ts During Shradh

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