Festival Calendar

Maha Navami 2020

The ninth of Navratri — Ayudha Puja.

Looking for this year? See when Maha Navami 2026 falls
Maha Navami 2020 date
Sunday, 25 October 2020
Tithi: Ashvin Shukla Navami
Tithi window: 06:58 AM, Saturday, 24 October 2020 → 07:42 AM, Sunday, 25 October 2020

Muhurat & timings

Kashi/IST · astronomically computed
  • Sankalp (sunrise)06:01
  • Sunset17:22
  • Fasting window (tithi)2020-10-24 · 06:58 → 07:42
  • Parana (tithi ends)07:42

Festival days follow the classical attribution rules — udaya (sunrise), pradosha (evening), nishita (midnight), madhyahna or aparahna vyapini as each festival prescribes — computed for Kashi/Varanasi (IST). Regional observance can differ by a day in some years.

Read the Maha Navami puja vidhi, vrat rules and katha

Maha Navami — Frequently Asked Questions

When is Maha Navami celebrated?

On the Navami of the Shukla Paksha of Ashvina — the ninth and last day of Sharad Navratri, in autumn, the day before Vijayadashami. For this year's date, see the date shown above.

What is the Navami homa?

The fire oblation performed on the ninth day to complete Durga's worship. Offerings are made with the Navarna mantra and Durga Saptashati verses, ending in the purnahuti, returning to the fire the energy raised over the nine nights.

What is Ayudha Puja?

The worship of tools, instruments, books, vehicles and the implements of one's craft, kept on Maha Navami. It honours the goddess in the means by which people work, and is especially prominent in South India.

Which form of the goddess is worshipped on Maha Navami?

Siddhidatri, the giver of perfection and the ninth of the nine forms invoked through Navratri. She completes the sequence that began with Shailaputri on the first day.