Navratri 2026: Which Durga Mantras to Chant — Nine Nights, Dates & Method
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins with Ghatasthapana on Sunday, 11 October and runs nine nights to 19 October, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on 20 October. The mantra most commonly kept as daily japa through the nine nights is Om Dum Durgayei Namaha, 108 times — and from the Devi Mahatmya come the two most traditional Devi invocations, Sarva Mangala Mangalye and Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu. Here are this year's dates, the mantras tradition prescribes, and a simple nightly method.
Chant through Navratri with the Mantras App
Guided mantra audio with correct pronunciation, meanings, and a 108 japa counter — free.
Navratri 2026 dates — Ghatasthapana to Vijayadashami
| Observance | Date (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ghatasthapana / Navratri begins | Sunday, 11 October | Pratipada of Ashwin Shukla Paksha; kalash sthapana in the morning muhurat |
| Nine nights of the Navadurga | 11–19 October | One form of the Devi honoured each night, Shailaputri to Siddhidatri |
| Durga Ashtami | Sunday, 18 October | Kanya puja in many households |
| Maha Navami | Monday, 19 October | The final night |
| Vijayadashami / Dussehra | Tuesday, 20 October | The day of victory |
Tithi timings vary by city and panchang — when in doubt, follow your local panchang for the exact muhurat.
Which mantra to chant in Navratri
Om Dum Durgayei Namaha — the japa mantra of the nine nights
ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः — Om Dum Durgayei Namaha — is built on dum (दुं), the beej syllable of Durga carried by the tantric and devotional tradition, and salutes the goddess who is durga — the one hard to overcome, the protector through difficulty. It is short enough to keep as daily japa: 108 repetitions each night of the festival.
Sarva Mangala Mangalye — the Devi Mahatmya's salutation
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute — "O auspiciousness of all that is auspicious… O Narayani, salutations to you." From the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati, within the Markandeya Purana), and recited at aarti and puja across India through Navratri.
Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu — the Devi in all beings
Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah — "To the Devi who abides in all beings as power — salutations to her, again and again." Also from the Devi Mahatmya, where the verse repeats for the Devi's many forms; it is traditionally recited rather than counted on a mala.
One mantra kept nightly beats three attempted occasionally. If you are new, choose Om Dum Durgayei Namaha alone for these nine nights.
How to chant each night of Navratri
- Bathe or wash, and sit facing east or north in a quiet spot, spine upright.
- Take three slow breaths and, if you like, state your sankalpa for the nine nights.
- Listen first — play the mantra audio once and absorb the rhythm and pronunciation.
- Chant Om Dum Durgayei Namaha 108 times — count on a mala or the app's 108 japa counter.
- Close with Sarva Mangala Mangalye once, and sit in silence for a minute.
Chanting and the Navratri vrat (fast) are separate observances — you can chant without fasting. New to japa? Start with the complete chanting method and the traditional rules.
Why Navratri is nine nights
Tradition devotes the nine nights to the Navadurga — the Devi's nine forms, from Shailaputri on the first night to Siddhidatri on the ninth — and the Devi Mahatmya recounts through them the goddess's battle with Mahishasura, ending in the victory the tenth day celebrates as Vijayadashami. The same day carries the Ramayana's victory of Rama over Ravana — Dussehra — so the festival closes on triumph in both tellings. Garba and Dandiya in the west, Durga Puja in the east, Golu in the south: the observances differ, the nine nights of the Devi are one.
A simple nine-night practice plan
- Nightly (11–19 October): Om Dum Durgayei Namaha × 108 — same time every night.
- After the japa: Sarva Mangala Mangalye once, or the night's aarti.
- Ashtami & Navami (18–19 October): add a second mala if you can.
- Through the day: let the mantra run silently — manasik japa counts.
Benefits in the tradition's own framing: courage, protection through difficulty, and the quiet strength of nine nights kept well — fruits of consistent practice, not instant results.