Ashwin Month 2026 Festival Calendar

Know the Month and Tithi Rules First

Ashwin month is one of the most important months in the Hindu calendar. In 2026, many North Indian Panchangs calculate Ashwin month from 27 September to 26 October. This period includes Pitru Paksha, Indira Ekadashi, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Sharad Navratri, Saraswati Puja, Vijayadashami, Papankusha Ekadashi and Sharad Purnima.

The Hindu Panchang is based on the movement of the Sun and Moon. therefore the beginning and ending of a Tithi may change according to sunrise, location and calendar system. The list below follows a general North Indian calculation. Confirm the final fast, Shraddha, Parana and Puja timings through the local Panchang.

Primary Information About Ashwin Month 2026

1. Month begins: Sunday, 27 September 2026
2. Month ends: Monday, 26 October 2026
3. Krishna Paksha: Pitru Paksha and Shraddha rites
4. Amavasya: Sarva Pitru Amavasya and Mahalaya
5. Shukla Paksha: Sharad Navratri
6. Dashami: Vijayadashami and Dussehra
7. Shukla Ekadashi: Papankusha Ekadashi
8. Purnima: Kojagari Puja and Sharad Purnima
9. Main practices: Tarpan, Goddess worship, charity and fasting
10. Main caution: check Tithi and Parana through the local Panchang

Complete Ashwin Month 2026 Calendar

Date	Day	Festival or Tithi	Main Practice
27 September	Sunday	Pitru Paksha begins	Tarpan and Shraddha resolve
29 September	Tuesday	Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi	Ganesha worship and fast
3 October	Saturday	Jivitputrika Vrat and Mahalakshmi Vrat completion	Child welfare and Lakshmi worship
4 October	Sunday	Matru Navami	Remembrance of maternal ancestors
6 October	Tuesday	Indira Ekadashi	Vishnu worship and ancestral dedication
8 October	Thursday	Pradosh Vrat and monthly Shivaratri	Shiva worship and lamp offering
10 October	Saturday	Sarva Pitru Amavasya and Mahalaya	Tarpan, Shraddha and Pitru Visarjan
11 October	Sunday	Sharad Navratri begins	Ghatasthapana and Shailputri worship
12 October	Monday	Dwitiya	Brahmacharini worship
13 October	Tuesday	Tritiya	Chandraghanta worship
14 October	Wednesday	Chaturthi	Kushmanda worship
15 October	Thursday	Panchami and Upang Lalita Vrat	Skandamata and Lalita worship
16 October	Friday	Shashthi and Saraswati Avahan	Katyayani worship and learning practice
17 October	Saturday	Saptami and Tula Sankranti	Kalaratri worship and Sun practice
18 October	Sunday	Saraswati Puja	Knowledge and instrument worship
19 October	Monday	Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami	Mahagauri, Siddhidatri and Kanya Puja
20 October	Tuesday	Vijayadashami and Dussehra	Havan, Shastra Puja and Ravana Dahan
22 October	Thursday	Papankusha Ekadashi	Padmanabha Vishnu worship and fast
23 October	Friday	Shukra Pradosh Vrat	Shiva worship and Pradosh practice
25 October	Sunday	Kojagari Puja and Sharad Purnima	Lakshmi worship and moonlit Kheer
26 October	Monday	Ashwin Purnima and Ishti	Purnima worship and charity

Pitru Paksha and Shraddha

Ashwin Krishna Paksha begins with Pitru Paksha. This period is dedicated to remembrance of ancestors, Tarpan, Shraddha, Pinda Daan and food charity. Traditionally, Shraddha is performed on the death Tithi of the ancestor.

The feeling of Pitru Paksha is gratitude and not fear. The body, values, family and foundation of life are received through ancestors. Shraddha reminds a person of roots and family responsibility.

Actions During Pitru Paksha

1. Shraddha according to the death Tithi
2. Tarpan with water and black sesame
3. Pinda Daan
4. Food and clothing charity
5. Feeding cows, crows, dogs and ants
6. Service to elders and people in need
7. Collective remembrance on Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Jivitputrika and Mahalakshmi Vrat

Some calendars mention Jivitputrika Vrat and the completion of Mahalakshmi Vrat on 3 October. Jivitputrika Vrat is observed for the long life, health and welfare of children. In many regions it is connected with a demanding fast and a mother's resolve.

The duration of Mahalakshmi Vrat may differ by regional tradition. It is observed with prayers for wealth, household happiness, family prosperity and the grace of Goddess Lakshmi.

Precautions During These Fasts

1. Follow strict fasting according to health.
2. Pregnant women should seek medical guidance.
3. Do not force children and patients to fast.
4. Check the Parana timing through the local Panchang.
5. Join fasting with charity and service.

Indira Ekadashi

Indira Ekadashi will be observed on 6 October. It is the Ekadashi of Ashwin Krishna Paksha and is connected with ancestral peace because it falls during Pitru Paksha.

Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped on this day. The merit of the fast may be dedicated to the peace and spiritual progress of ancestors. Chanting Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, offering Tulsi, listening to the story and donating food are considered meaningful practices.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya and Mahalaya

Sarva Pitru Amavasya and Mahalaya will be observed on 10 October. It is the final day of Pitru Paksha. Known and unknown ancestors, ancestors whose Tithi is forgotten and those whose Shraddha was missed may be remembered on this day.

Simple Mahalaya Method

1. Bathe in the morning.
2. Keep water, sesame and Kusha in a clean place.
3. Remember known and unknown ancestors.
4. Perform Tarpan and Shraddha.
5. Feed a person in need.
6. Light a safe lamp near a Peepal tree.
7. Pray for Pitru Visarjan and peace.

Do not release plastic, cloth or worship materials into rivers or lakes. Protecting the environment is also part of ancestral service.

Sharad Navratri and Ghatasthapana

Sharad Navratri begins on 11 October. Ghatasthapana and worship of Goddess Shailputri will be performed on this day. The nine forms of Navadurga are worshipped for nine days.

For New Delhi, the main Ghatasthapana Muhurat is expected from 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM. The Abhijit Muhurat may be from 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM. Confirm the timing through the local Panchang.

Navadurga Sequence

1. 11 October, Shailputri
2. 12 October, Brahmacharini
3. 13 October, Chandraghanta
4. 14 October, Kushmanda
5. 15 October, Skandamata
6. 16 October, Katyayani
7. 17 October, Kalaratri
8. 18 October, Mahagauri
9. 19 October, Siddhidatri

Some calendars place Ashtami and Navami worship on 19 and 20 October according to the Tithi. Confirm Kanya Puja and Havan through the local calculation.

Saraswati Puja and Learning Practice

Some regions observe Saraswati Avahan on 16 October and Saraswati Puja on 18 October. During the last days of Navratri, books, instruments, writing materials and study tools are worshipped.

The purpose of Saraswati Puja is not only examination success. It is a festival of knowledge, wisdom, speech and creativity.

Materials for Saraswati Puja

1. Book
2. Pen and writing materials
3. Musical instrument
4. White flowers
5. Lamp and incense
6. Akshat and sandalwood
7. Fruit and Naivedya
8. Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah Mantra

Vijayadashami and Dussehra

Vijayadashami and Dussehra will be observed on 20 October. The day remembers the victory of Shri Rama over Ravana and Goddess Durga over Mahishasura.

Traditions include Shastra Puja, Shami Puja, Ayudha Puja, Aparajita Puja, Havan and Ravana Dahan. People connected with business, study, farming, vehicles and work tools honour their instruments of action.

Main Actions on Vijayadashami

1. Shami tree worship
2. Weapon and tool worship
3. Account book and book worship
4. Remembrance of Shri Rama and Durga
5. Havan and Purnahuti
6. Charity for people in need
7. Safety during Ravana Dahan

Papankusha Ekadashi

Papankusha Ekadashi will be observed on 22 October. It is the Ekadashi of Ashwin Shukla Paksha. The devotee worships Lord Padmanabha Vishnu and takes a resolve to control mind and action.

Fruit fasting or another traditional form of fasting may be followed. Chanting Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya, offering Tulsi, reciting Vishnu Sahasranama, listening to the story and charity are main practices.

Charity on Papankusha Ekadashi

1. Food
2. Fruit
3. Milk
4. Yellow clothing
5. Sesame and jaggery
6. Religious books
7. Medicine
8. Food for people in need

Shukra Pradosh Vrat

Shukra Pradosh Vrat will be observed on 23 October. Pradosh Kaal is considered special for worship of Lord Shiva. Because the weekday is Friday, feelings of beauty, marriage, comfort and prosperity connected with Venus may also be included.

Simple Pradosh Method

1. Bathe before sunset.
2. Offer water and milk to the Shiva Lingam.
3. Offer Bilva leaves, flowers and incense.
4. Chant Om Namah Shivaya.
5. Read Shiva Chalisa or the Pradosh story.
6. Pray for marital peace and family welfare.

Kojagari Puja and Sharad Purnima

Kojagari Puja and Sharad Purnima will be observed on 25 October. The night includes Lakshmi vigil, Moon viewing and the tradition of placing Kheer in moonlight.

Ko Jagrati means who is awake. Its deeper feeling is awareness toward wealth, health, time, action and family responsibility.

Main Practices of Sharad Purnima

1. Lakshmi and Vishnu worship
2. Chandra Arghya
3. Kheer offering
4. Shri Sukta or Lakshmi Mantra
5. Donation of white clothing and rice
6. Limited night vigil
7. Keeping Kheer clean and safe

Why Do Dates Differ in the Panchang?

The same festival may appear on different dates in different calendars. Main reasons include:

1. Amanta and Purnimanta month systems
2. Local sunrise
3. Beginning or ending of Tithi during the day
4. Tithi Kshaya or Vriddhi
5. Regional traditions
6. Smarta and Vaishnava fasting rules

therefore do not treat one general list as final. Follow the local Panchang and family tradition.

Spiritual Sequence of Ashwin Month

The structure of Ashwin month is deeply meaningful. It begins with remembrance of ancestors, moves into Goddess Shakti and ends with worship of Lakshmi, the Moon and prosperity.

Spiritual Sequence

1. Gratitude during Pitru Paksha
2. Pitru Visarjan on Amavasya
3. Awakening of Shakti during Navratri
4. Compassion and accomplishment on Ashtami and Navami
5. Victory and action on Dashami
6. Self control on Ekadashi
7. Peace and prosperity on Purnima

This sequence makes Ashwin a grand gathering of fasts and festivals. It connects a person with the past, present and future.

Using the Calendar Correctly

Knowing the festival date is only the first step. For correct worship, consider local sunrise, Tithi, Muhurat, Parana, location and family rules.

1. Check health before fasting.
2. Arrange materials in advance.
3. Confirm the Tithi through the local Panchang.
4. Follow family tradition for ancestral rites.
5. Check Ghatasthapana timing during Navratri.
6. Do not forget Ekadashi Parana.
7. Keep Sharad Purnima Kheer safe.
8. Give useful and respectful charity.

Complete Spiritual Meaning of Ashwin

Ashwin month is not only a calendar containing many festivals. It is a practice of viewing life in sequence. Pitru Paksha teaches that roots should not be forgotten. Navratri teaches that inner power must awaken. Vijayadashami teaches that strength must become righteous action. Papankusha Ekadashi inspires control over mind and action. Kojagari Purnima teaches that prosperity requires awareness and contentment.

Each festival asks a different question. Is a person grateful toward ancestors? Is personal weakness being overcome? Is wealth being used righteously? Is knowledge becoming service? Is the mind awake?

When answers to these questions become visible in conduct, Ashwin practice becomes complete. Dates and Muhurat provide guidance but devotion, action, service and good conduct make the entire month meaningful.

FAQ

When is Ashwin month in 2026?

Many North Indian Panchangs calculate Ashwin month from 27 September to 26 October 2026. Confirm the final dates through the local Panchang.

Which major festivals occur in Ashwin month?

Indira Ekadashi, Jivitputrika, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Sharad Navratri, Saraswati Puja, Vijayadashami, Papankusha Ekadashi, Shukra Pradosh and Sharad Purnima are major observances.

When does Sharad Navratri begin in Ashwin 2026?

Sharad Navratri begins on 11 October 2026. Ghatasthapana and worship of Goddess Shailputri are performed on this day.

When is Dussehra in Ashwin 2026?

Vijayadashami and Dussehra will be observed on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

When are Papankusha Ekadashi and Sharad Purnima?

Papankusha Ekadashi is observed on 22 October and Sharad Purnima with Kojagari Puja on 25 October 2026. Confirm the Tithi and worship timing locally.