The ninth and final day of Navratri, Monday 19 October 2026, is Maha Navami. It is dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri, the Goddess who grants every kind of spiritual and worldly accomplishment. Tomorrow, Tuesday 20 October, is Vijayadashami (Dussehra).
Who is Maa Siddhidatri?
“Siddhi” means a perfection or supernatural power, and “datri” means the one who gives. The scriptures describe eight great siddhis, and Siddhidatri is said to hold them all. In the story of creation, Lord Shiva worshipped her and received every siddhi from her, after which half his body became hers. That joined form is Ardhanarishvara, half Shiva and half Shakti.
She sits on a lotus (sometimes shown riding a lion) and has four arms, holding a discus, a conch, a mace and a lotus. She is worshipped by gods, sages, siddhas and ordinary devotees alike.
What Day 9 symbolises
- Completion. Navami is the end of the journey that began with Shailaputri on Day 1. Each form has added something: steadiness, discipline, courage, light, love, strength, fearlessness and purity. Siddhidatri is the fulfilment of all of them.
- Knowledge and success. She is worshipped for wisdom and for success in everything you set out to do.
- Unity of Shiva and Shakti. The Ardhanarishvara story makes Navami a celebration of balance.
How to worship Maa Siddhidatri
- Mantra: Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah
- Bhog: sesame seeds (til), and the halwa, puri and chana prepared for Kanya Pujan.
- Flowers: lotus, or red and white flowers.
- Practice: many families perform Kanya Pujan today instead of Ashtami, do a havan, and break the Navratri fast. In South India, Navami is also Ayudha Puja, when tools, vehicles, books and instruments are cleaned and worshipped.
Why Day 9 matters
Navami is the day of gratitude for the nine days just completed. The seeds sown at Ghatasthapana have sprouted, the akhand jyot has burned for nine days, and tomorrow brings Dussehra, the victory of good over evil. From here, the countdown to Dhanteras (Friday 6 November) and Diwali (Sunday 8 November) begins.
Handcrafted pieces for Day 9 and beyond
A marble kalash and diya set, a Laxmi-Ganesh pair for the coming Diwali puja, brass oil lamps and our dandiya dancers for the last night of garba. The Navratri Festival Sale takes an extra 10% off automatically until 20 October (Dussehra), with free shipping across India.
Next: Dussehra on 20 October, then Dhanteras on 6 November and Diwali on 8 November. Browse our Diwali gifts to get ready early.
Navratri 2026: all nine days
- Day 1 (Sunday 11 October): Maa Shailaputri
- Day 2 (Monday 12 October): Maa Brahmacharini
- Day 3 (Tuesday 13 October): Maa Chandraghanta
- Day 4 (Wednesday 14 October): Maa Kushmanda
- Day 5 (Thursday 15 October): Maa Skandamata
- Day 6 (Friday 16 October): Maa Katyayani
- Day 7 (Saturday 17 October): Maa Kalaratri
- Day 8 (Sunday 18 October): Maa Mahagauri
- Day 9 (Monday 19 October): Maa Siddhidatri (you are here)
For decoration ideas for the whole festival, read our Navratri decoration guide.
