Babu Lal Chaturvedi Calendar October 2026: spans the back half of Ashwin and the opening days of Kartik, in Vikram Samvat 2083 and Shaka Samvat 1948. This is the festival-dense heart of the autumn calendar: the month opens inside Pitru Paksha, the fortnight set aside for ancestor remembrance, which closes on Sarva Pitru Amavasya. The very next day, Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, Sharad Navratri begins — nine nights of Durga worship that build to Vijayadashami (Dussehra). Five days after that comes Sharad Purnima, the “moonlight kheer” festival, and the month closes with Karva Chauth, observed by married women across North India.
This year’s Navratri also happens to contain a genuine astronomical quirk: an unusually long (vridhi) Saptami tithi that spills across two sunrises in mid-October. That’s the single biggest reason you’ll see slightly different Durga Ashtami / Maha Navami dates on different calendars this year — we explain exactly what’s happening, and why, further down.
Complete 31-Day Panchang Table — October 2026 (New Delhi, IST)
| Date | Day | Tithi & Paksha | Nakshatra | Yoga | Sunrise | Sunset | Rahu Kaal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Oct | Thursday | Ashwin Krishna Panchami | Rohini | Parigha | 06:15 AM | 06:06 PM | 01:40 PM–03:08 PM |
| 2 Oct | Friday | Ashwin Krishna Shashthi | Mrigashira | Siddha | 06:16 AM | 06:05 PM | 10:42 AM–12:10 PM |
| 3 Oct | Saturday | Ashwin Krishna Saptami* | Ardra | Sadhya | 06:16 AM | 06:04 PM | 09:13 AM–10:42 AM |
| 4 Oct | Sunday | Ashwin Krishna Navami | Punarvasu | Shubha | 06:17 AM | 06:03 PM | 04:35 PM–06:03 PM |
| 5 Oct | Monday | Ashwin Krishna Dashami | Pushya | Shukla | 06:17 AM | 06:02 PM | 07:45 AM–09:13 AM |
| 6 Oct | Tuesday | Ashwin Krishna Ekadashi (Indira Ekadashi) | Ashlesha | Brahma | 06:18 AM | 06:01 PM | 03:05 PM–04:33 PM |
| 7 Oct | Wednesday | Ashwin Krishna Dwadashi | Magha | Indra | 06:18 AM | 05:59 PM | 12:09 PM–01:36 PM |
| 8 Oct | Thursday | Ashwin Krishna Trayodashi (Pradosh Vrat) | Purva Phalguni | Vaidhriti | 06:19 AM | 05:58 PM | 01:36 PM–03:03 PM |
| 9 Oct | Friday | Ashwin Krishna Chaturdashi (Masik Shivratri) | Uttara Phalguni | Vishkambha | 06:19 AM | 05:57 PM | 10:41 AM–12:08 PM |
| 10 Oct | Saturday | Ashwin Krishna Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Amavasya) | Hasta | Priti | 06:20 AM | 05:56 PM | 09:14 AM–10:41 AM |
| 11 Oct | Sunday | Ashwin Shukla Pratipada (Ghatasthapana) | Chitra | Ayushman | 06:21 AM | 05:55 PM | 04:28 PM–05:55 PM |
| 12 Oct | Monday | Ashwin Shukla Dwitiya | Swati | Shobhana | 06:21 AM | 05:54 PM | 07:48 AM–09:14 AM |
| 13 Oct | Tuesday | Ashwin Shukla Tritiya | Vishakha | Atiganda | 06:22 AM | 05:53 PM | 03:00 PM–04:26 PM |
| 14 Oct | Wednesday | Ashwin Shukla Chaturthi | Anuradha | Sukarman | 06:22 AM | 05:52 PM | 12:07 PM–01:33 PM |
| 15 Oct | Thursday | Ashwin Shukla Panchami | Jyeshtha | Dhriti | 06:23 AM | 05:51 PM | 01:33 PM–02:59 PM |
| 16 Oct | Friday | Ashwin Shukla Shashthi | Jyeshtha | Shoola | 06:24 AM | 05:50 PM | 10:41 AM–12:07 PM |
| 17 Oct | Saturday | Ashwin Shukla Saptami† | Mula | Shoola | 06:24 AM | 05:49 PM | 09:15 AM–10:41 AM |
| 18 Oct | Sunday | Ashwin Shukla Saptami† (Durga Maha Ashtami observed) | Purva Ashadha | Ganda | 06:25 AM | 05:48 PM | 04:22 PM–05:48 PM |
| 19 Oct | Monday | Ashwin Shukla Ashtami (Maha Navami observed) | Uttara Ashadha | Vriddhi | 06:25 AM | 05:47 PM | 07:51 AM–09:16 AM |
| 20 Oct | Tuesday | Ashwin Shukla Navami (Vijayadashami/Dussehra) | Shravana | Dhruva | 06:26 AM | 05:46 PM | 02:56 PM–04:21 PM |
| 21 Oct | Wednesday | Ashwin Shukla Dashami | Dhanishtha | Vyaghata | 06:27 AM | 05:45 PM | 12:06 PM–01:30 PM |
| 22 Oct | Thursday | Ashwin Shukla Ekadashi (Papankusha Ekadashi) | Shatabhisha | Harshana | 06:27 AM | 05:44 PM | 01:30 PM–02:55 PM |
| 23 Oct | Friday | Ashwin Shukla Dwadashi | Purva Bhadrapada | Vajra | 06:28 AM | 05:43 PM | 10:41 AM–12:05 PM |
| 24 Oct | Saturday | Ashwin Shukla Trayodashi (Pradosh Vrat) | Uttara Bhadrapada | Vyatipata | 06:29 AM | 05:42 PM | 09:17 AM–10:41 AM |
| 25 Oct | Sunday | Ashwin Shukla Chaturdashi | Revati | Variyana | 06:29 AM | 05:41 PM | 04:17 PM–05:41 PM |
| 26 Oct | Monday | Ashwin Shukla Purnima (Sharad Purnima / Kojagari) | Ashwini | Parigha | 06:30 AM | 05:40 PM | 07:54 AM–09:17 AM |
| 27 Oct | Tuesday | Kartik Krishna Pratipada | Bharani | Shiva | 06:31 AM | 05:39 PM | 02:52 PM–04:16 PM |
| 28 Oct | Wednesday | Kartik Krishna Tritiya‡ | Krittika | Siddha | 06:31 AM | 05:38 PM | 12:05 PM–01:28 PM |
| 29 Oct | Thursday | Kartik Krishna Chaturthi (Karva Chauth) | Rohini | Sadhya | 06:32 AM | 05:37 PM | 01:28 PM–02:51 PM |
| 30 Oct | Friday | Kartik Krishna Panchami | Mrigashira | Shubha | 06:33 AM | 05:37 PM | 10:42 AM–12:05 PM |
| 31 Oct | Saturday | Kartik Krishna Shashthi | Ardra | Brahma | 06:33 AM | 05:36 PM | 09:19 AM–10:42 AM |
*Kshaya tithi, Oct 3: Krishna Ashtami runs its entire course between the two sunrises of October 3 and 4, so it never appears as the sunrise tithi — a “lost” tithi (tithi kshaya). This is independently documented: Pitru Paksha shraddha guides for 2026 note that Saptami-tithi and Ashtami-tithi shraddha both fall on the same day, Saturday, October 3.
†Vridhi tithi & the Ashtami/Navami date question: Shukla Saptami this year is unusually long, spanning both sunrises of October 17 and 18. Because of that knock-on effect, the strict sunrise-tithi rule pushes Ashtami’s sunrise moment to October 19 rather than 18. In practice, though, Ashtami tithi occupies essentially all of October 18’s daytime and evening — which is when Durga Ashtami puja and the Sandhi Puja (the Ashtami–Navami junction ritual) are actually performed — so nearly every published Panchang, including this one, places Durga Ashtami on October 18 and Maha Navami on October 19. Vijayadashami/Dussehra on October 20 is unanimous across sources.
‡Kshaya tithi, Oct 27–28: Kartik Krishna Dwitiya is similarly short this cycle and doesn’t touch a sunrise, which is exactly why Karva Chauth (Krishna Chaturthi) lands on October 29 rather than the October 30 you’d get by simply counting forward from Purnima.
On Sharad Purnima’s date: Some calendars list it as October 25, but the more precise, time-stamped sources put the Purnima tithi from 11:55 AM on Oct 25 to 9:41 AM on Oct 26 — meaning Purnima is the tithi present at sunrise on October 26, which is what the standard udaya-tithi rule (and our own calculation) gives. Regional and family traditions genuinely differ here since Sharad Purnima’s key ritual (moonlight kheer) is a night-time observance; if your family always marks it a day earlier, that’s a legitimate alternate convention, not an error.
Abhijit Muhurat holds close to solar noon all month, drifting from about 11:47 AM–12:34 PM in early October to 11:43 AM–12:27 PM by month’s end, as sunrise shifts later through autumn.
Major Vrat & Festivals of October 2026 — Significance and Vidhi
Indira Ekadashi — Tuesday, 6 October
This Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Ashwin is dedicated to Vishnu and specifically associated with liberating ancestors, making it a natural continuation of Pitru Paksha’s themes. Begin sattvic eating from Dashami evening, observe the fast through Ekadashi, and break it (parana) after sunrise on Dwadashi (Oct 7).
Pradosh Vrat — Thursday, 8 October & Saturday, 24 October
Pradosh Vrat falls on Trayodashi of both fortnights, honouring Lord Shiva. The key window is Pradosh Kaal, roughly the 90 minutes straddling sunset — based on this month’s sunset times, approximately 4:45–7:15 PM on Oct 8 and 4:10–7:10 PM on Oct 24. Offer Panchamrit to the Shivling and chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or “Om Namah Shivaya”.
Masik Shivratri — Friday, 9 October
Falling on Krishna Chaturdashi, this monthly Shiva observance involves a night vigil (jagran), Rudrabhishek, and breaking the fast the next morning.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya — Saturday, 10 October
The final and most important day of Pitru Paksha, when ancestors of every generation — including those whose specific death-anniversary tithi was missed — are remembered together. Offer tarpan (water and black sesame, facing south), and it’s traditional to feed Brahmins, the needy, or even crows and cows in the ancestors’ memory.
Sharad Navratri & Ghatasthapana — Sunday, 11 October
The nine-night worship of Goddess Durga begins with Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) — installing a sacred pot, often with a barley bed, to invite the Devi’s presence for the coming nine days. Each day is dedicated to one of the Navadurga forms, and many households observe a fast, light an akhand deep for the duration, and follow the popular nine-colour dress sequence associated with each day. Garba and Dandiya are especially prominent in Gujarat and across the diaspora.
Durga Maha Ashtami — Sunday, 18 October
One of the two most important days of Navratri, marked by Sandhi Puja at the Ashtami–Navami junction — traditionally considered the moment Durga slew the demon Mahishasura. Kanya Pujan (worship of young girls as manifestations of the Devi) is commonly performed on this day or the next.
Maha Navami — Monday, 19 October
The final day of Navratri worship, often combined with Kanya Pujan and a Devi Havan. In many homes this is when the nine-day fast is formally concluded.
Vijayadashami / Dussehra — Tuesday, 20 October
Marks Durga’s victory over Mahishasura and, in the Ramayana tradition, Rama’s victory over Ravana — celebrated with Ravana-effigy burning, Ramleela performances, and Shami-tree worship. It’s traditionally considered an auspicious day for starting new ventures, education (Vidyarambham in South India), and travel.
Papankusha Ekadashi — Thursday, 22 October
The Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Ashwin, believed to remove the effects of past sins (“papa” = sin, “ankusha” = a hook that restrains). Observed with the standard Ekadashi fast and Vishnu puja, breaking the fast after sunrise on Dwadashi (Oct 23).
Sharad Purnima / Kojagari Puja — Monday, 26 October
Known as Kojagari Purnima in Bengal and Odisha, and as Raas Purnima in Braj (associated with Krishna’s Raas Leela), this full moon is considered the one night the moon displays all sixteen kalas (phases) in full. The signature ritual is placing kheer (rice pudding) under the open moonlight overnight and consuming it the next morning; many also perform Lakshmi Puja through the night.
Karva Chauth — Thursday, 29 October
Observed primarily by married women across North India (and increasingly by unmarried women in some communities) for the long life and wellbeing of their husbands. The nirjala (waterless) fast runs from before sunrise until moonrise, broken only after sighting the moon through a sieve, typically alongside the husband. Moonrise time varies significantly by city, so it’s worth checking local timing rather than a generic time.
Monthly Rashifal (Rashi Predictions) — October 2026
The following is drawn from traditional Vedic astrology and is meant for reflection and entertainment, not as a factual forecast. Please don’t treat it as a substitute for professional guidance on health, finance, or major life decisions.
- Aries (Mesh): Navratri energy favours bold career moves; watch for a genuine breakthrough around Dussehra.
- Taurus (Vrishabh): Property, vehicle, and home matters look favourable; pending payments may finally clear.
- Gemini (Mithun): Strong month for negotiations and partnerships; students should see steady progress.
- Cancer (Kark): Finances improve gradually through the month; a pilgrimage or temple visit around Navratri is well-timed.
- Leo (Simha): Recognition and leadership opportunities rise; good month to put yourself forward at work.
- Virgo (Kanya): Useful new contacts and possible travel; keep an eye on routine health through the season change.
- Libra (Tula): New income streams may open; support from seniors and colleagues comes easily.
- Scorpio (Vrishchik): A promising month for career movement — a delayed promotion or raise may finally land.
- Sagittarius (Dhanu): Strong spiritual and travel energy this month; long-pending religious plans come together.
- Capricorn (Makar): Prioritise health and steady effort over speculation; avoid impulsive financial risks.
- Aquarius (Kumbh): Relationships deepen; a business partnership could bring solid gains around Navratri.
- Pisces (Meen): Favourable for overcoming rivals and competitive exams; some lingering health issues may finally ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hindu months does October 2026 cover? October 2026 covers most of Ashwin and the first few days of Kartik, in Vikram Samvat 2083 and Shaka Samvat 1948.
When does Navratri start in October 2026? Sunday, 11 October 2026, with Ghatasthapana in the morning.
Is Durga Ashtami on October 18 or 19 in 2026? Most Panchangs, including this one, list it as October 18, because Ashtami tithi covers nearly all of that day’s daytime and evening (when the puja is actually performed), even though the strict sunrise-tithi moment falls the next morning due to an unusually long Saptami this year.
When is Sharad Purnima 2026 — October 25 or 26? The precise tithi-timing sources put Purnima at sunrise on October 26 (Monday); some calendars and family traditions mark it a day earlier on the 25th based on the previous night’s moonrise. Both are used in practice — check your family’s custom or local panchang.
When exactly is Karva Chauth in 2026? Thursday, 29 October 2026 — not the 28th, despite what some calendars show.
Does this Panchang apply across all of North India? Tithi, nakshatra, and festival names apply broadly across North India (UP, MP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Chhattisgarh). Clock times (sunrise, sunset, Rahu Kaal, moonrise) are specific to New Delhi and shift slightly for other cities.