September 2026 is one of the most spiritually rich months in the Hindu calendar — closing the Ganesh festival with Anant Chaturdashi, opening the 15-day Pitru Paksha ancestor worship period, honoring the divine architect on Vishwakarma Puja, and beginning the grand 9-night Sharadiya Navratri Devi celebrations.

This calendar is based on the Hindu Panchang (DrikPanchang aligned). NRIs should verify exact tithi timings for their city.

Complete September 2026 Hindu Festivals & Vrat Calendar

DateDayFestival / VratSignificance
Sept 5SatAnant ChaturdashiGanesh Visarjan + Vishnu 14-knot thread puja
Sept 7MonPitru Paksha begins (Bhadrapada Purnima)Start of 15-day ancestor worship
Sept 12SatParivartini EkadashiVishnu changes sides in cosmic sleep
Sept 17ThuVishwakarma PujaDivine architect; craftsmen, businesses, machinery
Sept 19SatIndira EkadashiEkadashi within Pitru Paksha
Sept 21MonMahalaya AmavasyaMost powerful Shraddha day
Sept 22TueSharadiya Navratri begins (Ghatasthapana)Day 1 — Devi Shailaputri
Sept 23WedNavratri Day 2 — Devi Brahmacharini—
Sept 24ThuNavratri Day 3 — Devi Chandraghanta—
Sept 25FriNavratri Day 4 — Devi Kushmanda—
Sept 26SatNavratri Day 5 — Devi Skandamata + Saraswati Avahan—
Sept 27SunNavratri Day 6 — Devi Katyayani—
Sept 28MonNavratri Day 7 — Devi Kalaratri—
Sept 29TueNavratri Day 8 — Mahaashtami / Devi MahagauriKanya Pujan; Sandhi Puja
Sept 30WedNavratri Day 9 — Mahanavami / Devi SiddhidatriMaha-arati

Following October 2026: Dussehra / Vijayadashami on Oct 2.

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1. Anant Chaturdashi — September 5, 2026 (Saturday)

Anant Chaturdashi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Anant form. It is also the day of Ganesh Visarjan across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and the Hindu diaspora.

Rituals: Bathe a sacred 14-knot thread (Anant Sutra) in saffron water; chant Anant mantras; tie thread on right arm for men, left for women; perform Vishnu puja with red flowers and tulsi.

2. Pitru Paksha — September 7-21, 2026

The 15-day period when ancestors visit earth and seek offerings from descendants. Daily tarpanam (sesame seed + water offering) and Mahalaya Amavasya Shraddha are key.

Full guides: Pitru Paksha 2026 NRI Guide and Garuda Purana Pitru Paksha secrets.

3. Vishwakarma Puja — September 17, 2026 (Thursday)

See our dedicated Vishwakarma Puja 2026 Complete Guide.

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4. Mahalaya Amavasya — September 21, 2026 (Monday)

See our dedicated Mahalaya Amavasya 2026 Guide.

5. Sharadiya Navratri — September 22 to October 1, 2026

9 nights of intense Devi worship culminating in Mahaashtami + Mahanavami (Sept 29-30). Full guide: Navaratri 2026 — 9 Devi Names & Puja Rituals.

NRI Guidance for September 2026

  • Time Zone: Use panchang app with your exact city. Pitru Paksha tithis can shift by a day in Western countries.
  • Home Pitru Tarpan: Even simple water + sesame + black urad dal offering to south direction brings ancestor blessings.
  • Navratri Pandals Abroad: USA (Edison NJ, Atlanta, Chicago), UK (London), Canada (Toronto), UAE (Dubai) all host major Navratri Pandals.
  • Vishwakarma Puja: Especially auspicious for IT professionals, engineers, business owners — perform office puja.
  • Mahalaya livestreams: SVBC (Tirumala), ISKCON, and Devi temples livestream Mahalaya pujas.

Jai Maa Durga | Om Pitribhyo Namah