Durga Puja 2026: Stones for the Nine Forms of Devi
Durga Puja 2026 runs from Shashthi on Friday 16 October to Vijayadashami on Wednesday 21 October. MantraMani is a Kolkata business, so this is the festival we work to most closely.
The same nine nights are counted differently in Bengal than elsewhere in India. Where the rest of the country marks Navratri from Ghatasthapana on 11 October, Bengal effectively begins at Shashthi — the day the Devi is welcomed — and runs five days to immersion.
Durga Puja 2026: the days
| Mahalaya | Saturday, 10 October — the dawn of the Puja, and the close of Pitru Paksha |
| Shashthi | Friday, 16 October — Bodhon; the Devi is welcomed |
| Saptami | Saturday, 17 October |
| Maha Ashtami | Monday, 19 October — the peak; Sandhi Puja |
| Maha Navami | Tuesday, 20 October |
| Vijayadashami | Wednesday, 21 October — Sindoor Khela and immersion |
Shashthi carries a tithi vriddhi in 2026 — the tithi also prevails at sunrise on 17 October — so confirm your own para or family observance before planning to it.
The nine forms and a stone for each
The Navadurga are fixed and have been for centuries. The colours attached to each day are not — the sequence published in newspapers shifts year to year and by region. What follows is the colour most consistently associated with each form.
| Form | Colour | Stone that matches |
|---|---|---|
| Shailaputri, daughter of the mountain | White | Clear quartz |
| Brahmacharini, the ascetic | Red | Carnelian |
| Chandraghanta, bearer of the crescent bell | Royal blue | Lapis lazuli |
| Kushmanda, the cosmic egg | Yellow | Citrine |
| Skandamata, mother of Kartikeya | Green | Green aventurine |
| Katyayani, the warrior | Grey | Labradorite |
| Kaalratri, destroyer of darkness | Orange | Black tourmaline |
| Mahagauri, the luminous | Peacock green | Rose quartz |
| Siddhidatri, giver of siddhis | Pink | Amethyst |
You do not need nine stones, and buying a set is a modern retail idea rather than a traditional one. Most households keep one piece and change the intention each day.
What is traditionally bought
Durga Puja is a gifting season in its own right, well before Diwali — and it is when the buying window reopens after Pitru Paksha. New clothes are the custom; jewellery and stones follow.
- For the home: Vastu pyramids from ₹299, gemstone trees from ₹889.
- To wear: a single-stone bracelet, or your own rashi stone. Most sit at ₹699–₹899.
- To give: see the gift guide.
There is no shipping charge and no minimum order value. Cash on delivery adds ₹49; paying in advance takes a flat 5% off.
Frequently asked questions
Is Durga Puja the same as Navratri?
The same nine nights, counted and observed differently. Bengal marks Shashthi to Dashami; most of the rest of India marks all nine from Ghatasthapana.
Can I buy gemstones during Durga Puja?
Yes. It follows Pitru Paksha, when jewellery is traditionally not bought — the window reopens on 11 October.
What do I do with crystals at immersion?
Nothing. Only the clay murti is immersed. Rinse, dry and keep your stones.
Which day is most auspicious for a new purchase?
Vijayadashami, traditionally — the day for beginnings, new tools and new work.
Related reading
- Navratri 2026: nine nights, nine forms of Devi
- Dhanteras 2026: which gemstone to buy for your rashi
- Pitru Paksha 2026: should you buy gemstones?
- Gemstone Finder
Written by Dr. Padmaja Shastri, in-house Vedic astrologer at MantraMani.
Astrological readings and gemstones are matters of faith and tradition. Nothing here is a medical, financial or outcome-based claim, and none of it is a substitute for professional advice. See our disclaimers.
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