Chaitra Navratri Festival 2026

Full Date

19 March 2026 Morning 6:10 AM – 27 March 2026 Evening 7:00 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)

  Ritual of installing the holy pot symbolizing Goddess Durga’s presence. Ghatasthapana Muhurat: March 19, 2026 - 6:10 AM to 8:35 AM.

  19 March 2026 6:10 AM – 19 March 2026 8:35 AM

• Rama Navami

  The final day of Navratri celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, on March 27, 2026.

  27 March 2026 6:00 AM – 27 March 2026 8:00 PM

Introduction

Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasant Navratri, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and the onset of spring. It is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga’s nine forms, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the awakening of divine energy. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and perform daily arti during these nine sacred days.

Other Names

Vasant Navratri, Rama Navratri, Spring Navratri

Pooja Vidhi

• Clean the home and altar before Ghatasthapana.
• Install a Kalash filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut on the first day.
• Light a lamp (Akhand Jyot) that burns continuously for nine days.
• Offer flowers, fruits, and bhog to the goddess while chanting Durga mantras.
• Perform daily aarti morning and evening to seek her blessings.

Rituals

• Perform Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) on the first day symbolizing the presence of Goddess Durga.
• Worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known collectively as Navadurga—one on each day.
• Observe fasting by eating sattvic food and avoiding grains and onion-garlic.
• Recite Durga Saptashati, Lalita Sahasranama, or Devi Mahatmya daily.
• Conclude the festival on Navami with Kanya Pujan (worship of nine young girls symbolizing the goddess).

Regional Highlights

• In North India, devotees observe fasts and organize Durga Saptashati recitations.
• In Maharashtra, Navratri coincides with Gudi Padwa, the regional New Year.
• In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the festival begins with Ugadi celebrations.
• Himalayan temples like Vaishno Devi and Naina Devi witness massive pilgrim participation.

History

Chaitra Navratri’s origins trace back to ancient times when Goddess Durga destroyed the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of divine power. It is also linked to Lord Rama’s invocation of Durga before his battle with Ravana. The festival thus combines devotion, spiritual discipline, and the beginning of new agricultural and cosmic cycles.

Additional Information

• Chaitra Navratri signifies renewal, prosperity, and spiritual cleansing with the onset of spring.
• Each of the nine days symbolizes a distinct form of feminine energy.
• The festival concludes with Ram Navami, integrating devotion to Vishnu and Shakti.