Chaitra Navratri 2026: Dates, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Colors & Puja…
Chaitra Navratri 2026: Dates, Ghatasthapana & 9 Colors
Verified with Drik Panchang 2026
Chaitra Navratri 2026 begins on Thursday, March 19, 2026 and ends on Friday, March 27, 2026 with Ram Navami. The auspicious Ghatasthapana Muhurat on Day 1 (Pratipada) is from 06:10 AM to 08:35 AM. This festival marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year.
Book via WhatsAppAs the spring sun rises and nature blooms, we welcome the divine energy of Maa Durga. Chaitra Navratri is not just a change of season; it is a spiritual reset button for your life. From the devotion of Ghatasthapana to the grand celebration of Ram Navami, these 9 days are powerful enough to remove obstacles and grant prosperity.
📅 When is Chaitra Navratri 2026?
The festival spans 9 days and nights. Here are the key dates:
- Start Date (Ghatasthapana): March 19, 2026 (Thursday)
- Durga Ashtami: March 26, 2026 (Thursday)
- Ram Navami (End Date): March 27, 2026 (Friday)
📍 City-Wise Ghatasthapana Muhurat (March 19)
| City | Ghatasthapana Muhurat |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 06:27 AM to 07:54 AM |
| Mumbai | 06:46 AM to 08:18 AM |
| Bangalore | 06:28 AM to 07:55 AM |
| Hyderabad | 06:24 AM to 07:53 AM |
| Pune | 06:42 AM to 08:14 AM |
| Kolkata | 05:43 AM to 07:07 AM |
🗓️ Chaitra Navratri 2026: 9 Colors & Schedule
| Day / Date | Goddess | Color | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Mar 19) | Maa Shailputri | 🟡 Yellow | Strength & Stability |
| Day 2 (Mar 20) | Maa Brahmacharini | 🟢 Green | Growth & Wisdom |
| Day 3 (Mar 21) | Maa Chandraghanta | 🔘 Grey | Strength to Fight Evil |
| Day 4 (Mar 22) | Maa Kushmanda | 🟠 Orange | Energy & Creativity |
| Day 5 (Mar 23) | Maa Skandamata | 🤍 White | Purity & Peace |
| Day 6 (Mar 24) | Maa Katyayani | 🔴 Red | Passion & Fearlessness |
| Day 7 (Mar 25) | Maa Kalaratri | 🔵 Royal Blue | Health & Prosperity |
| Day 8 (Mar 26) | Maa Mahagauri | 🌸 Pink | Hope & Harmony |
| Day 9 (Mar 27) | Maa Siddhidatri / | 🟣 Purple | Ambition & Power |
The 9 Forms of Durga & Mantras
Chanting the specific mantra for each Goddess invokes her unique energy:
Om Shaam Sheem Shoom Shailputrayi Namah
Om Braam Breem Broom Brahmachariniyai Namah
Om Hreem Kleem Sheem Chandraghantayai Namah
Om Hreem Kushmandayi Jagatprasootyai Namah
Om Hreem Saha Skandmatrayi Namah
Om Hreem Sheem Katyayanayi Namah
How to Perform Puja at Home?
🍎 SmartPuja’s Mini Fasting Guide
- Eat Singhara (Water Chestnut), Sabudana & Fruits.
- Use Sendha Namak (Rock Salt) instead of table salt.
- Maintain celibacy and purity of thought.
- Avoid Onion, Garlic, and Non-veg.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and grains (wheat/rice).
- Avoid cutting hair, shaving, or cutting nails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Chaitra Navratri (March/April) marks the Hindu New Year and ends with Ram Navami. Sharad Navratri (Sept/Oct) commemorates Durga’s victory over Mahishasura and ends with Dussehra.
Traditionally, the fast (Vrat) begins from the morning of Pratipada. However, if you miss the morning Sankalp, you can start after sunset, but the Ghatasthapana must be done in the morning.
If you miss the auspicious Ghatasthapana muhurat on Day 1, you can perform it during the Abhijit Muhurat (Noon) on the same day.
Kanya Pujan is usually performed on Ashtami (March 26) or Navami (March 27).
Absolutely. The entire 9-day period is considered ‘Siddha Muhurat’, auspicious for new ventures, griha pravesh, or buying property without a specific lagna.
While beneficial, it is not compulsory. If you cannot maintain a 24-hour Akhand Jyot, you can light a lamp in the morning and evening during prayers.
Invite Blessings into Your Home
Book experienced Pandits for Ghatasthapana, Havan, and Puja.
