Festivals
Chaitra Navratri 2026: Dates, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Colors & Puja…
Chaitra Navratri 2026: Dates, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Colors & Puja Vidhi
According to the Hindu Lunar Calendar, Navratri—the nine-night festival of divine feminine power—is celebrated twice a year with great fervor: once in March/April (Chaitra) and again in September/October (Sharad). Chaitra Navratri 2026 marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year (Vikram Samvat) and concludes with the auspicious Ram Navami.
During these nine days, devotees invoke Goddess Durga’s nine forms (Navadurga) to seek protection, health, and prosperity. From performing Navaratri Durga Puja and Chandi Homa to conducting Ghatasthapana at home, the rituals are designed to purify the home environment.
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When is Chaitra Navratri 2026?
Chaitra Navratri 2026 begins on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and concludes on Friday, March 27, 2026 (Ram Navami).
🗓️ Chaitra Navratri 2026 Calendar & 9 Colors
| Day | Date (2026) | Goddess | Navratri Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Pratipada) | March 19 (Thu) | Maa Shailputri | Yellow |
| Day 2 (Dwitiya) | March 20 (Fri) | Maa Brahmacharini | Green |
| Day 3 (Tritiya) | March 21 (Sat) | Maa Chandraghanta | Grey |
| Day 4 (Chaturthi) | March 22 (Sun) | Maa Kushmanda | Orange |
| Day 5 (Panchami) | March 23 (Mon) | Maa Skandamata | White |
| Day 6 (Shasthi) | March 24 (Tue) | Maa Katyayani | Red |
| Day 7 (Saptami) | March 25 (Wed) | Maa Kalaratri | Royal Blue |
| Day 8 (Ashtami) | March 26 (Thu) | Maa Mahagauri | Pink |
| Day 9 (Ram Navami) | March 27 (Fri) | Maa Siddhidatri | Purple |
Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2026
The most auspicious ritual of Navratri is Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana), which invokes Goddess Durga into your home. It must be done during the right Muhurat on the first day.
- Date: March 19, 2026 (Thursday)
- Shubh Muhurat: 06:10 AM to 08:35 AM (Morning)
- Abhijit Muhurat: 12:05 PM to 12:53 PM (Afternoon)
*Note: Timings may vary slightly based on your city (Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, etc.). Consult our Pandits for the exact local time.
The 9 Forms of Durga: Significance & Mantras
1. Maa Shailputri (Daughter of Mountain): Worshipped on Day 1 for stability.
Mantra: Om Shaam Sheem Shoom Shailputrayi Namah
2. Maa Brahmacharini (The Ascetic): Gives emotional strength.
Mantra: Om Braam Breem Broom Brahmachariniyai Namah
3. Maa Chandraghanta (The Warrior): Removes fear and evil spirits.
Mantra: Om Hreem Kleem Sheem Chandraghantayai Namah
4. Maa Kushmanda (Creator of Universe): Bestows health and wealth.
Mantra: Om Hreem Kushmandayi Jagatprasootyai Namah
5. Maa Skandamata (Mother of Kartikeya): Grants wisdom and salvation.
Mantra: Om Hreem Saha Skandmatrayi Namah
6. Maa Katyayani (The Fierce): Removes obstacles in marriage.
Mantra: Om Hreem Sheem Katyayanayi Namah
7. Maa Kalaratri (Destroyer of Darkness): Removes ignorance and planetary doshas.
Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Shreem Kaalratriyai Namah
8. Maa Mahagauri (The Radiant): Brings peace and purity.
Mantra: Om Hreem Shreem Glaum Gam Gauri Geem Namah
9. Maa Siddhidatri (Giver of Supernatural Powers): Grants spiritual perfection.
Mantra: Om Hreem Saha Siddhidatrayi Namah
How to Perform Chaitra Navratri Puja at Home?
Step 1: Kalash Sthapana
On Day 1 (March 19), prepare a clay pot with soil and barley seeds. Place a Kalash (copper/silver pot) filled with water, a coin, and betel nut on top. Cover it with mango leaves and a coconut wrapped in red cloth. This invokes the energy of the Goddess.
Step 2: Daily Worship
Light an Akhand Jyot (lamp) that should ideally stay lit for 9 days. Offer hibiscus flowers, fruits, and the specific Prasad for the day. Recite the Durga Saptashati Path or simple Durga Mantras.
Step 3: Kanya Pujan (Ashtami/Navami)
On Ashtami (March 26) or Navami (March 27), invite nine young girls (Kanjaks) to your home. Serve them Halwa, Poori, and Chana. They represent the nine forms of the Goddess.
Chaitra Navratri Do’s and Don’ts
- DO: Maintain a Sattvic diet (No onion, garlic, or non-veg).
- DO: Keep your home clean and clutter-free to welcome positive energy.
- DON’T: Cut your hair, shave, or cut nails during these nine days.
- DON’T: Leave the house empty if you have lit an Akhand Jyot.
Why Book a Pandit from SmartPuja?
Navratri rituals like the Chandi Homa or Durga Saptashati Path are complex and require precise Vedic pronunciation. A single mistake in the “Beej Mantras” can dilute the effect.
SmartPuja provides:
- ✅ Verified Vedic Pandits with 15+ years of experience.
- ✅ Language Preference: Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, etc.
- ✅ Complete Samagri: We bring everything; you just arrange the Prasad and a few household items.
- ✅ E-Puja Options: Perform puja remotely via video call if you are abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ram Navami 2026 falls on Friday, March 27, 2026. It marks the birth of Lord Rama and the conclusion of Chaitra Navratri.
It is best to perform Ghatasthapana in the morning (during the first one-third of the day). For 2026, the best time is 06:10 AM to 08:35 AM on March 19.
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 (Vijayadashami).
