{"id":12395,"date":"2025-12-12T09:05:21","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T03:35:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/?p=12395"},"modified":"2026-02-14T17:36:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T12:06:17","slug":"chaitra-navratri-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Chaitra Navratri 2026: Dates, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Colors &#038; Puja Vidhi"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n      \"headline\": \"Chaitra Navratri 2026 Dates (19\u201327 March), Ghatasthapana Muhurat & 9 Colors\",\n      \"description\": \"Complete guide to Chaitra Navratri 2026. Find Ghatasthapana Muhurat for your city, 9 Colors of Navratri, Hindu New Year details, and book Pandit for Durga Puja.\",\n      \"image\": \"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Chaitra-Navaratri-2026-1024x577.png\",\n      \"author\": { \"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"SmartPuja\" },\n      \"publisher\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n        \"name\": \"SmartPuja\",\n        \"logo\": { \"@type\": \"ImageObject\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/smartpuja-logo.png\" }\n      },\n      \"datePublished\": \"2025-12-10\",\n      \"dateModified\": \"2025-12-19\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Event\",\n      \"name\": \"Chaitra Navratri 2026\",\n      \"startDate\": \"2026-03-19\",\n      \"endDate\": \"2026-03-27\",\n      \"eventStatus\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/EventScheduled\",\n      \"location\": { \"@type\": \"Place\", \"name\": \"India\", \"address\": { \"@type\": \"PostalAddress\", \"addressCountry\": \"IN\" } },\n      \"description\": \"9-Day Hindu Festival worshiping Goddess Durga & Lord Rama.\"\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n      \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Is Chaitra Navratri different from Sharad Navratri?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"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.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can we start Navratri fast in the evening?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Traditionally, the fast (Vrat) begins from the morning of Pratipada (Day 1). However, if you miss the morning Sankalp, you can start after sunset, but the Ghatasthapana must be done in the morning.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"What happens if Ghatasthapana is missed?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"If you miss the auspicious Ghatasthapana muhurat on Day 1, you can perform it during the Abhijit Muhurat (Noon) on the same day. Consult a Pandit for 'Prayaschita' (atonement) rituals.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Which day is Kanya Pujan in 2026?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Kanya Pujan is usually performed on Ashtami (March 26) or Navami (March 27). It involves worshipping nine young girls as forms of Goddess Durga.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Is Chaitra Navratri good for starting new business?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Absolutely. The entire 9-day period is considered 'Siddha Muhurat', auspicious for new ventures, griha pravesh, or buying property without a specific lagna.\" }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Is it compulsory to light Akhand Jyot?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"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.\" }\n        }\n      ]\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<article style=\"font-family: 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; color: #333; max-width: 850px; margin: 0 auto;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-28457\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 12px; margin-bottom: 25px; box-shadow: 0 5px 15px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Chaitra-Navaratri-2026-1024x577.png\" alt=\"Chaitra Navratri 2026 Dates and Ghatasthapana Muhurat\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Chaitra-Navaratri-2026-1024x577.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Chaitra-Navaratri-2026-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Chaitra-Navaratri-2026-150x85.png 150w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Chaitra-Navaratri-2026-768x433.png 768w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Chaitra-Navaratri-2026-1536x865.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Chaitra-Navaratri-2026.png 1640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h1 style=\"font-family: 'Georgia', serif; color: #e65100; font-size: 2.5rem; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center; line-height: 1.2;\">Chaitra Navratri 2026: Dates, Ghatasthapana &amp; 9 Colors<\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 0.9rem; color: #666; margin-top: 0;\"><em>Verified with Drik Panchang 2026<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.1rem;\"><strong>Chaitra Navratri 2026<\/strong> begins on <strong>Thursday, March 19, 2026<\/strong> and ends on <strong>Friday, March 27, 2026<\/strong> with Ram Navami. The auspicious <strong>Ghatasthapana Muhurat<\/strong> on Day 1 (Pratipada) is from <strong>06:10 AM to 08:35 AM<\/strong>. This festival marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background: #fff3e0; padding: 20px; border-left: 4px solid #ff9800; font-size: 0.95rem; margin-bottom: 25px; border-radius: 4px;\"><strong>See Also:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 5px 0 0 20px; color: #e65100;\">\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: underline; color: #e65100;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/ram-navami-2026-date-puja-muhurat\/\">Ram Navami 2026 Date &amp; Vidhi<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: underline; color: #e65100;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/shardiya-navratri-2026-dates-puja-vidhi\/\">Sharad Navratri 2026 Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"text-decoration: underline; color: #e65100;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/puja-services\/chandi-homa\">Book Chandi Homa<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin: 30px 0;\"><a style=\"background-color: #25d366; color: white; padding: 12px 25px; border-radius: 50px; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1rem; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(37, 211, 102, 0.3);\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/918061160400?text=Hi%20SmartPuja,%20I%20want%20to%20book%20a%20Pandit%20for%20Navratri\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/6\/6b\/WhatsApp.svg\" alt=\"WhatsApp\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" \/> Book via WhatsApp<br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<p>As 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 <em>Ghatasthapana<\/em> to the grand celebration of <em>Ram Navami<\/em>, these 9 days are powerful enough to remove obstacles and grant prosperity.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_87 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #f58120;color:#f58120\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #f58120;color:#f58120\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/#%F0%9F%93%85_When_is_Chaitra_Navratri_2026\" >\ud83d\udcc5 When is Chaitra Navratri 2026?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/#%F0%9F%93%8D_City-Wise_Ghatasthapana_Muhurat_March_19\" >\ud83d\udccd City-Wise Ghatasthapana Muhurat (March 19)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/#%F0%9F%97%93%EF%B8%8F_Chaitra_Navratri_2026_9_Colors_Schedule\" >\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f Chaitra Navratri 2026: 9 Colors &amp; Schedule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/#The_9_Forms_of_Durga_Mantras\" >The 9 Forms of Durga &amp; Mantras<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/#How_to_Perform_Puja_at_Home\" >How to Perform Puja at Home?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/#1_Kalash_Sthapana\" >1. Kalash Sthapana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/#2_Daily_Worship\" >2. Daily Worship<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/#3_Kanya_Pujan\" >3. Kanya Pujan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/#%F0%9F%8D%8E_SmartPujas_Mini_Fasting_Guide\" >\ud83c\udf4e SmartPuja\u2019s Mini Fasting Guide<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/#Invite_Blessings_into_Your_Home\" >Invite Blessings into Your Home<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #e65100; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; border-bottom: 2px solid #ffe0b2; padding-bottom: 10px;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%93%85_When_is_Chaitra_Navratri_2026\"><\/span>\ud83d\udcc5 When is Chaitra Navratri 2026?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The festival spans 9 days and nights. Here are the key dates:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Start Date (Ghatasthapana):<\/strong> March 19, 2026 (Thursday)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Durga Ashtami:<\/strong> March 26, 2026 (Thursday)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ram Navami (End Date):<\/strong> March 27, 2026 (Friday)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"color: #ef6c00;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%93%8D_City-Wise_Ghatasthapana_Muhurat_March_19\"><\/span>\ud83d\udccd City-Wise Ghatasthapana Muhurat (March 19)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; margin-bottom: 40px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);\">\n<table  class=\" table table-hover\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background: #ef6c00; color: white; padding: 15px; text-align: left;\">City<\/th>\n<th style=\"background: #ef6c00; color: white; padding: 15px; text-align: left;\">Ghatasthapana Muhurat<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>New Delhi<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">06:27 AM to 07:54 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Mumbai<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">06:46 AM to 08:18 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Bangalore<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">06:28 AM to 07:55 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Hyderabad<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">06:24 AM to 07:53 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Pune<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">06:42 AM to 08:14 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Kolkata<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">05:43 AM to 07:07 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #e65100; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; border-bottom: 2px solid #ffe0b2; padding-bottom: 10px;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%97%93%EF%B8%8F_Chaitra_Navratri_2026_9_Colors_Schedule\"><\/span>\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f Chaitra Navratri 2026: 9 Colors &amp; Schedule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div style=\"overflow-x: auto; margin-bottom: 40px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);\">\n<table  class=\" table table-hover\" style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background: #f57c00; color: white; padding: 15px; text-align: left;\">Day \/ Date<\/th>\n<th style=\"background: #f57c00; color: white; padding: 15px; text-align: left;\">Goddess<\/th>\n<th style=\"background: #f57c00; color: white; padding: 15px; text-align: left;\">Color<\/th>\n<th style=\"background: #f57c00; color: white; padding: 15px; text-align: left;\">Significance<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Day 1<\/strong> (Mar 19)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/goddess-shailaputri-navratri-day-1\/\">Maa Shailputri<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83d\udfe1 Yellow<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Strength &amp; Stability<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Day 2<\/strong> (Mar 20)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-brahmacharini-navratri-day-2-puja\/\">Maa Brahmacharini<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83d\udfe2 Green<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Growth &amp; Wisdom<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Day 3<\/strong> (Mar 21)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-chandraghanta-navratri-day-3-puja\/\">Maa Chandraghanta<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83d\udd18 Grey<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Strength to Fight Evil<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Day 4<\/strong> (Mar 22)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-kushmanda-navratri-day-4-puja\/\">Maa Kushmanda<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83d\udfe0 Orange<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Energy &amp; Creativity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Day 5<\/strong> (Mar 23)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-skandamata-navratri-day-5\/\">Maa Skandamata<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83e\udd0d White<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Purity &amp; Peace<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Day 6<\/strong> (Mar 24)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-katyayani-navratri-day-6-puja\/\">Maa Katyayani<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83d\udd34 Red<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Passion &amp; Fearlessness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Day 7<\/strong> (Mar 25)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-kalaratri-navratri-day-7-puja\/\">Maa Kalaratri<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83d\udd35 Royal Blue<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Health &amp; Prosperity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Day 8<\/strong> (Mar 26)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-mahagauri-navratri-day-8-puja\/\">Maa Mahagauri<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83c\udf38 Pink<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Hope &amp; Harmony<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>Day 9<\/strong> (Mar 27)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/maa-siddhidatri-navratri-day-9-puja\/\">Maa Siddhidatri<\/a> \/<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/ram-navami-2026-date-puja-muhurat\/\"><strong>Ram Navami<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\"><strong>\ud83d\udfe3 Purple<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 15px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">Ambition &amp; Power<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #e65100; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; border-bottom: 2px solid #ffe0b2; padding-bottom: 10px;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_9_Forms_of_Durga_Mantras\"><\/span>The 9 Forms of Durga &amp; Mantras<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-12416\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 12px; margin-bottom: 25px; box-shadow: 0 5px 15px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Book-Pandit-For-pitru-paksha-Puja-In-Bangalore-90-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Nine forms of Goddess Durga for Chaitra Navratri 2026\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Book-Pandit-For-pitru-paksha-Puja-In-Bangalore-90-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Book-Pandit-For-pitru-paksha-Puja-In-Bangalore-90-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Book-Pandit-For-pitru-paksha-Puja-In-Bangalore-90-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Book-Pandit-For-pitru-paksha-Puja-In-Bangalore-90-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Book-Pandit-For-pitru-paksha-Puja-In-Bangalore-90-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Book-Pandit-For-pitru-paksha-Puja-In-Bangalore-90-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Chanting the specific mantra for each Goddess invokes her unique energy:<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(300px, 1fr)); gap: 15px; margin-top: 20px;\">\n<div style=\"background: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; border-left: 4px solid #f57c00;\"><strong>Maa Shailputri<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Om Shaam Sheem Shoom Shailputrayi Namah<\/em><\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; border-left: 4px solid #4caf50;\"><strong>Maa Brahmacharini<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Om Braam Breem Broom Brahmachariniyai Namah<\/em><\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; border-left: 4px solid #9e9e9e;\"><strong>Maa Chandraghanta<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Om Hreem Kleem Sheem Chandraghantayai Namah<\/em><\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; border-left: 4px solid #ff9800;\"><strong>Maa Kushmanda<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Om Hreem Kushmandayi Jagatprasootyai Namah<\/em><\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; border-left: 4px solid #eee;\"><strong>Maa Skandamata<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Om Hreem Saha Skandmatrayi Namah<\/em><\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; border-left: 4px solid #f44336;\"><strong>Maa Katyayani<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Om Hreem Sheem Katyayanayi Namah<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #e65100; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; border-bottom: 2px solid #ffe0b2; padding-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 40px;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Perform_Puja_at_Home\"><\/span>How to Perform Puja at Home?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div style=\"background: #fff; border: 1px solid #eee; border-radius: 12px; box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); overflow: hidden; margin-top: 20px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin: 0; color: #f57c00;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Kalash_Sthapana\"><\/span>1. Kalash Sthapana<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>On Day 1, 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid #eee; background: #fafafa;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin: 0; color: #ef6c00;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Daily_Worship\"><\/span>2. Daily Worship<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Light an <strong>Akhand Jyot<\/strong>. Offer hibiscus flowers, fruits, and the specific <em>Prasad<\/em> for the day. Recite the <em>Durga Saptashati Path<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 20px;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin: 0; color: #d84315;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Kanya_Pujan\"><\/span>3. Kanya Pujan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>On Ashtami or Navami, invite nine young girls (Kanjaks) to your home. Serve them Halwa, Poori, and Chana. They represent the nine forms of the Goddess.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fff3e0; border-left: 5px solid #ff9800; padding: 20px; margin-top: 30px; border-radius: 4px;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #e65100;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%8D%8E_SmartPujas_Mini_Fasting_Guide\"><\/span>\ud83c\udf4e SmartPuja\u2019s Mini Fasting Guide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 20px;\">\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 250px;\"><strong style=\"color: #2e7d32;\">\u2705 DOs (Sattvic):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-top: 5px;\">\n<li>Eat Singhara (Water Chestnut), Sabudana &amp; Fruits.<\/li>\n<li>Use Sendha Namak (Rock Salt) instead of table salt.<\/li>\n<li>Maintain celibacy and purity of thought.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 250px;\"><strong style=\"color: #c62828;\">\u274c DON&#8217;Ts (Tamasic):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin-top: 5px;\">\n<li>Avoid Onion, Garlic, and Non-veg.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and grains (wheat\/rice).<\/li>\n<li>Avoid cutting hair, shaving, or cutting nails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 style=\"color: #e65100; font-family: 'Georgia', serif; border-bottom: 2px solid #ffe0b2; padding-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 40px;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div style=\"background: #fafafa; padding: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; border: 1px solid #eee; border-radius: 8px;\"><strong style=\"color: #e65100; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; font-size: 1.1rem;\">1. Is Chaitra Navratri different from Sharad Navratri?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">Yes. Chaitra Navratri (March\/April) marks the Hindu New Year and ends with Ram Navami. Sharad Navratri (Sept\/Oct) commemorates Durga&#8217;s victory over Mahishasura and ends with Dussehra.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fafafa; padding: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; border: 1px solid #eee; border-radius: 8px;\"><strong style=\"color: #e65100; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; font-size: 1.1rem;\">2. Can we start Navratri fast in the evening?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fafafa; padding: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; border: 1px solid #eee; border-radius: 8px;\"><strong style=\"color: #e65100; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; font-size: 1.1rem;\">3. What happens if Ghatasthapana is missed?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">If you miss the auspicious Ghatasthapana muhurat on Day 1, you can perform it during the <strong>Abhijit Muhurat (Noon)<\/strong> on the same day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fafafa; padding: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; border: 1px solid #eee; border-radius: 8px;\"><strong style=\"color: #e65100; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; font-size: 1.1rem;\">4. Which day is Kanya Pujan in 2026?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">Kanya Pujan is usually performed on <strong>Ashtami (March 26)<\/strong> or <strong>Navami (March 27)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fafafa; padding: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; border: 1px solid #eee; border-radius: 8px;\"><strong style=\"color: #e65100; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; font-size: 1.1rem;\">5. Is Chaitra Navratri good for starting new business?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">Absolutely. The entire 9-day period is considered &#8216;Siddha Muhurat&#8217;, auspicious for new ventures, griha pravesh, or buying property without a specific lagna.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background: #fafafa; padding: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; border: 1px solid #eee; border-radius: 8px;\"><strong style=\"color: #e65100; display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; font-size: 1.1rem;\">6. Is it compulsory to light Akhand Jyot?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; margin-top: 50px; background: #fff3e0; padding: 30px; border-radius: 12px; border: 1px dashed #ffcc80;\">\n<h3 style=\"margin-top: 0; color: #e65100; font-family: 'Georgia', serif;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Invite_Blessings_into_Your_Home\"><\/span>Invite Blessings into Your Home<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Book experienced Pandits for Ghatasthapana, Havan, and Puja.<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"background-color: #e65100; color: #ffffff; padding: 15px 40px; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; border-radius: 50px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.2rem; box-shadow: 0 5px 15px rgba(230, 81, 0, 0.3);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/puja-services\/navaratri-durga-puja\">Book Navratri Pandit Now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chaitra Navratri 2026: Dates, Ghatasthapana &amp; 9 Colors Verified with Drik Panchang 2026 Chaitra Navratri 2026 begins on Thursday, March &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/chaitra-navratri-2026\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Chaitra Navratri 2026: Dates, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Colors &#038; Puja Vidhi<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28457,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[5,191],"tags":[614,606,612,610,613,607,615,611,616,609,608],"class_list":["post-12395","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-festivals","category-pujas-and-homas","tag-book-pandit-for-navratri","tag-chaitra-navratri-2026","tag-chandi-homa","tag-durga-puja-at-home","tag-durga-saptashati","tag-ghatasthapana-muhurat","tag-hindu-new-year-2026","tag-kalash-sthapana","tag-maa-durga-mantras","tag-navratri-colors","tag-ram-navami-2026"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Chaitra-Navaratri-2026.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12395","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12395"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12395\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34571,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12395\/revisions\/34571"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28457"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12395"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12395"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smartpuja.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12395"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}