New Delhi: Chaitra Navratri is a sacred nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms known as Navdurga. In 2026, Chaitra Navratri begins on 19 March 2026 and continues until 27 March 2026. Each day is devoted to a different form of the Goddess, and devotees perform daily worship, observe fasting, and offer prayers to seek blessings for strength, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

The festival begins with Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) on the first day. From that moment onward, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga in a fixed order, following traditional rituals and daily prayers.

Below is a clear guide to the day-wise puja method and important muhurat during Chaitra Navratri 2026.

Day-Wise Chaitra Navratri 2026 Calendar

Day 1: Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja

Date: 19 March 2026

The first day of Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana, the ritual that marks the start of the festival.

Ghatasthapana Muhurat:
06:52 AM to 07:43 AM

Alternative Abhijit Muhurat:
12:05 PM to 12:53 PM

Puja method

• Clean the puja space early in the morning
• Place soil in a pot and sow barley seeds
  
• Place the Kalash filled with water on the soil pot
  
• Keep mango leaves and a coconut on the Kalash
  
• Offer flowers, kumkum, and rice to Maa Shailputri
  
• Light a ghee lamp and chant Durga mantras

Day 2: Brahmacharini Puja

Date: 20 March 2026

The second day is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini, who represents devotion and spiritual discipline. This day also includes Chandra Darshan in many traditions.

Puja method

• Offer sugar, fruits, or mishri to the Goddess
• Light incense and a ghee lamp
• Recite Durga Chalisa or Durga Saptashati
• Pray for patience and wisdom

Day 3: Chandraghanta Puja

Date: 21 March 2026

The third day is devoted to Goddess Chandraghanta, who symbolises courage and protection.

Puja method

• Offer milk, kheer, or sweets
• Perform Durga Aarti
• Chant Durga mantras for protection and peace

Day 4: Kushmanda Puja

Date: 22 March 2026

On the fourth day, devotees worship Goddess Kushmanda, who is believed to have created the universe with her divine energy.

Puja method

• Offer fruits and sweets to the Goddess
• Light incense and a ghee lamp
• Recite Durga Saptashati or Durga Chalisa
• Pray for health and prosperity

Day 5: Skandamata Puja

Date: 23 March 2026

The fifth day is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya.

Puja method

• Offer bananas or sweets
• Perform Durga Aarti
• Pray for family happiness and protection

Day 6: Katyayani Puja

Date: 24 March 2026

The sixth day honours Goddess Katyayani, the warrior form of Durga.

Puja method

• Offer honey or sweets
• Light a ghee lamp and incense
• Chant Durga mantras
• Pray for courage and success

Day 7: Kalaratri Puja

Date: 25 March 2026

The seventh day is dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri, who removes darkness and fear.

Puja method

• Offer jaggery or sweets
• Perform Durga Aarti
• Recite Durga Saptashati
• Pray for protection from negative energies

Day 8: Mahagauri Puja (Durga Ashtami)

Date: 26 March 2026

Durga Ashtami is one of the most important days of Navratri. Devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri and perform Kanya Puja.

Sandhi Puja Muhurat:
11:24 AM to 12:12 PM

Puja method

• Invite young girls for Kanya Puja
• Offer food, fruits, and gifts
• Perform Durga Aarti
• Seek blessings for prosperity and happiness

Day 9: Siddhidatri Puja

Date: 27 March 2026

The ninth day is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, who grants wisdom and spiritual blessings. Many devotees complete their Navratri fast on this day.

Puja method

• Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets
• Chant Durga mantras
• Perform final Navratri Aarti
• Break the fast after completing the puja

The nine days of Chaitra Navratri represent a journey of devotion, discipline, and spiritual growth. Each day honours a different form of Goddess Durga and reminds devotees of the power of faith and divine energy.

(Written by: Tanya Singh, Astropatri.com. For feedback, please write to hello@astropatri.com.)