Chaitra Navratri 2026 – Dates, Rituals, Significance & Rama Navami
Chaitra Navratri 2026
will begin on March 19, 2026 and continue for nine sacred days,
concluding on March 27, 2026. This spring Navratri is dedicated to the
worship of the nine divine forms of Goddess Shakti (Navadurga) and
coincides with the Hindu New Year in many regional calendars.
What is Chaitra Navratri?
- A nine-day Hindu festival honoring Goddess
Durga in her nine forms.
- Symbolizes devotion, seasonal
transition, and spiritual purification.
- Closely resembles Sharad Navratri
rituals, but is observed in the spring season.
- Concludes with Rama Navami
(March 27, 2026), celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.
Phases of Worship
Navratri worship is
divided into three sets of three days:
- Days 1–3:
Devotion to Maa Durga (Energy).
- Days 4–6:
Worship of Maa Lakshmi (Wealth).
- Days 7–9:
Worship of Maa Saraswati (Knowledge).
Day-by-Day Schedule
| Day | Date | Goddess | Rituals & Observances |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 19, 2026 | Shailputri | Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja |
| 2 | March 20, 2026 | Brahmacharini | Simple puja with flowers |
| 3 | March 21, 2026 | Chandraghanta | Diyas lit, offering of milk/kheer |
| 4 | March 22, 2026 | Kushmanda | Puja with incense, offering malpua/pumpkin |
| 5 | March 23, 2026 | Skandamata | Mantra chanting, prayers for children |
| 6 | March 24, 2026 | Katyayani | Puja with red flowers and kumkum |
| 7 | March 25, 2026 | Kalaratri | Puja with black sesame, ghee lamps |
| 8 | March 26, 2026 | Mahagauri | Puja with white flowers, fasting |
| 9 | March 27, 2026 | Siddhidatri | Havan, Kanya Puja, Navami rituals |
Importance of Chaitra
Navratri 2026
- Start of Hindu New Year
in calendars like Vikram Samvat.
- Nine forms of Goddess Durga
worshipped as Navadurga.
- Fasting & purification
believed to cleanse body and mind.
- Seasonal transition:
Helps devotees adjust to spring-summer climate.
- Rama Navami:
Culminates with Lord Rama’s birth celebration.
Rituals & Practices
- Daily Puja & Mantra chanting
dedicated to each goddess.
- Fasting (vrat):
Devotees consume sattvik foods like fruits, milk, curd, potatoes.
- Avoidance:
Non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic are strictly avoided.
- Navami Rituals:
Puja, havan, and Kanya Puja performed before breaking the fast.
- Navratri Parana (Dashami):
Formal completion of vrat and farewell to the Goddess.
Spiritual Significance
- Worship during Chaitra Navratri is
believed to bring inner purification, spiritual merit, and divine
blessings.
- Observance of fasting and discipline
supports detoxification and seasonal adjustment.
- The festival emphasizes devotion, surrender, and renewal of spiritual focus.
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