Chaitra Navratri is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. Observed in the Hindu month of Chaitra, this nine-day festival marks spiritual renewal, inner purification, and the beginning of a new cycle of life. In many regions of India, Chaitra Navratri also coincides with the Hindu New Year, making it especially auspicious.
In this blog, we will understand what is Chaitra Navratri, when is Chaitra Navratri in 2026, its significance, importance, and the Chaitra Navratri 2026 puja vidhi and other details for this divine festival.
When Is Chaitra Navratri 2026?
A common question among devotees is when is Chaitra Navratri in 2026?Chaitra Navratri 2026 will begin on 19th of March 2026, starting from Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra, and will continue for nine days, concluding with Ram Navami on 27th of March 2026.
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Date
- Chaitra Navratri 2026 date: From 19th of March 2026 to 27th of March 2026
- Duration: 9 days
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Date and Time: All Days Divine Events and Worship Details
Chaitra Navratri 2026 is celebrated over nine sacred days, with each day dedicated to a specific form of Goddess Durga. Every date carries its own spiritual significance, associated rituals, and symbolic colour, guiding devotees through a complete journey of devotion, discipline, and inner transformation.Below is a day-wise overview of Chaitra Navratri 2026, including dates, tithi, deity worship, and important timings.
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 1, Mata Shailputri – Thursday, 19 March 2026
- Tithi: Amavasya
- Main Rituals: Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana), Mata Shailputri Puja
- Significance: Beginning of Navratri and invocation of divine energy
- Navratri Colour: Yellow
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 2, Mata Brahmacharini – Friday, 20 March 2026
- Tithi: Dwitiya
- Main Rituals: Mata Brahmacharini Puja
- Significance: Worship of devotion, discipline, and penance
- Navratri Colour: Green
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 3, Mata Chandraghanta – Saturday, 21 March 2026
- Tithi: Tritiya
- Main Rituals: Mata Chandraghanta Puja
- Significance: Strength, courage, and protection from negativity
- Navratri Colour: Grey (Slate)
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 4, Mata Kushmanda – Sunday, 22 March 2026
- Tithi: Chaturthi
- Main Rituals: Mata Kushmanda Puja
- Significance: Creation energy and vitality
- Navratri Colour: Orange
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 5, Mata Skandamata – Monday, 23 March 2026
- Tithi: Panchami
- Main Rituals: Mata Skandamata Puja
- Significance: Maternal grace, wisdom, and prosperity
- Navratri Colour: White
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 6, Mata Katyayani – Tuesday, 24 March 2026
- Tithi: Shashthi
- Main Rituals: Mata Katyayani Puja
- Significance: Courage, determination, and victory over obstacles
- Navratri Colour: Red
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 7, Mata Kalaratri – Wednesday, 25 March 2026
- Tithi: Saptami
- Main Rituals: Mata Kalaratri Puja
- Significance: Destruction of fear, negativity, and ignorance
- Navratri Colour: Deep Blue
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 8, Mata Mahagauri – Thursday, 26 March 2026
- Tithi: Ashtami
- Main Rituals: Mata Mahagauri Puja
- Significance: Most powerful phase of Navratri, symbolising the victory of divine energy
- Navratri Colour: Pink
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 9, Mata Siddhidatri – Friday, 27 March 2026
- Tithi: Navami
- Main Rituals: Navratri Parana (breaking of fast), Mata Siddhidatri Puja
- Significance: Completion of Navratri and receiving divine blessings
- Navratri Colour: Purple
Spiritual Insight
Each day of Chaitra Navratri 2026 carries a distinct vibration, encouraging devotees to move step by step towards spiritual clarity, inner strength, and divine grace. Observing these days with awareness enhances the overall spiritual experience of Navratri. Devotees should wear the above-mentioned colour dress to seek the deity’s blessings on their respective day.What Is Chaitra Navratri?
Many people ask what is Chaitra Navratri and why it is observed separately from Sharadya Navratri. Chaitra Navratri is the spring Navratri, celebrated during the onset of the new (spring) season. It symbolises the awakening of divine feminine energy and the cleansing of the mind, body, and soul.During these nine days, devotees worship the Navdurga—the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga—each representing a unique form of strength, wisdom, and protection. The festival encourages discipline, devotion, and spiritual awareness through fasting, prayers, and self-control.
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Why Chaitra Navratri Is Celebrated
Understanding why Chaitra Navratri is celebrated helps us appreciate its deeper spiritual meaning. According to Hindu beliefs, this period is ideal for invoking divine energy because nature itself is in a phase of renewal.
Chaitra Navratri is celebrated to:
- Honour the victory of divine power over negativity
- Seek blessings for a fresh beginning in life
- Strengthen spiritual discipline and inner balance
- Welcome positive energy during the start of the new year
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Puja Vidhi
The Chaitra Navratri 2026 puja vidhi begins with Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) on the first day. This ritual symbolises the invocation of Goddess Durga’s energy into the home or temple.The traditional puja vidhi includes:
- Performing Ghatasthapana at an auspicious time
- Daily worship of Goddess Durga with flowers, diya, incense, and offerings
- Chanting Durga mantras and stotras
- Observing fasting or sattvic Bhojan (dish)
- Maintaining purity of thought, speech, and action
Chaitra Navratri Significance
The Chaitra Navratri significance lies in spiritual awakening and balance. Unlike grand celebrations, Chaitra Navratri is observed with simplicity, introspection, and devotion.Spiritually, this Navratri:
- Helps purify negative emotions
- Encourages discipline and self-control
- Strengthens faith and inner power
- Aligns the devotee with divine feminine energy
Importance of Chaitra Navratri
The importance of Chaitra Navratri goes beyond rituals. It teaches devotees the value of patience, devotion, and self-discipline. As it coincides with seasonal change and the Hindu New Year, it represents a powerful opportunity to reset life goals with positivity.Many people begin new spiritual practices, vows, or resolutions during this period, believing that Goddess Durga’s blessings bring clarity and protection.
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Conclusion
Chaitra Navratri 2026 is a sacred festival that marks spiritual renewal, devotion, and the beginning of a new life cycle. By understanding what is Chaitra Navratri, why it is celebrated, following the correct puja vidhi, and recognising its significance and importance, devotees can experience deeper spiritual connection and inner peace.Observing Chaitra Navratri with sincerity and faith allows one to invite divine strength, positivity, and balance into life.
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