navratri 2026 important dos and donts to follow during the nine sacred days blog banner Navratri, which will be celebrated from 11th October to 20th October 2026, is one of the most revered festivals in Hinduism. These nine sacred days are dedicated to the worship of the nine divine forms (Navadurga) of Goddess Durga—Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Each form represents a unique divine quality and is worshipped on a specific day of the festival.

During Navratri, devotees express their faith through fasting, daily prayers, and various religious observances. Many families also perform Kanya Puja on the eighth or ninth day by honouring young girls as manifestations of the Goddess. Alongside these spiritual traditions, festive celebrations such as Garba and Dandiya bring communities together in devotion and joy. To observe the festival in accordance with traditional beliefs, there are certain Do’s and Don’ts that devotees commonly follow throughout the nine days.

Do’s During Navratri

  • Begin each day with an early morning wake-up and take a bath, and then offer prayers to Goddess Durga. If visiting a temple is not possible, perform your daily worship at your home altar with a lamp, flowers, and other traditional offerings.
  • Offer clean water to the Goddess as part of your daily prayers, as it is considered an auspicious gesture of devotion.
  • Observe the Navratri fast with sincerity, according to your health and family traditions. Fasting is regarded as an act of devotion and self-discipline while also encouraging mindful eating.
  • Perform Kanya Puja on Ashtami or Navami, if it is part of your family tradition. Young girls, symbolising the divine feminine, are respectfully welcomed, their feet are washed, and they are offered a traditional meal and gifts.

Don’ts During Navratri

  • Avoid consuming alcohol throughout the nine days, as it is considered inappropriate during this sacred period.
  • Avoid wearing footwear inside the home or prayer area to maintain the sanctity of the place of worship.
  • Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food and, if following traditional vrat practices, refrain from onion and garlic. Many traditions also advise against cutting lemons inside the home during Navratri, considering it inauspicious.
  • Avoid keeping the home cluttered, as a clean and organised environment is believed to promote positivity and spiritual harmony.
  • Avoid offering Tulsi leaves to Goddess Durga, as Tulsi is traditionally associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu rather than the Goddess.
Following these traditional Do’s and Don’ts during Navratri allows devotees to observe the festival with devotion, discipline, and reverence while seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga for strength, prosperity, and well-being.