Chaitra Navratri 2026: When will Chaitra Navratri start? Know the date, auspicious time for establishment of Kalash and nine days of worship

Chaitra Navratri 2026:Chaitra Navratri is considered a very sacred and important festival in Hindu religion. Devotees of Maa Durga wait for this auspicious occasion throughout the year, because on these days special worship is done to the nine forms of the Goddess. Chaitra Navratri is also seen as the beginning of the Hindu New Year.

During these nine days, devotees observe fast and worship Goddess Durga with full rituals. There is a religious belief that worship done with a true heart brings happiness, prosperity, power and positive energy in life. In the year 2026, Chaitra Navratri will be celebrated starting from 19th March to 27th March and it will end on the day of Ram Navami.

When will Chaitra Navratri start in 2026?

According to the Hindu calendar, Chaitra Navratri starts from the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month.

• Navratri start: 19 March 2026
• Navratri ends: 27 March 2026
• Closing festival: Ram Navami

These nine days are considered a special time for spiritual practice, self-discipline and gaining positive energy.

Auspicious time for establishing Kalash

Ghat Sthapana or Kalash Sthapana has special significance on the first day of Navratri. It is considered a symbol of inviting Goddess Shakti into the home.

• Auspicious time for establishing Kalash on March 19, 2026:
• Auspicious time in the morning: 06:10 am to 08:35 am
• Abhijit Muhurta (optional): 12:05 pm to 12:53 pm

According to religious belief, installing the Kalash at an auspicious time brings happiness, prosperity and positive energy in the house. During this time, the tradition of sowing barley in earthen pots is also followed.

Nine days of Navratri and forms of the Goddess

During Navratri, nine forms of Maa Durga are worshipped, which are called Navadurga.

• 19 March – Mother Shailputri
• March 20 – Maa Brahmacharini
• March 21 – Maa Chandraghanta
• 22 March – Maa Kushmanda
• 23 March – Mother Skandamata
• 24 March – Mother Katyayani
• 25 March – Maa Kalratri
• 26 March – Maa Mahagauri (Durga Ashtami)
• 27 March – Maa Siddhidatri (Ram Navami)

Chaitra Navratri worship method

During Navratri, the place of worship is cleaned by taking bath in the morning. After this, preparations for the puja are made by spreading a red cloth on a wooden platform.

Barley is sown in an earthen pot and a pot filled with water is placed on top of it. Coconut and mango leaves are kept on the Kalash. After this, the idol or picture of the goddess is installed and worshiped with Roli, Akshat, flowers, incense and lamp.

During this period Durga Chalisa and Durga Saptashati are recited. Many devotees worship the goddess by fasting for nine days.

Religious significance of Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri is also considered the festival of spring season. It symbolizes the arrival of new life, energy and positivity in nature.

There is a religious belief that worshiping Goddess Durga with devotion and devotion during these days fulfills the wishes of the devotees and brings happiness and prosperity in life. That is why many people start new work, business or home on the auspicious occasion of Navratri, because it is considered a very auspicious time for new beginnings.