Chaitra Navratri… Please please Goddess Durga like this: Do not make this mistake even by mistake, know the correct rules of offering, colors and fasting.

‘Chaitra Navratri’, a confluence of faith, enthusiasm and unwavering faith, is going to start from 19 March 2026 this year. According to the Hindu calendar, Vikram Samvat i.e. Hindu New Year will also begin from this day. In this special puja lasting nine days, nine different forms of Goddess Durga will be invoked. With the installation of Kalash in every house, the atmosphere will be drenched with mantras, bhajans and virtuous worship. This great festival will conclude on March 27 with the birth anniversary of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram i.e. ‘Ram Navami’.

Exact time of Ghatasthapana: Don’t miss the auspicious moment

On the first day of Navratri, Kalash is established along with the worship of Mother Shailputri. According to astrologers, the best time for Ghatasthapana on March 19, 2026 will be from 06:52 am to 07:43 am. If for some reason you are not able to do this work in the morning, then you can take advantage of ‘Abhijeet Muhurta’ in the afternoon, which will be from 12:05 pm to 12:53 pm. Sowing barley in an earthen pot, placing mango leaves and coconut on the urn and invoking Mother Goddess as per rituals brings happiness and prosperity in the house.

Nine days, nine colours: Each form of Maa Durga has its own glory.

During Navratri, every day is assigned a special color, which doubles the enthusiasm of the devotees. Performing puja wearing clothes of these colors is considered extremely auspicious:

• Day 1 (yellow): Worship of Mother Shailputri.

• Day 2 (green): Dedicated to Mother Brahmacharini.

• Day 3 (grey): Worship of Mother Chandraghanta.

• Day 4 (Orange): The glory of Mother Kushmanda.

• Day five (white): Mother Skandamata’s love.

• Day 6 (red): Bravery of Mother Katyayani.

• Day seven (royal blue): The fierce form of Mother Kalratri.

• Day 8 (pink): The gentleness of Mother Mahagauri.

• Day 9 (Purple): Blessings of Mother Siddhidatri.

These special offerings are dear to the Mother Goddess: Offer Prasad like this every day.

‘Bhog’ has special importance in the path of devotion. It is believed that by offering the food of one’s choice to the mother, the wishes are fulfilled soon. Pure ghee should be offered on the first day, sugar and Panchamrit on the second day, sweets made from milk on the third day, Malpua on the fourth day, banana on the fifth day, honey on the sixth day, jaggery on the seventh day, coconut on the eighth day and halwa-puri and gram on the ninth day.

Take care of diet during fasting: what to eat and what to avoid

During Navratri fast, sattvik food is essential for purification of body and mind. Devotees can take buckwheat flour, water chestnut flour, sago, samak rice and fruits (apple, pomegranate, banana). Among vegetables, consumption of potato, gourd and pumpkin is best. Use only rock salt and black pepper for cooking. At the same time, grains (wheat, rice), pulses, onion-garlic, meat-liquor and junk food should be completely avoided.

Spiritual significance: Will conclude on Ram Navami

Chaitra Navratri is not just a festival, but an occasion for self-purification and transmission of new energy. This ritual will conclude with Kanya Puja and Havan on the day of Ram Navami on March 27. This festival inspires us to abandon negativity and move towards positivity.

Disclaimer: All the information given here is based on general beliefs and information. dainikbhaskarup.com does not confirm these beliefs and information. Before implementing any information, consult the concerned expert.