The countdown to Chaitra Navratri has begun, and this year, the nine-day festival will take place from March 19 to March 27, 2026, concluding with Ram Navami. For many across India, this isn’t just another festival – it marks the spiritual start of a new year, a time to reset, reflect and begin again.
For those who have been celebrating this festival for years, the drill is familiar. Wake up early on Day 1, get the kalash ready, and don’t miss the muhurat. For first-timers, here is everything broken down.
The Ghatasthapana Timing
This is the one thing you cannot get wrong on March 19. The kalash — a pot filled with water, a coconut on top, mango leaves around the rim — has to be placed during the right window.
This year that window is 6:20 AM to 10:15 AM. Slept in? There is still a second chance between 12:05 PM and 12:55 PM. After that, you have missed it for the day.
Check your local panchang though. Timings shift a little depending on where you live.
Nine Days, Nine Goddesses
Day 1 — March 19 — Shailputri. The mountain’s daughter. Grounded, steady, strong.
Day 2 — March 20 — Brahmacharini. Discipline and devotion. She walks barefoot and does not complain.
Day 3 — March 21 — Chandraghanta. Half moon on her forehead. She handles fear so you don’t have to.
Day 4 — March 22 — Kushmanda. Creation and sunlight. Pray for good health today.
Day 5 — March 23 — Skandamata. A mother first. This day is for families.
Day 6 — March 24 — Katyayani. Fierce and direct. Young women have prayed to her for centuries.
Day 7 — March 25 — Kalaratri. The hardest day. Sit with whatever you have been avoiding.
Day 8 — March 26 — Mahagauri. Peace returns. Ashtami puja happens in most homes today.
Day 9 — March 27 — Siddhidatri. Last day, biggest blessings. Also Ram Navami. A good day to end on.
Colours to Wear
Colours play a big role in Navratri celebrations, with each day carrying its own shade:
Day 1 – March 19 – Yellow
Day 2 – March 20 – Green
Day 3 – March 21 – Grey
Day 4 – March 22 – Orange
Day 5 – March 23 – White
Day 6 – March 24 – Red
Day 7 – March 25 – Blue
Day 8 – March 26 – Pink
Day 9 – March 27 – Purple
Eating During the Fast
No grains. No onion. No garlic. No meat. That is the basic rule most households follow.
What you can eat — sabudana, kuttu flour, singhara flour, fruits, dairy, and rock salt. Plenty of people actually enjoy the food more during Navratri than the rest of the year. Sabudana khichdi cooked right beats regular lunch on most days.
Kanya Puja — Don’t Skip This
On Ashtami or Navami, young girls — usually between ages 2 and 10 — are invited home, fed a full meal, and given small gifts before leaving. It is not just ritual. Ask anyone who grew up being the kanya at someone’s puja, and they will tell you it is one of those memories that sticks around.
One Last Thing
March 27 is both Navami and Ram Navami this year. Two major occasions landing on the same Friday. Temples will be packed. If you are planning to visit one, go early or go late. Midday will be chaos.
Nine days. Starts Thursday March 19. First muhurat at 6:20 in the morning.
Don’t oversleep.
