Chaitra Navratri 2026 is a sacred nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Maa Durga and her nine divine forms (Navdurga). Celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra, this Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in many regions and concludes with the auspicious festival of Ram Navami.

This complete guide covers the Chaitra Navratri 2026 calendar, dates, puja vidhi, fasting rules, spiritual significance, and the importance of donation (daan & seva).

Chaitra Navratri 2026 Dates & Calendar

• Chaitra Navratri Start Date 2026: 19 March 2026 (Thursday)
• Chaitra Navratri End Date 2026: 27 March 2026 (Friday)
• Total Days: 9 Days
• Ram Navami 2026: 27 March 2026

Day-wise Chaitra Navratri Calendar 2026

Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) Muhurat 2026

Ghatasthapana marks the official beginning of Chaitra Navratri. It symbolizes the invocation of Goddess Durga.

• Ghatasthapana Date: 19 March 2026
• Best Time: Early morning hours (Exact muhurat may vary by location)

Devotees are advised to consult their local Panchang for accurate muhurat timings.

Significance of Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri holds immense spiritual importance as it represents:

• Victory of good over evil
• Divine feminine energy (Shakti)
• Spiritual cleansing and renewal
• Beginning of new ventures and positive intentions

The festival culminates with Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, making Chaitra Navratri especially auspicious.

Chaitra Navratri Puja Vidhi

The traditional Chaitra Navratri puja includes:

• Ghatasthapana and Kalash installation
• Daily worship of Navdurga forms
• Recitation of Durga Saptashati
• Lighting diya and offering flowers
• Chanting mantras and performing aarti

Devotees observe purity, devotion, and discipline throughout the nine days.

Chaitra Navratri Fasting Rules

• Consume satvik food

• Avoid onion, garlic, and grains

• Fruits, milk, and vrat-friendly foods are allowed

• Some devotees observe nirjala vrat (water-only fasting)

Fasting during Chaitra Navratri is believed to purify the body and mind.

Importance of Donation During Chaitra Navratri

Donation (daan) during Chaitra Navratri multiplies spiritual merit. Scriptures emphasize charity as a powerful way to please Goddess Durga.

Popular Chaitra Navratri Seva & Daan

• Annadaan Seva (Food donation for the needy)
• Kanya Bhojan Seva (Feeding young girls)
• Temple Puja Sponsorship
• Clothes & Essentials Donation
• Education & Health Seva

Offering donation during Navratri brings prosperity, peace, and divine blessings.

👉 Donate during Chaitra Navratri 2026 and be a part of sacred seva.

Chaitra Navratri & Ram Navami 2026

The ninth day of Chaitra Navratri is celebrated as Ram Navami, commemorating the birth of Lord Rama. Devotees perform special pujas, bhajans, and charity activities on this day.

Performing daan on Ram Navami is considered highly auspicious and spiritually rewarding.

Disclaimer: The remedies, benefits, advice, and statements mentioned in this article are for general information purposes only. Shri Ram Temple Kamarpal and Suma Blessings Foundation do not endorse the content presented in this article. The information contained herein has been gathered from various sources, including astrologers, panchangs, sermons, beliefs, religious texts, and legends. Readers are advised not to regard this article as the ultimate truth or claim and to exercise their own discretion. Shri Ram Temple Kamarpal and Suma Blessings Foundation oppose superstition.