Navratri 2026 Day 3 (October 13): Maa Chandraghanta Puja, Mantra, Bhog, Colour and Puja Vidhi

Navratri 2026 Day 3: The third day of Sharad Navratri will be observed tomorrow, Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga, on this day. She is associated with courage, strength, protection and freedom from fear. The day is also marked by the popular red Navratri colour, milk-based bhog and the chanting of Maa Chandraghanta's mantra.

Here is everything to know about Navratri Day 3 2026, including Maa Chandraghanta's form, date, tithi, colour, mantra, bhog, puja samagri and simple puja vidhi at home.

Must Read: Happy Navratri Day 3, 2026: 50+ Maa Chandraghanta Wishes, Greetings and WhatsApp Messages

Navratri Day 3 2026: Key Details

Detail	Information
Date	Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Navratri Day	Day 3
Goddess	Maa Chandraghanta
Tithi	Shukla Paksha Tritiya
Colour	Red
Bhog	Milk, kheer or milk-based sweets
Main Mantra	Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah
Associated quality	Courage, strength and protection

Who Is Maa Chandraghanta?

Maa Chandraghanta is the third form of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri. Her name comes from the crescent moon shaped like a bell, or ghanta, that adorns her forehead.

She is traditionally depicted with ten arms, carrying various weapons and other sacred objects, and riding a lion. Her form combines a calm and compassionate appearance with the strength of a warrior.

Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped as a protective form of the Goddess. Devotees seek her blessings for courage, inner strength, peace and the ability to overcome fear and difficulties.

Check Out: Why Maa Chandraghanta Has a Bell-Shaped Moon on Her Forehead and What It Symbolizes

What Is the Navratri Day 3 Colour 2026?

The Navratri Day 3 colour for 2026 is red. Red is traditionally associated with strength, energy, courage and passion. Devotees who follow the day-wise colour tradition can wear red clothes during Maa Chandraghanta Puja or use red flowers and decorations in the puja area.

Maa Chandraghanta Mantra for Navratri Day 3

The main mantra dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta is:

ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥

Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah

Devotees can chant the mantra during the morning or evening puja. Those following a regular mantra practice may chant it 108 times using a mala.

Maa Chandraghanta Dhyan Mantra

पिण्डजप्रवरारूढा चण्डकोपास्त्रकैर्युता।प्रसादं तनुते मह्यं चन्द्रघण्टेति विश्रुता॥

This traditional verse invokes Maa Chandraghanta as the powerful Goddess riding her vehicle and carrying weapons while blessing her devotees with grace.

What Bhog Is Offered to Maa Chandraghanta?

Milk, kheer and milk-based sweets are commonly offered as bhog to Maa Chandraghanta on Navratri Day 3.

A simple home offering can include:

• Milk
• Rice kheer
• Milk-based sweets
• Fruits
• Mishri
• Other sattvic Prasad according to family tradition

After the puja, the bhog can be offered as Prasad to family members.

Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi for Day 3

Devotees can follow a simple puja routine at home:

1. Wake up, bathe and clean the puja area.
2. Light a diya and incense before the Goddess.
3. Offer prayers to the Kalash established at the beginning of Navratri.
4. Place a picture or idol of Maa Chandraghanta in the puja area.
5. Offer roli or kumkum, akshat and flowers.
6. Red flowers can be offered as part of the day's traditional worship.
7. Offer milk, kheer or another suitable Prasad as bhog.
8. Chant “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” with devotion.
9. Recite Durga Chalisa, Durga Saptashati or another prayer followed in the family tradition.
10. Perform Maa Durga Aarti and distribute the Prasad.

There is no need to make the puja elaborate. Devotion, cleanliness and following one's family tradition are central to the worship.

Maa Chandraghanta Puja Samagri

For a simple Day 3 puja, devotees can keep:

• Maa Chandraghanta image or idol
• Diya
• Ghee or oil
• Roli or kumkum
• Akshat
• Red flowers
• Incense
• Fruits
• Milk
• Kheer or milk-based sweets
• Prasad
• Water
• Puja bell
• Durga Chalisa or prayer book

If the family has already established the Navratri Kalash on Day 1, it can continue to be worshipped along with Maa Chandraghanta.

Why Is Maa Chandraghanta Worshipped on Day 3?

Maa Chandraghanta represents a powerful yet balanced form of Goddess Durga. Her warrior-like appearance represents the strength required to face negativity and difficulties, while her peaceful expression represents calmness and compassion.

Her worship is therefore associated with courage, protection, mental strength and freedom from fear.

The bell-shaped moon on her forehead is also an important part of her identity and is reflected in the name Chandraghanta.

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What Should You Do on Navratri Day 3?

On October 13, devotees can keep the day focused on worship and positive actions.

• Perform Maa Chandraghanta Puja in the morning or evening.
• Chant her mantra with devotion.
• Wear red if following the Navratri colour tradition.
• Offer milk or kheer as bhog.
• Observe a Navratri fast according to personal and family tradition.
• Read Durga-related prayers or scriptures.
• Perform evening Aarti.
• Share Prasad with family members.
• Avoid unnecessary negativity and maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

Navratri Day 3 Vrat Food

Those observing a Navratri fast can choose foods permitted by their family or regional fasting tradition.

Common options include:

• Fruits
• Milk and curd
• Makhana
• Sabudana
• Kuttu flour
• Singhara flour
• Samak rice
• Potatoes and permitted vegetables
• Nuts
• Sendha namak

Fasting rules differ among households and communities. People with medical conditions, older adults, children and pregnant women should follow appropriate dietary advice rather than adopting a restrictive fast without guidance.

Maa Chandraghanta's Blessings

Devotees traditionally seek Maa Chandraghanta's blessings for:

• Courage to face challenges
• Freedom from fear
• Protection from negativity
• Mental peace
• Strength and confidence
• Harmony at home
• Spiritual strength

The third day of Navratri can therefore be observed as an opportunity to cultivate courage while maintaining inner calm.

You Might Also like: Nine Forms of Durga: Day-Wise Goddess, Mantra, Bhog and Colour for Navratri 2026

Navratri Day 3 2026: Quick Takeaways

Date: October 13, 2026
Day: Tuesday
Goddess: Maa Chandraghanta
Tithi: Shukla Paksha Tritiya
Colour: Red
Bhog: Milk, kheer and milk-based sweets
Mantra: Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah
Focus: Courage, strength, protection and peace

FAQs

1. Which Goddess is worshipped on Navratri Day 3?
   Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Sharad Navratri.
2. What is the Navratri Day 3 colour in 2026?
   The popular colour for Navratri Day 3, October 13, 2026, is red.
3. What is Maa Chandraghanta's mantra?
   The main mantra is “ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥” (Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah).
4. What bhog is offered to Maa Chandraghanta?
   Milk, kheer and milk-based sweets are commonly offered as bhog to Maa Chandraghanta.