Chaitra Navratri 2026 Date: Full calendar, puja details, day-wise colours and Rama Navami 2026 date

Chaitra Navratri 2026 will begin on 19 March 2026 (Thursday) and conclude on 27 March 2026 (Friday). The nine-day Hindu festival is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga and marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Chaitra.

The festival starts with Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) and culminates on the ninth day with Rama Navami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.

Also known as Vasanta Navratri, this festival symbolises the victory of divine power over negativity and is widely celebrated across India, especially in northern states.

Chaitra Navratri 2026: Full Calendar and Puja Details

Day 1 – 19 March 2026 (Thursday)

• Tithi: Pratipada
• Puja: Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja
• Navratri Colour: Yellow

The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, an important ritual that marks the invocation of Goddess Durga. Devotees worship Maa Shailputri, the first form of the goddess.

Day 2 – 20 March 2026 (Friday)

• Tithi: Dwitiya
• Puja: Brahmacharini Puja
• Other Observance: Chandra Darshan
• Navratri Colour: Green

On the second day, devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini, symbolising devotion and spiritual discipline.

Day 3 – 21 March 2026 (Saturday)

• Tithi: Tritiya
• Puja: Chandraghanta Puja
• Other Rituals: Gauri Puja and Saubhagya Teej
• Navratri Colour: Grey

Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped for courage and strength.

Day 4 – 22 March 2026 (Sunday)

• Tithi: Chaturthi
• Puja: Kushmanda Puja
• Other Observance: Vasudeva Chaturthi
• Navratri Colour: Orange

Devotees pray to Maa Kushmanda, believed to have created the universe with her divine smile.

Day 5 – 23 March 2026 (Monday)

• Tithi: Panchami
• Puja: Skandamata Puja
• Other Observance: Lakshmi Panchami and Naag Puja
• Navratri Colour: White

Maa Skandamata, the mother of Kartikeya, is worshipped for prosperity and blessings.

Day 6 – 24 March 2026 (Tuesday)

• Tithi: Shashthi
• Puja: Katyayani Puja
• Other Observance: Skanda Sashti
• Navratri Colour: Red

The sixth day is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, known for her fierce form and protective power.

Day 7 – 25 March 2026 (Wednesday)

• Tithi: Saptami
• Puja: Kalaratri Puja
• Other Observance: Maha Saptami
• Navratri Colour: Royal Blue

Maa Kalaratri is worshipped to remove fear and negative energies.

Day 8 – 26 March 2026 (Thursday)

• Tithi: Ashtami
• Puja: Mahagauri Puja
• Festival: Durga Ashtami
• Special Ritual: Sandhi Puja
• Navratri Colour: Pink

Sandhi Puja is performed during a sacred time window marking the transition between Ashtami and Navami.

Day 9 – 27 March 2026 (Friday)

• Tithi: Navami
• Festival: Rama Navami
• Navratri Colour: Purple

The festival concludes with Rama Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama and the completion of the Navratri fast.

Chaitra Navratri 2026 Significance

Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar year. The festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil and honours the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga.

Many rituals observed during Sharad Navratri, celebrated in September or October, are also followed during Chaitra Navratri.

The festival holds particular importance in different regions of India:

In Maharashtra, the festival coincides with Gudi Padwa, marking the Marathi New Year.

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it aligns with Ugadi, the Telugu New Year.

Throughout the nine days, devotees observe fasting, perform daily prayers and decorate homes and temples to honour the divine feminine energy.