Chaitra Navratri 2026 Date, Ashtami Date, Fasting Rules & Puja Vidhi

Chaitra Navratri 2026 date is a very sacred festival in Hinduism, dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. Celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra, this Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in many parts of India and ushers in a season of spiritual renewal. In Maharashtra, the festival of Gudi Padwa is also celebrated on this day.

Chaitra Navratri 2026 Date: This year, in 2026, Chaitra Navratri will be celebrated throughout India with great devotion and traditional customs.

Chaitra Navratri 2026 Date and day

Chaitra Navratri 2026 date will begin on Thursday, 19th March 2026 and end on Friday, 27th March 2026. This nine-day festival is devoted to worshipping Maa Durga in her nine powerful forms, known as Navdurga.

Chaitra Navratri 2026 Ashtami Date

Chaitra Navratri Ashtami will be observed on 26th March 2026. Of the two Navratri festivals that occur each year, the eighth day is considered one of the most powerful days of Navratri.

• Kanya Pujan (worship of young girls) is performed
• Special prayers are offered to Maa Mahagauri
• Devotees prepare bhog and distribute prasad
• Many people end their fast on Ashtami

Important Dates of Chaitra Navratri 2026

• Start Date (Pratipada): 19th March 2026
• Ashtami Date: 26th March 2026
• Navami Date (Ram Navami): 27th March 2026

Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Shri Ram, is celebrated on the final day of Chaitra Navratri.

Significance of Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the awakening of divine feminine energy. Unlike Sharad Navratri, which is celebrated in autumn, Chaitra Navratri welcomes the spring season and spiritual freshness. Devotees believe that worshipping Maa Durga during these nine days removes negativity, fulfills wishes, and brings peace, prosperity, and good health.

Chaitra Navratri 2026 Date – 9 Days, Goddess Names and their Significance

Day	Date (2026)	Goddess Name	Significance
Day 1: Thursday	19 March 2026	Maa Shailputri	Symbol of purity and strength
Day 2: Friday	20 March 2026	Maa Brahmacharini	Goddess of penance and devotion
Day 3: Saturday	21 March 2026	Maa Chandraghanta	Represents courage and bravery
Day 4: Sunday	22 March 2026	Maa Kushmanda	Creator of the universe
Day 5: Monday	23 March 2026	Maa Skandamata	Mother of Lord Kartikeya
Day 6: Tuesday	24 March 2026	Maa Katyayani	Slayer of demon Mahishasura
Day 7: Wednesday	25 March 2026	Maa Kalaratri	Slayer of the demon Mahishasura
Day 8: Thursday	26 March 2026	Maa Mahagauri	Symbol of peace and purity
Day 9: Friday	27 March 2026	Maa Siddhidatri	Giver of wisdom and success

Rituals Followed During Chaitra Navratri

During Chaitra Navratri 2026 date, devotees follow sacred rituals such as:

• Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) on the first day
• Daily Durga Puja and recitation of Durga Saptashati
• Observing fasts (vrat) for 9 days or partial fasting
• Lighting lamps and offering flowers, fruits, and sweets
• Chanting mantras and bhajans

Temples of Goddess Durga witness huge crowds, especially on Ashtami and Navami.

Spiritual Importance of Ram Navami

The last day of Chaitra Navratri, known as Navami, is also celebrated as Ram Navami, which marks the birth of Lord Ram. It represents dharma, devotion, and righteousness. Many devotees break their fast after performing Ram Puja on this day.

Why Chaitra Navratri is Special

·  It marks the start of the Hindu New Year

·  Dedicated to spiritual cleansing and new beginnings

·  Highly auspicious for meditation and prayers

·  Celebrated with both Durga Puja and Ram Navami

Chaitra Navratri 2026 Fasting Rules (Vrat Niyam)

Devotees observe fasts during Chaitra Navratri to purify the body and mind. The fasting rules may vary based on personal belief and health condition.

Common Fasting Rules:

• Wake up early and take a bath before prayers
• Wear clean and light-colored clothes
• Avoid grains, onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian food
• Consume fruits, milk, curd, and vrat-friendly foods
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco
• Maintain purity in thoughts and actions
• Some devotees keep a nirjala vrat (without water)
• Many people break their fast on Ashtami (26 March 2026) or Navami (27 March 2026) after Kanya Pujan

Chaitra Navratri 2026 Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)

Follow this traditional Puja Vidhi during Chaitra Navratri 2026 date:

1. Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)
   On 19th March 2026, place a kalash filled with holy water and sow barley seeds (jawara). Invoke Goddess Durga.
2. Daily Worship
   Light a diya, incense sticks, and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets.
3. Mantra Chanting
   Reciting the Durga Chalisa, Durga Saptashati, or Navratri mantras during the nine days of Chaitra Navratri is considered auspicious and fruitful.
4. Offering Bhog
   Prepare sattvik food such as kheer, fruits, or halwa as prasad.
5. Aarti
   Perform morning and evening aarti with devotion.
6. Kanya Pujan
   On Ashtami or Navami, worship nine young girls as forms of Maa Durga and offer them food and gifts.
7. Visarjan (Completion of Puja) On Navami (Ram Navami), perform the final prayers and distribute prasad.

Conclusion,

Chaitra Navratri 2026 date will be celebrated from 19th March to 27th March 2026, with Ashtami falling on 26th March 2026. These nine sacred days are ideal for devotion, fasting, and spiritual growth. Worshipping Maa Durga during this period brings strength, positivity, and divine blessings into one’s life.

Make the most of Chaitra Navratri 2026 by embracing faith, purity, and devotion to the Goddess. If you liked this article about Chaitra Navratri 2026 Date. Please stay connected with our blog for more insightful articles on festivals, temples, history, and India’s spiritual heritage. Keep following Mero Bradham for more insightful and well-researched articles. Jai Mata Di!

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