Chaitra Navratri 2026: Full 9-Day Calendar, Dates And Ghatasthapana Muhurat
Chaitra Navratri 2026: Full 9-Day Calendar, Dates And Ghatasthapana Muhurat
Chaitra Navratri, one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga, will begin on March 19, 2026, and conclude with Ram Navami on March 27.
Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasant Navratri or Ram Navratri, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is celebrated with great devotion across the country. During these nine days, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga and observe fasts seeking strength, protection and prosperity.
When Does Chaitra Navratri Start And End?
In 2026, Chaitra Navratri will begin on Thursday, March 19 and end on Friday, March 27, which will also be celebrated as Ram Navami, marking the birth of Lord Ram.
Ghatasthapana Muhurat
The festival begins with the important ritual of Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana), symbolising the invocation of the Goddess.
The auspicious timing for Ghatasthapana is:
– 6:52 AM to 7:43 AM (morning muhurat)
– 12:05 PM to 12:53 PM (Abhijit Muhurat, alternative time)
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Full Calendar
– Day 1 (Pratipada) – March 19
– Day 2 (Dwitiya) – March 20
– Day 3 (Tritiya) – March 21
– Day 4 (Chaturthi) – March 22
– Day 5 (Panchami) – March 23
– Day 6 (Shashthi) – March 24
– Day 7 (Saptami) – March 25
– Day 8 (Ashtami) – March 26
– Day 9 (Navami / Ram Navami) – March 27
Religious Significance Of Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri falls during the spring season and symbolises new beginnings and positivity. It is believed that divine energy is especially active during these nine days, and prayers offered with devotion bring blessings quickly.
The festival is dedicated to Navdurga, the nine forms of Goddess Durga, each worshipped on a different day.
Importance Of Ghatasthapana
The ritual of Kalash Sthapana marks the formal beginning of Navratri. It typically involves placing a water-filled Kalash, sowing barley seeds, and decorating it with coconut and mango leaves. The sprouting of barley during the festival is considered a sign of prosperity.
Ram Navami: The Final Day
The festival concludes with Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Ram. Devotees mark the day with prayers, Ramayana recitations and devotional songs.
Celebrated Across India In Different Forms
The beginning of Chaitra Navratri also coincides with regional New Year celebrations:
– Maharashtra: Gudi Padwa
– South India: Ugadi
– Kashmir: Navreh
Chaitra Navratri remains one of the most spiritually significant periods in the Hindu calendar, bringing together devotion, tradition and the celebration of new beginnings.
