In the Hindu calendar, Navratri of Chaitra month starts from Pratipada date of Chaitra month. This year Chaitra Navratri will start from Thursday, March 19, 2026 (Chaitra Navratri 2026) is starting, which will conclude on March 27.
This time Chaitra Navratri is also special because Hindu New Year is also going to start from this day. In Sanatan traditions, nine different forms of Maa Durga are worshiped during the nine days of Chaitra Navratri.
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Date
According to the Hindu calendar, the Pratipada tithi of Chaitra Navratri will start at 6:52 am on March 19 and the tithi will end the next day on March 20 at 4:52 am.
Auspicious time of Chaitra Navratri Ghatsthapna (Chaitra Navratri 2026 Ghat sthapna Muhurat)
Astrologer Dr. Anish Vyas, Director of Pal Balaji Astrology Institute, told that, this year Chaitrashukla Pratipada is on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 06:54 am to 04:52 am. According to the scriptures, the beginning and establishment of Chaitra Navratri will take place on this day.
- Dwisvabhav Meenalagna from 06:54 am to 07:50 am
- Gemini ascendant from 11:24 am to 01:38 pm
- Auspicious Choghadiya from 06:54 am to 08:05 am
- Chaughadiya of Char-Labh-Amrit from 11:04 am to 03:32 pm
- Abhijit Muhurta from 12:11 to 12:59 pm
This time Mata will come riding in a palanquin. Due to Pratipada Tithi falling in Amavasya, there is a possibility of first Tithi getting decayed, due to which this time Chaitra Navratri will last only for 8 days.
Auspicious Yoga and Nakshatra on Chaitra Navratri 2026
Pratipada Tithi will start after sunrise i.e. on 19th March and will end before sunrise the next day on 20th March. Uttarabhadrapada Nakshatra, Shukla Yoga and Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga are being formed on the first day of Chaitra Navratri.
During this time, you will get a golden opportunity to prove your resolutions in front of Mata Rani.
When is the auspicious time for establishing the Kalash?
The first auspicious time for setting up the Kalash on the first day of Chaitra Navratri is from 6:53 am to 8:17 am.
Contents of Ghatasthapana (Kalash)
Kalash (Copper/Brass/Clay) – Symbol of the world and life, the goddess is invoked in
Ganga water – It is considered a symbol of purity and chastity.
Mango or Ashoka leaves – energy and positivity
Coconut (wrapped in Kalawa) – symbol of dedication and perfection
Soil (for sowing barley) – Sign of progress and prosperity
Barley – It is considered a symbol of harvest, growth and auspicious results.
chaitra navratri food items
Sweets, fruits, coconut, betel nuts, betel nuts, cloves, cardamom.
Chaitra Navratri Apology Mantra (Chaitra Navratri 2026 Mantra)
Avahanham na janami na janami visarjanam,
Worship Chaiva Na Janami Khamsva Parmeshwar.
“Without mantra, without action, without devotion, Janardan.”
Yatpoojitam maya deva perfect tadastu mein.”
