Ashada Gupta Navratri Parana 2026

Ashadha Gupta Navratri Parana is the formal conclusion of the nine-day Navratri fast and deeksha. It is done on Ashadha Shukla Dashami, after the Navami tithi ends. The very next day is Toli Ekadashi, one of the holiest days in Telugu homes.

What is Parana?

Every vratham begins with a sankalpam and ends with parana — the first meal taken from prasadam offered to the deity after the fast. Ashadha Gupta Navratri starts with Ghatasthapana on Ashadha Shukla Padyami and ends on Navami; on Dashami the kalasham is ceremonially concluded (udvasana), the Goddess is thanked and the fast is broken. As this is a "Gupta" Navratri, the closing is simple and private, in the home puja room. It is observed widely in North India and, in the Telugu states, by Shakta upasakas and some families.

How to Perform Parana

• On Dashami morning, bathe and offer a final puja to the kalasham and the Goddess with turmeric and kumkuma.
• Recite the kshama prarthana, asking forgiveness for any lapses during the nine days.
• Gently move the kalasham to conclude it; sprinkle its water around the house and on the tulasi plant.
• If you sprouted navadhanyalu, respectfully immerse the sprouts in water or place them near plants.
• Offer satvik dishes such as payasam, pulihora or pappu annam, and break the fast with that prasadam.
• Annadanam or giving thambulam to married women is considered auspicious.

Timing and Niyamas

Traditionally parana is done in Dashami tithi, once Navami has fully ended. Some families complete the puja on Navami evening and eat on Dashami morning — follow your family custom and elders' guidance, using the tithi timings shown on this page. After several days of fasting, start with a light meal rather than heavy food.

Link with Toli Ekadashi

The day after parana is Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi — Devashayani Ekadashi, known to Telugu people as Toli Ekadashi, when Chaturmasyam begins. This makes the passage from worship of Ammavaru to worship of Sri Maha Vishnu especially sacred, and many devotees prepare for the Toli Ekadashi fast right after parana.

May the Goddess's grace, earned through nine days of devotion, always protect our homes.