Devi Navratri Parana 2026

Devi Navratri Parana: Completing the Vratam

Devi Navratri Parana is the formal breaking of the nine-day Navratri fast on Ashwayuja Shukla Dashami, the day of Vijayadashami. Usually it is done once Navami tithi has ended and Dashami is prevailing: the goddess is offered naivedyam and the fast is broken with that prasadam.

What Is Parana?

Every vratam begins with a sankalpam and ends with parana; the scriptures say a vratam is incomplete without it. The deeksha that begins with Ghatasthapana on Padyami and continues through the worship of the nine Navadurgas is completed with parana on Dashami. Traditions differ on the timing. Many families break the fast on Dashami after Navami ends, while some do so on Mahanavami after Kumari Puja and homam. Follow your local panchangam and the guidance of family elders.

How to Do Parana

• On Dashami morning, bathe and perform the Udvasana (farewell) puja for the Kalasha and the goddess.
• Offer dishes like pulihora, payasam and garelu as naivedyam.
• Sprinkle water from the Kalasha on family members and pour the rest at the tulasi plant. The coconut on the Kalasha is used as prasadam.
• If you sprouted navadhanyalu during Ghatasthapana, immerse them respectfully in water or return them to the soil.
• First take the goddess's prasadam, then break the fast with a light, sattvic meal.
• If possible, offer food or clothes to the needy.

Vijayadashami Customs

Because parana falls on Vijayadashami, people worship the Jammi (Shami) tree in the evening. Tradition recalls that the Pandavas retrieved their weapons hidden in a Jammi tree after their year in disguise, and that Sri Rama won his victory over Ravana. In Telangana, people give Jammi leaves to elders as "bangaram" and seek their blessings, and seeing a Palapitta (Indian roller) is considered lucky. In Vijayawada, the Teppotsavam of Durga Malleswara is held on the Krishna river.

Things to Keep in Mind

Eat moderately and choose sattvic food on parana day rather than a heavy feast. Ask the goddess to forgive any lapses during the nine days of deeksha. Vijayadashami is considered an auspicious day to begin new ventures and Aksharabhyasam.

May the Divine Mother fill every life with victory and joy.