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Chaitra Navratri Dates 2026

List of all 2026 dates and their times for Hyderabad, India.

Chaitra Navratri 2026 begins on Thursday, March 19, 2026 and ends on Friday, March 27, 2026 (9 days). Dates are calculated for sunrise at Hyderabad (IST); change the location for your city.

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2026
  1. Day 1: Chaitra Navratri Ghatasthapana, Chaitra Navratri Shailputri Puja
  2. Day 2: Chaitra Navratri Brahmacharini Puja
  3. Day 3: Chaitra Navratri Chandraghanta Puja
  4. Day 4: Chaitra Navratri Kushmanda Puja
  5. Day 5: Chaitra Navratri Skandamata Puja
  6. Day 6: Chaitra Gupta Navratri Katyayani Puja
  7. Day 7: Chaitra Navratri Kaal Ratri Puja
  8. Day 8: Chaitra Navratri Mahagauri Puja
  9. Day 9: Chaitra Navratri Siddhidatri Puja, Chaitra Navratri Parana

Chaitra Navratri (Vasanta Navaratri)

Chaitra Navratri, also called Vasanta Navaratri, is the nine-night festival of the Divine Mother that runs from Chaitra Shukla Padyami (Ugadi) to Chaitra Shukla Navami (Sri Rama Navami). Goddess Durga is worshipped in nine forms, and in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana the same nine days are also celebrated as Sri Rama Navaratrulu.

Why Vasanta Navaratri Matters

There are four Navratris in a year, and the two best known are Sharannavaratri in Ashwayuja and Vasanta Navaratri in Chaitra. Both fall at the turn of the seasons, a time elders consider ideal for Shakti upasana. The Devi Bhagavatam praises the Vasanta Navaratri vratham. Because it begins on Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, families observe it with the prayer that the Mother's grace stays with them through the whole year.

Nine Days, Nine Forms

After Ghatasthapana on Padyami, the goddess is worshipped as Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Since the ninth day is Sri Rama Navami, devotion to Lord Rama blends with Devi worship. The Sri Sitarama Kalyanam at Bhadrachalam on this Navami is one of the grandest celebrations in the Telugu states.

How to Perform the Puja

  • Install the kalasham (Ghatasthapana) at an auspicious muhurtham on Padyami and sow navadhanyalu in a bed of soil.
  • Light the lamp morning and evening and meditate on the form of the goddess for that day.
  • Recite Lalitha Sahasranamam, Durga Saptashati or Sundarakanda.
  • Offer chalimidi, vadapappu, panakam, pulihora or payasam as naivedyam.
  • On Navami perform Rama Kalyanam or kanya puja, and break the vratham (parana) on Dashami.

Fasting and Rules

Some devotees eat one meal a day for all nine days; others live on milk and fruit. Observe as your health allows. Sattvic food, celibacy and truthful speech are the core disciplines. Anyone with health concerns can keep the vratham through nama japam and parayanam instead of a strict fast.

May the Divine Mother and Sri Ramachandra bless your home this Vasanta Navaratri.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When is Chaitra Navratri?
Chaitra Navratri runs from Chaitra Shukla Padyami (Ugadi) to Chaitra Shukla Navami (Sri Rama Navami). The fast is broken with parana on Dashami.
Why is Chaitra Navratri called Vasanta Navaratri?
It falls at the start of Vasanta Ritu, the spring season, so it is called Vasanta Navaratri. It is considered as sacred as Sharannavaratri in Ashwayuja.
Which goddesses are worshipped in Chaitra Navratri?
The nine forms of Durga are worshipped, from Shailaputri on Padyami to Siddhidatri on Navami. In the Telugu states the same days are also kept as Sri Rama Navaratrulu.
What should I eat during Chaitra Navratri fasting?
Devotees usually take sattvic food such as fruit, milk, curd rice or a single simple meal a day. Onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food are avoided.
Can Chaitra Navratri be observed at home?
Yes. Install a kalasham on Padyami, light the lamp daily, read Lalitha Sahasranamam or Sundarakanda, and complete the vratham with parana after Navami.
How is Chaitra Navratri linked to Sri Rama Navami?
The ninth day of Chaitra Navratri is Sri Rama Navami. Telugu families often read the Ramayana through these nine days and conclude with Sitarama Kalyanam on Navami.

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