Chaitra Navratri 2026 calendar: Chaitra Navratri is a nine-day period of devotion, fasting, and spiritual reflection, dedicated to the worship of Maa Durga and her nine revered forms, collectively known as the Navdurgas. The auspicious festival culminates with Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.
Observed from the first day of the Chaitra month, it also marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar new year, making it a time of renewed energy and faith. If you’re gearing up to celebrate Navratri in 2026, here’s everything you need to know, from the start date and the significance of each of the nine days to the timing of Ashtami and Ram Navami.
Chaitra Navratri 2026 date and time
Chaitra Navratri is observed during the Shukla Paksha (bright lunar phase) of the Hindu month of Chaitra, which usually falls between late March and April in the Gregorian calendar. As per Drik Panchang, the festival begins on the Pratipada Tithi of this auspicious phase.
- Chaitra Navratri begins: Thursday, March 19, 2026
- Ghatsthapana muhurat: 6:52 AM to 7:43 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 12:05 PM to 12:53 PM
- Chaitra Navratri ends: Friday, March 27, 2026
The festival spans nine days and concludes with Ram Navami, which marks the birth of Lord Rama. Since it falls on the ninth day of Navratri, it is also popularly referred to as Ram Navratri.
Chaitra Navratri 2026 full calendar
Take a look at the festival calendar below for the exact dates of the nine days of Chaitra Navratri, along with the designated colours and the forms of Maa Durga to worship each day:
Chaitra Navratri 2026 calendar: Nine days of fasting
During the sacred nine days of Navratri, devotees worship the nine divine forms of Maa Durga: Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri.
Each day is dedicated to one form, with devotees observing fasts, offering prayers, preparing special bhog at home, and visiting temples to seek blessings.
On the eighth day, known as Ashtami, young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the Goddess in her purest form. The ninth day marks Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama. Devotees observe the occasion with prayers, devotional songs, temple visits, and fasting to seek the blessings of both Lord Rama and Maa Durga.
