Navratri 2026: Chaitra Navratri Fasting, Puja Timings, Vrat, Bhog Offerings & Aarti
Complete guide to Chaitra Navratri 2026: fasting rules, puja timings, vrat rituals, bhog offerings, and aarti schedule for devotees.
Chaitra Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, dedicated to Goddess Durga. In 2026, this nine-day festival is a time for spiritual renewal, devotion, and celebration. It involves fasting, daily puja rituals, observing vrat, preparing bhog offerings, and performing aarti.
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Dates
Chaitra Navratri 2026 begins on March 19, 2026 and ends on March 27, 2026. The festival starts on Pratipada (Day 1) and concludes with Navami (Day 9).
Daily Navratri Colors
| Day | Color | Goddess | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Yellow | Maa Shailputri | Strength, purity, and grounding |
| Day 2 | Green | Maa Brahmacharini | Calmness and stability |
| Day 3 | Grey | Maa Chandraghanta | Bravery, serenity, and grace |
| Day 4 | orange | Maa Kushmanda | Energy, vitality, and prosperity |
| Day 5 | white | Maa Skandamata | Nurturing love, protection, and fierce strength |
| Day 6 | Red | Maa Katyayani | Confidence and courage |
| Day 7 | Royal Blue | Maa Kalaratri | Destruction of darkness, ignorance, and evil |
| Day 8 | Pink | Maa Mahagauri | Serenity and devotion |
| Day 9 | Purple | Maa Siddhidatri and Ram Navmi | Divine wisdom, Love and compassion |
Chaitra Navratri Fasting Rules
Full Fast (Nirjala Vrat): Avoid all food and water.
Partial Fast: Eat fruits, milk, or vrat-specific foods like buckwheat, singhare ka atta.
Note: Try to avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and onion-garlic items for every person if any person in family on fast.
Puja : The daily Chaitra Navratri puja is performed during the Pradosh Kaal (evening period). In the morining after sunrise and evening around 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM with arti and chanting Durga mantras.
Bhog Offerings
Devotees are offering daily food for maa durga at morning and evening. Items like Fruits (banana, apple, coconut, pomegranate etc), Kuttu ka atta or singhare ke atte ki puri, Sabudana khichdi or vrat-friendly snacks, Milk, yogurt, or kheer, Sweets like halwa or dry fruits etc.
Durga Aarti
Jai Ambe Gauri, Maiya Jai Shyama Gauri.
Tumako Nishadin Dhyavat, Hari Bramha Shivari.
Om Jai Ambe Gauri
Mang Sindur Virajat, Tiko Mrigamad Ko.
Ujjval Se Dou Naina, Chandravadan Niko.
Om Jai Ambe Gauri
Kanak Saman Kalevar, Raktambar Raje,
Raktpushp Gal Mala, Kanthan Par Saje.
Om Jai Ambe Gauri
Kehari Vahan Rajat, Khadag Khappar Dhari,
Sur-Nar-Munijan Sevat, Tinake Dukhahari.
Om Jai Ambe Gauri
Kaanan Kundal Shobhit, Nasagre Moti,
Kotik Chandr Divakar, Rajat Sam Jyoti.
Om Jai Ambe Gauri
Shumbh-Nishumbh Bidare, Mahishasur Ghati,
Dhumr Vilochan Naina, Nishadin Madamati.
Om Jai Ambe Gauri
Chand-Mund Sanhare, Shonit Bij Hare,
Madhu-Kaitabh Dou Mare, Sur Bhayahin Kare.
Om Jai Ambe Gauri
Bramhani, Rudrani,Tum Kamala Rani,
Agam Nigam Bakhani,Tum Shiv Patarani.
Om Jai Ambe Gauri
Chausath Yogini Mangal Gavat,Nritya Karat Bhairu,
Bajat Tal Mridanga,Aru Baajat Damaru.
Om Jai Ambe Gauri
Tum Hi Jag Ki Mata, Tum Hi Ho Bharata,
Bhaktan Ki Dukh Harta, Sukh Sampati Karta.
Om Jai Ambe Gauri
Bhuja Char Ati Shobhi,Varamudra Dhari,
Manvanchhit Fal Pavat,Sevat Nar Nari.
Om Jai Ambe Gauri
Kanchan Thal Virajat, Agar Kapur Bati,
Shrimalaketu Mein Rajat, Koti Ratan Jyoti .
Om Jai Ambe Gauri
Shri Ambeji Ki Arati, Jo Koi Nar Gave,
Kahat Shivanand Svami, Sukh-Sampatti Pave.
Om Jai Ambe Gauri