Chaitra Navratri 2026: Dates, Devi Pooja & Colours Guide
Understanding Chaitra Navratri 2026: March Dates, Pooja, Vrat, and Colours
Chaitra Navratri 2026, from Thursday, 19th March to Friday, 27th March, is one of the holiest Hindu festivals. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and celebrates the divine feminine power through the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine sacred forms, known as Navdurga.
This festival aligns with the Chaitra month in the Hindu lunar calendar and the onset of spring. Chaitra Navratri is also called Vasanta Navratri or Rama Navratri, as Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, is celebrated on the ninth day.
Each day is dedicated to a different form of the Goddess and associated with a unique Navratri colour, symbolising divine attributes like courage, wisdom, purity, and love.
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Dates, Tithis, and Colours
Day 1 – 19th March 2026 (Thursday)
Deity: Maa Shailputri
Tithi: Amavasya – Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja
Colour of the Day: Yellow
Significance: Yellow represents joy and optimism. Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) is performed, and Maa Shailputri is invoked for strength and new beginnings.
Day 2 – 20th March 2026 (Friday)
Deity: Maa Brahmacharini
Tithi: Dwitiya – Chandra Darshan, Sindhara Dooj
Colour of the Day: Green
Significance: Green denotes growth and harmony. Devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini for wisdom, devotion, and inner strength.
Day 3 – 21st March 2026 (Saturday)
Deity: Maa Chandraghanta
Tithi: Tritiya – Gauri Puja, Saubhagya Teej
Colour of the Day: Grey
Significance: Grey stands for balance and composure. Maa Chandraghanta blesses devotees with courage and grace.
Day 4 – 22nd March 2026 (Sunday)
Deity: Maa Kushmanda
Tithi: Chaturthi – Kushmanda Puja, Vinayaka Chaturthi
Colour of the Day: Orange
Significance: Orange symbolises enthusiasm and energy. Maa Kushmanda is the creator of the universe.
Day 5 – 23rd March 2026 (Monday)
Deity: Maa Skandamata
Tithi: Panchami – Naag Puja, Lakshmi Panchami
Colour of the Day: White
Significance: White denotes peace and purity. Maa Skandamata is the nurturing mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya).
Day 6 – 24th March 2026 (Tuesday)
Deity: Maa Katyayani
Tithi: Shashthi – Skanda Sashti, Yamuna Chhath
Colour of the Day: Red
Significance: Red reflects power and protection. Maa Katyayani is the fierce form of Durga who destroyed the demon Mahishasura.
Day 7 – 25th March 2026 (Wednesday)
Deity: Maa Kalaratri
Tithi: Saptami – Maha Saptami
Colour of the Day: Royal Blue
Significance: Royal Blue signifies divine energy. Maa Kalaratri is the destroyer of darkness and evil.
Day 8 – 26th March 2026 (Thursday)
Deity: Maa Mahagauri
Tithi: Ashtami – Durga Ashtami, Sandhi Puja
Colour of the Day: Pink
Significance: Pink is the colour of compassion and love. Maa Mahagauri brings peace, purity, and grace. Sandhi Puja is performed during this day.
Day 9 – 27th March 2026 (Friday)
Deity: Maa Siddhidatri
Tithi: Navami – Rama Navami, Navratri Parana
Colour of the Day: Purple
Significance: Purple symbolises spirituality and blessings. Maa Siddhidatri bestows siddhis (spiritual powers) and divine fulfilment.
Chaitra Navratri 2026 Rituals and Significance
Ghatasthapana – Kalash Sthapana
The first day begins with the ritual of Ghatasthapana, where a kalash (pot) is placed with sacred items, symbolising the start of Navratri. Barley seeds are sown and monitored for growth, representing abundance.
Fasting and Vrat
Many devotees observe fasting for nine days. Some observe nirjala vrat (without water), while others keep fruit-based or single-meal fasts. These fasts are believed to purify the body and mind.
Devi Poojan
Each day, devotees perform puja of the respective Goddess with flowers, sweets, lamps, and chants. Mantras and aartis are recited to please the Devi.
Ram Navami Celebration
Ram Navami, the birth of Lord Rama, is celebrated on the ninth day. Special Ram Bhajans, kirtans, and discourses are held.
Importance of Chaitra Navratri Colours 2026
Every colour has a unique energy that resonates with the day’s deity:
Yellow – Positivity and happiness
Green – Harmony and vitality
Grey – Neutrality and calm
Orange – Strength and joy
White – Peace and innocence
Red – Power and intensity
Royal Blue – Divine wisdom
Pink – Love and compassion
Purple – Spirituality and mysticism
Devotees wear clothes matching the day's colour to enhance the divine connection.
Regional Observances
In North India, Chaitra Navratri is widely celebrated with jagrans, satsangs, and Devi processions.
In Maharashtra, it begins with Gudi Padwa, the Marathi New Year.
In Andhra Pradesh, it starts with Ugadi, the Telugu New Year.
Final Thoughts
Chaitra Navratri 2026 is a divine opportunity to reset our minds, connect with our inner strength, and invoke the blessings of Maa Durga in all her glorious forms. By observing rituals, fasting, chanting, and embracing the colour of the day, devotees receive protection, prosperity, and peace.
Let this Navratri be a time of spiritual awakening and divine transformation.
