Noida, March 12 -- When Does Chaitra Navratri Start in 2026? Know the 9 Days, 9 Goddesses, Auspicious Colors and Significance of Navratri! In Hinduism, Chaitra Navratri holds great religious and spiritual significance. This sacred festival is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. During these nine days, devotees offer prayers, observe fasts, chant mantras, and perform spiritual practices while seeking blessings for happiness, prosperity, and peace.
In 2026, Chaitra Navratri will begin on March 19 and conclude on March 27, 2026. On the first day of Navratri, Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) is performed, marking the beginning of the festival. Throughout the nine days, different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped.
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a specific goddess, and every day is also associated with a special auspicious color. Devotees often wear these colors during the festival, as they are believed to bring positive energy and divine blessings.
Let us explore in detail the nine days of Chaitra Navratri 2026, the nine goddesses, and their auspicious colors.
Chaitra Navratri 2026: 9 Days, 9 Goddesses and Auspicious Colors
Day 1 - March 19, 2026 Goddess - Maa Shailputri
Auspicious Color - Yellow
The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga. She is believed to be the daughter of the Himalayas.
On this day, devotees perform Kalash Sthapana and pray to the goddess for strength and stability in life.
The color yellow symbolizes happiness, energy, and positivity.
Day 2 - March 20, 2026 Goddess - Maa Brahmacharini
Auspicious Color - Green
The second day of Navratri is devoted to Maa Brahmacharini, who represents penance, devotion, and spiritual discipline.
Worshipping Maa Brahmacharini is believed to bring patience, determination, and inner strength.
The color green symbolizes nature, growth, and new beginnings.
Day 3 - March 21, 2026 Goddess - Maa Chandraghanta
Auspicious Color - Grey
On the third day, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta. She has a crescent moon shaped like a bell on her forehead, which is why she is known as Chandraghanta.
She symbolizes courage and bravery and protects her devotees from fear and difficulties.
The color grey represents balance and stability.
Day 4 - March 22, 2026 Goddess - Maa Kushmanda
Auspicious Color - Orange
The fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda. According to beliefs, she created the universe with her divine smile.
Worshipping Maa Kushmanda brings energy, enthusiasm, and positivity into life.
The color orange symbolizes enthusiasm and spiritual power.
Day 5 - March 23, 2026 Goddess - Maa Skandamata
Auspicious Color - White
On the fifth day, devotees worship Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda).
Her worship is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and harmony within the family.
The color white symbolizes purity, peace, and simplicity.
Day 6 - March 24, 2026 Goddess - Maa Katyayani
Auspicious Color - Red
The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, who is considered the goddess of strength and courage.
It is believed that worshipping Maa Katyayani helps fulfill devotees' wishes.
The color red symbolizes power, love, and courage.
Day 7 - March 25, 2026 Goddess - Maa Kalaratri
Auspicious Color - Royal Blue
On the seventh day, Maa Kalaratri is worshipped. She is considered one of the most fierce and powerful forms of Goddess Durga.
She destroys negative forces and evil energies while protecting her devotees.
The color royal blue symbolizes depth, strength, and faith.
Day 8 - March 26, 2026 Goddess - Maa Mahagauri
Special Festival - Durga Ashtami
Auspicious Color - Pink
The eighth day is celebrated as Durga Ashtami, dedicated to Maa Mahagauri.
On this day, Kanya Pujan (worship of young girls) holds special importance. Devotees worship young girls as a form of the goddess.
The color pink symbolizes love, compassion, and kindness.
Day 9 - March 27, 2026 Goddess - Maa Siddhidatri
Special Festival - Ram Navami
Auspicious Color - Purple
The ninth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri, who is believed to grant spiritual powers and divine blessings.
On the same day, Ram Navami is also celebrated, marking the birth of Lord Rama.
The color purple symbolizes spirituality and divine energy.
Religious Significance of Chaitra Navratri: Chaitra Navratri is not just a festival but a sacred time of devotion, faith, and spiritual purification. During these nine days, devotees observe fasts, perform prayers, and dedicate themselves to the worship of Goddess Durga.
According to religious beliefs, prayers, chanting, and spiritual practices performed during Navratri help devotees receive the blessings of the goddess for health, prosperity, success, and happiness.
What Should Be Done During Navratri? During Navratri, devotees are encouraged to follow certain spiritual practices:
Perform daily prayers and aarti for Goddess Durga. Keep the home clean and maintain a sacred environment. Eat sattvic (pure vegetarian) food. Recite Durga Chalisa or Durga Saptashati. Perform Kanya Pujan and offer charity. Following these practices is believed to bring the special blessings of Goddess Durga.
Conclusion: The festival of Chaitra Navratri symbolizes devotion, divine strength, and positive energy. These nine sacred days provide an opportunity not only to worship Goddess Durga but also to purify the mind and grow spiritually.
If devotees observe the fasts and prayers with faith, dedication, and discipline, it is believed that the blessings of Goddess Durga can bring peace, prosperity, and happiness into their lives.
Therefore, during Chaitra Navratri starting on March 19, 2026, devotees should worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga and seek her divine blessings for a joyful and prosperous life.
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Jai Mata Di!
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Astro Devam.