Chaitra Navratri 2026: Date, Ghatasthapana and Significance of Puja

Chaitra Navratri: Worshiping the Nine Forms of Goddess Durga

Chaitra Navratri is one of the most important and sacred festivals of Sanatan Dharma. The word Navratri is derived from Sanskrit, meaning ‘nine nights’. The festival begins on the first day of the month of Chaitra and also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. During this period, devotees worship nine different forms of Goddess Durga for nine consecutive days: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.

Importance of Kalash Sthapana and Vrat

Chaitra Navratri begins with Kalash Sthapana or Ghatasthapana. According to scriptures, the Kalash is considered a form of Lord Vishnu and is installed before the puja. The Kalash is purified with holy Ganga water and decorated with turmeric lumps, betel nuts, and durva (sunflower). A sand altar is built beneath the Kalash, in which barley is sown. This ritual is performed to appease Annapurna, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Devotees who have unwavering faith in the Mother Goddess fast for the entire nine days. The fast concludes on the ninth day, when young girls are worshipped, considering them to be the embodiment of Goddess Durga. Devotees break their fast only after the Kanya Pujan.

Navratri comes twice a year

According to the Hindu calendar, the main Navratris are celebrated twice a year:

• Chaitra Navratri: Celebrated in the month of Chaitra, this Navratri falls in the spring season, hence it is also called Vasant Navratri.
• Sharadiya Navratri: This Navratri, which falls in the autumn season, is usually celebrated in the months of September-October.

Apart from these two main Navratris, Gupt Navratri is also celebrated in the months of Ashadha and Magh. Gupt Navratri holds special significance especially for those who practice Tantric Sadhana.

Nine Forms of Goddess Durga

Each day during Chaitra Navratri, a specific form of the Goddess is worshipped:

1. Maa Shailputri: Goddess of courage and strength.
2. Maa Brahmacharini: Goddess of penance and renunciation.
3. Maa Chandraghanta: Goddess of peace and well-being.
4. Maa Kushmanda: Goddess of the creation of the universe.
5. Maa Skandamata: Goddess of motherhood and affection.
6. Maa Katyayani: Goddess of power and war.
7. Maa Kaalratri: Goddess of destruction of evil forces.
8. Maa Mahagauri: Goddess of purity and peace.
9. Maa Siddhidatri: Goddess who bestows all Siddhis.

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