About Navratri Vrata
The Navratri Vrata involves 9 days of fasting, Devi worship, and recitation of the Durga Saptashati (700 verses of Devi Mahatmya). The vrata dimension focuses on the individual devotee's personal practice — fasting rules, Kanya Puja (worship of young girls as Devi), and Udyapana on Vijaya Dashami (the 10th day).
There are four Navratris per year: Chaitra (spring), Ashadha (Gupt/secret), Sharada (autumn — the main one), and Paush (winter). The Sharada Navratri in September-October is the most widely observed.
Key Facts
2026 Navratri Dates
Chaitra Navratri
Apr 1–9, 2026
Ram Navami Apr 6
Ashadha Navratri
Jun 29–Jul 7, 2026
Gupt Navratri (less widely observed)
Sharada Navratri
Sep 28–Oct 6, 2026
Vijaya Dashami Oct 7 — the main Navratri
Paush Navratri
Dec 27, 2026–Jan 4, 2027
Winter Navratri
9 Days — Navadurga Worship Sequence
Daughter of the mountain — mounted on a bull, holds trident and lotus
The ascetic Devi — holds rosary and water pot, practices tapas
With moon crescent bell — ten-armed, mounted on tiger
The cosmic egg creator — eight-armed, radiant as the sun
Mother of Kartikeya — holds infant Skanda, four-armed
The warrior goddess — slayer of Mahishasura, four-armed
The dark fierce form — destroys ignorance and evil
The pure white form — eight-armed, bestows peace and prosperity
The wish-fulfilling Devi — grants all siddhis to devotees
How to Observe Navratri Vrata
⚠️ Health Note
Navratri fasting involves 9 consecutive days. Those with health conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and elderly individuals should opt for Phalahari (fruits + milk + rock salt) or partial fasting. Full nirjala for 9 days is extremely austere — consult a healthcare provider.
Sankalpa on Day 1
On the first day (Pratipada), take a Sankalpa before Devi. Declare your intention and the Navratri you are observing (Chaitra/Sharada etc.).
Daily Puja
Perform Devi puja each morning and evening. Set up a Devi murti or photo with red cloth. Offer red flowers, kumkum, coconut, seasonal fruits.
Fasting Rules
No grains (wheat, rice). Allowed: fruits, sabudana, singhara flour, kuttu flour, potatoes, rock salt, milk products. No onion, garlic, non-veg.
Daily Recitation
Recite the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmya) — one Adhyaya (chapter) per day, or spread across 9 days. Minimum: Devi Kavach + Argala + Kilakam daily.
Akhanda Deepak (optional)
Keep an unbroken lamp (Akhanda Jyot) burning for all 9 days. This requires someone to tend it continuously — a meritorious but demanding practice.
Kanya Puja (Day 8 or 9)
Invite 9 young girls (ages 2–10) as embodiments of the Navadurgas. Wash their feet, apply Alta (red dye), offer Puri, Halwa, Chana, new clothes, and dakshina.
Udyapana on Vijaya Dashami (Day 10)
The formal conclusion on Vijayadashami. Full Devi puja, give charity, feed Brahmins/devotees, and declare the vow complete before the Devi. Immerse the murti if using clay idol.
Kanya Puja — Udyapana of Navratri Vrata
Kanya Puja (worship of young girls as Devi) is the formal Udyapana of the Navratri Vrata. Performed on Ashtami (Day 8) or Navami (Day 9).