{"id":"f-445134d771-97019cb9-2d1f-595c-b461-41d63813cf7d","title":"Chaitra Navratri Ashtami–Navami 2026: When Is Maha Ashtami and on Which Day Is Ram Navami? Note the Exact Dates","description":"According to the Hindu calendar, the first major festival of the year is Chaitra Navratri, which begins on the first day (Pratipada) of the Shukla Paksha. This year, Chaitra Navratri will commence on 19 March 2026. Let us take a look at the dates of Ashtami and Maha Navami.","timestamp":0,"category":"travel_and_lifestyle","headline":"Chaitra Navratri Ashtami–Navami 2026: When Is Maha Ashtami and on Which Day Is Ram Navami? Note the Exact Dates","modifiedHeadline":"Navratri 2026: Ashtami, Ram Navami Dates","subCategories":["scid_d3a98dc5"],"subcategoriesName":["Culture"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"7b48871c-c993-4956-b43d-6f46f8e1b036","bundleTitle":"Today In India","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"460","iabCategoryName":"Hinduism","fcSummary":"chaitra navratri begins march 19, 2026, with maha ashtami on march 26 and ram navami on march 27. ashtami is for kanjak puja honoring goddess durga, while ram navami celebrates lord rama’s birth. special rituals include offering food to young girls and performing a havan. avoid quarrels and impure foods; offer tulsi on ram navami, but not during navratri.","summary":"Chaitra Navratri 2026: Maha Ashtami on Mar 26, Ram Navami on Mar 27. Dates & rituals detailed for auspicious celebrations.","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/Daily_Digest/IN/en/timesnow/f-445134d771-97019cb9-2d1f-595c-b461-41d63813cf7d","sourceUrl":"https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/chaitra-navratri-ashtaminavami-2026-when-is-maha-ashtami-and-on-which-day-is-ram-navami-note-the-exact-dates-article-153855390","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/XRbftQ_VaBK0.webp","content":"

The festival of Chaitra Navratri will begin on 19 March, 2026. The two most important days of Navratri are Ashtami and Ram Navami. Ashtami (the eighth

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day of Navratri) is considered exceptionally auspicious for Kanjak Puja (Kanya Pujan), as it honors the fierce, protective energy of Goddess Durga (specifically Maa Mahagauri or Durga). On Ram Navami the birth of Lord Rama is celebrated. Let us find out when Maha Ashtami and Ram Navami will be celebrated this year and what special precautions should be taken during this period.

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When are Maha Ashtami and Ram Navami in 2026?

Chaitra Durgashtami will be celebrated on Thursday, March 26, 2026\n
\nAshtami Tithi Begins - 01:50 PM on Mar 25, 2026\n
\nAshtami Tithi Ends - 11:48 AM on Mar 26, 2026\n

\n Read: Chaitra Navratri 2026 Begins On March 19! Know The 9 Avatars Of Maa Durga And Colours For Each Day\n
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Ram Navami will be celebrated on Friday 27 March 2026.

Navami Tithi Begins - 11:48 AM on Mar 26, 2026\n
\nNavami Tithi Ends - 10:06 AM on Mar 27, 2026\n
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What should you do?

On Ashtami, respectfully offer food to girls aged between 2 and 10 years. Touch their feet and seek their blessings, as they are regarded as embodiments of the Goddess.

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The last 24 minutes between the end of Ashtami and the beginning of Navami is called Sandhi Kaal. Lighting a lamp and meditating on Goddess Chamunda during this time is believed to remove all difficulties in life.

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On Navami, perform a small havan (fire ritual) at home. It is believed to eliminate negative energy from the household.

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What should be avoided?

Avoid quarrels or insulting anyone during these two days.

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Do not consume tamasic (impure) foods under any circumstances. Even those who are not fasting should eat only sattvic (pure) food on these dates.

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On Ram Navami, Tulsi leaves should be offered in the worship of Lord Ram. However, during Navratri, Tulsi should not be offered to Goddess Durga.

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Wake up during Brahma Muhurta (early morning). Sleeping late is believed to reduce the spiritual benefits of the puja.

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Navratri Schedule

Day 1 (March 19, Thu): Maa Shailputri Puja, Ghatasthapana, Chandra Darshana | Colour: Yellow\n

\n Day 2 (March 20, Fri): Maa Brahmacharini Puja, Sindhara Dooj | Colour: Green\n
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Day 3 (March 21, Sat): Maa Chandraghanta Puja, Gauri Puja | Colour: Grey\n
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Day 4 (March 22, Sun): Maa Kushmanda Puja, Lakshmi Panchami | Colour: Orange\n
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Day 5 (March 23, Mon): Maa Skandamata Puja, Skanda Sashti | Colour: White\n
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Day 6 (March 24, Tue): Maa Katyayani Puja, Yamuna Chhath | Colour: Red\n
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Day 7 (March 25, Wed): Maa Kalaratri Puja, Maha Saptami | Colour: Royal Blue\n
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Day 8 (March 26, Thu): Maa Mahagauri Puja, Durga Ashtami| Colour: Pink\n
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Day 9 (March 27, Fri): Ram Navami, Maa Siddhidatri Puja | Colour: Purple\n
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Auspicious time for Ghatasthapana

Two auspicious timings have been suggested for Kalash Sthapana on 19 March.\n
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\nBest morning muhurat: 6:30 am to 7:43 am\n
\nAbhijit muhurat: 11:40 am to 12:30 pm \n
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Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.\n

","readDurationInMinutes":"6","author":{"name":"Timesnow","logo":"https://glance-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/bubble/png/aa2bd83c-7ade-426a-b117-9b2ede01f8a2.jpeg"},"ism":false,"analyticsResponses":[{"measurementId":"G-77TJDBEN7S","type":"GA"},{"measurementId":"26200502","type":"COMSCORE","partnerName":"glance"}],"pointerSummary":["Chaitra Navratri begins 19 March 2026; Ashtami (26 March) is for Kanjak Puja.","Maha Ashtami Tithi ends 11:48 AM on 26 March; Ram Navami (27 March) marks Lord Rama’s birth.","During Ashtami/Navami, avoid quarrels & impure foods; offer respects to young girls."],"tags":["ChaitraNavratri2026","MahaAshtami","RamNavami","HinduFestival","GoddessDurga","LordRama","KanjakPuja","KanyaPujan","MaaMahagauri","SandhiKaal","Havan","SattvicFood","BrahmaMuhurta","HinduCalendar","SpiritualPractices","Ghatasthapana","MaaShailputri","MaaBrahmacharini","MaaChandraghanta","MaaKushmanda","MaaSkandamata","MaaKatyayani","MaaKalaratri","MaaSiddhidatri"],"redirectionEnabled":false,"consent":true}

Chaitra Navratri Ashtami–Navami 2026: When Is Maha Ashtami and on Which Day Is Ram Navami? Note the Exact Dates

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