What is the story about?
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
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.
When are Maha Ashtami and Ram Navami in 2026?
Chaitra Durgashtami will be celebrated on Thursday, March 26, 2026Ashtami Tithi Begins - 01:50 PM on Mar 25, 2026
Ashtami Tithi Ends - 11:48 AM on Mar 26, 2026
Read: Chaitra Navratri 2026 Begins On March 19! Know The 9 Avatars Of Maa Durga And Colours For Each Day
Ram Navami will be celebrated on Friday 27 March 2026.
Navami Tithi Begins - 11:48 AM on Mar 26, 2026Navami Tithi Ends - 10:06 AM on Mar 27, 2026
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.
- 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.
- On Navami, perform a small havan (fire ritual) at home. It is believed to eliminate negative energy from the household.
What should be avoided?
- Avoid quarrels or insulting anyone during these two days.
- Do not consume tamasic (impure) foods under any circumstances. Even those who are not fasting should eat only sattvic (pure) food on these dates.
- 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.
- Wake up during Brahma Muhurta (early morning). Sleeping late is believed to reduce the spiritual benefits of the puja.
Navratri Schedule
Day 1 (March 19, Thu): Maa Shailputri Puja, Ghatasthapana, Chandra Darshana | Colour: YellowDay 2 (March 20, Fri): Maa Brahmacharini Puja, Sindhara Dooj | Colour: Green
Day 3 (March 21, Sat): Maa Chandraghanta Puja, Gauri Puja | Colour: Grey
Day 4 (March 22, Sun): Maa Kushmanda Puja, Lakshmi Panchami | Colour: Orange
Day 5 (March 23, Mon): Maa Skandamata Puja, Skanda Sashti | Colour: White
Day 6 (March 24, Tue): Maa Katyayani Puja, Yamuna Chhath | Colour: Red
Day 7 (March 25, Wed): Maa Kalaratri Puja, Maha Saptami | Colour: Royal Blue
Day 8 (March 26, Thu): Maa Mahagauri Puja, Durga Ashtami| Colour: Pink
Day 9 (March 27, Fri): Ram Navami, Maa Siddhidatri Puja | Colour: Purple
Auspicious time for Ghatasthapana
Two auspicious timings have been suggested for Kalash Sthapana on 19 March.
Best morning muhurat: 6:30 am to 7:43 am
Abhijit muhurat: 11:40 am to 12:30 pm
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.
