India is one of the countries where festivals are deeply related to culture, religion and traditions. Another significant festival of the country is Navratri where goddess Durga and her nine divine forms are worshipped.
The literal meaning of Navratri is 9 nights. In these nine days, the devotees offer prayers to the Goddess Durga and also perform rituals to seek blessings for good fortune and blessed life.
Every year people look for the exact dates of Chaitra Navratri, many.
Many people are confused as to when Chaitra Navratri will begin in 2026? Is it 18 March or 19?
Here is an overview of the correct date.
Chaitra Navratri 2026: 18th or 19th March?
The Chaitra Navratri starts on the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra, which usually falls on Pratipada (first day of Shukla Paksha).
The Gupt Vrindavan Dham Organisation mentions: “The festival begins during the Shukla Paksha of the month of Chaitra. This typically falls between March and April. This period coincides with Vasant Ritu, the glorious spring season.”
According to Drik Panchang, Chaitra Navratri the year 2026 would start on 19 March 2026. This festival will occupy a total of nine days and culminate on Ram Navami which is the festival of birth of Lord Rama.
Chaitra Navratri 2026: Complete Dates
Here is the complete calendar of Chaitra Navratri 2026 according to Drik Panchang:
| Navratri Day | Date (2026) | Day | Major Puja / Festival |
| Day 1 | 19 March 2026 | Thursday | Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja |
| Day 2 | 20 March 2026 | Friday | Brahmacharini Puja |
| Day 3 | 21 March 2026 | Saturday | Chandraghanta Puja |
| Day 4 | 22 March 2026 | Sunday | Kushmanda Puja |
| Day 5 | 23 March 2026 | Monday | Skandamata Puja |
| Day 6 | 24 March 2026 | Tuesday | Katyayani Puja |
| Day 7 | 25 March 2026 | Wednesday | Kalaratri Puja |
| Day 8 | 26 March 2026 | Thursday | Mahagauri Puja, Durga Ashtami |
| Day 9 | 27 March 2026 | Friday | Navratri Parana |
What is Chaitra Navratri?
Chaitra Navratri is the first Navratri of a Hindu year and it is celebrated in the spring. It is considered a very spiritual period and the faithful have celebrated the nine faces of goddess Durga also referred to as Navadurga.
The nine gods addressed of the Navratri are:
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Shailputri
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Brahmacharini
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Chandraghanta
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Kushmanda
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Skandamata
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Katyayani
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Kalaratri
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Mahagauri
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Siddhidatri
The devotees pray, fast and conduct special rituals for all the days of Navratri.
In conclusion, Chaitra Navratri 2026 will commence 19 March 2026. The festival is held on the day when the tithi occurs in the sunrise based on the Hindu calendar regulations.
READ| Important Days in March 2026
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