Know the right muhurat, puja vidhi, mantras and important rituals to follow on the first day of Chaitra Navratri 2026
New Delhi: Chaitra Navratri, one of the most important Hindu festivals, will begin on March 19, 2026 (Thursday) and will continue for nine days, ending with Ram Navami on March 27. In many parts of India, this festival also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year.
The first day of Navratri is very important as devotees worship Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga. On this day, people also perform Kalash Sthapana, also known as Ghatasthapana, to formally begin the festival.
Table of contents
Puja Muhurat for Day 1
Performing the puja at the right time is considered very important for getting the best results.
Pratipada Tithi will begin at 06:52 AM on March 19
Pratipada Tithi will end at 04:52 AM on March 20
Kalash Sthapana Muhurat
- Best time is from 06:52 AM to 07:43 AM
- Devotees can also perform the ritual till around 09:55 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat is from 12:05 PM to 12:53 PM
People believe that doing Kalash Sthapana in the early morning is the most auspicious.
Who is Goddess Shailputri
Goddess Shailputri is the first form of Goddess Durga and represents purity, strength, and new beginnings. Her name means “daughter of the mountains,” as she is believed to be the daughter of King Himalaya.
She is shown riding a bull named Nandi. She holds a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other. Devotees believe that worshipping her brings strength, success, and spiritual growth in life.
Importance of Kalash Sthapana
Kalash Sthapana is an important ritual that marks the beginning of Navratri.
It is done to invite Goddess Durga into the home
The Kalash is a symbol of creation, prosperity, and divine energy
People believe that doing this ritual at the right time sets a strong and positive start for the nine days
How to Do Kalash Sthapana
The ritual is done in a simple step-by-step way:
Preparation
Clean the house and the puja area. Place a red cloth on a wooden platform.
Sowing Barley
Fill a pot with soil and plant barley seeds. This shows growth and prosperity.
Kalash Setup
Take a copper or clay pot and fill it with water. Add mango leaves, betel nut, coins, and rice. Place a coconut wrapped in a red cloth on top.
Invocation
Invite Goddess Durga into the Kalash and chant mantras during the puja.
Akhand Jyot
Light a diya that stays lit for all nine days, showing the presence of the Goddess.
Day 1 Puja Vidhi
The puja on the first day is done with devotion and simple steps:
- Start with Ganesh Vandana
- Perform Kalash Sthapana
- Offer flowers, kumkum, rice, and incense
- Offer desi ghee as bhog
- Chant mantras of Goddess Shailputri
- Perform aarti
- Many devotees also read Durga Saptashati and other holy texts
Also Read: Chaiti Chhath 2026 Puja Guide: Dates, Rituals and Four-Day Festival Schedule
Colour, Bhog and Meaning of Day 1
- Each day of Navratri has its own special colour and offering.
- Colour of the day is yellow, which brings positivity
- Bhog is desi ghee, considered very auspicious
- This day represents strength, good health, and positive energy
Mantras of Goddess Shailputri
Main Mantra
Om Devi Shailputryai Namah
Stuti Mantra
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam
Vrisharudham Shooldharam Shailputrim Yashasvinim
Meaning
Devotees chant these mantras to seek blessings for strength, peace, and success in life.
Rituals Followed on Day 1
Fasting
Many people keep fast and eat simple satvik food. They avoid onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
Home Decoration
People decorate their homes with mango leaves and rangoli to welcome the Goddess.
Chanting and Meditation
Devotees chant mantras and meditate to keep their mind calm and pure.
Akhand Jyot
A diya is kept burning continuously for nine days, showing divine protection.
Spiritual Importance of Day 1
The first day of Navratri has deep spiritual meaning.
- It marks new beginnings
- It helps in cleaning the mind and body
- It starts a spiritual journey
- Goddess Shailputri is linked to the Muladhara Chakra, which represents stability and strength
- People believe that worshipping her builds a strong spiritual base for the rest of the Navratri days.
Conclusion
Chaitra Navratri 2026 will begin on March 19 with the worship of Goddess Shailputri and Kalash Sthapana. This day is very important because it sets the tone for the entire festival.
By performing the rituals at the right time with full devotion, people pray for happiness, strength, and spiritual growth. The first day reminds everyone that every spiritual journey begins with a clean mind and a strong foundation.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
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