Chaitra Navratri 2026: Do's and don'ts that one must follow

Chaitra Navratri is around the corner and it’s time to prepare for the nine-day-long festival dedicated to the worshiping of the Goddess Durga. This year Chaitra Navratri will be falling on March 19 and will continue till March 27. This 9-day-long festival is believed to be one of the most powerful times to seek blessings of Goddess Durga and her 9 avatars by following rituals, observing fasts and following a sattvik life.Well, if you too have been planning to observe the 9-day-long puja and fasts, then here are some simple do’s and don'ts to follow this Chaitra Navratri. Read on to find out… Rise before dawnAccording to the Vedic traditions, it is believed that the ideal time to worship the deity is in the morning, especially early in the morning around the Brahma Muhurta. Take a bath with a few drops of Gangajal. Clean your puja area; this also helps start the day with purity. It is believed that doing so helps in inviting Goddess Durga's presence in your home from the morning prayer. Perform Ghatasthapana preciselyAccording to the panchang, it is believed that this year, the right time for Ghatasthapana will begin between 6:52 and 7:43 AM on March 19. Set up a kalash with barley seeds, mango leaves and a coconut. Do not use metal pots. Plant jau in soil nearby. This helps abundance grow over the nine days.Eat Satvik food while fastingEat fruits, milk and special fasting foods like kuttu atta and singhare ka atta. It is best to Consume pure satvik foods such as sabudana and sendha namak. It is advised to have one meal before sunset; doing this keeps you strong and helps cleanse the body, soul and mind. Chant Mantras dailyRecite Durga Saptashati or Chalisa. You can also chant "Om Aim Hreem Kleem" 108 times. Face north while chanting. Each day worship a form of Goddess Durga. This helps you focus and solves your problems.Light Akhand jyotiKeep a ghee diya burning near the kalash. Continue this till Kanya Pujan. Have evening prayers with family. Offer flowers, fruits and bhog. This deepens your devotion. It also protects your home's vibes.Dress in colorsWear fresh yellow orange, red or white clothes daily. Match your clothes with each form of Goddess Durga. Avoid black or blue. Clean your clothes before puja. This keeps your puja area sacred. It also matches the energy of the festival. Practice charity and calmGive food, clothes or grains to people in need. Avoid anger, lies or gossip. Speak positively, help others and doing this increases the blessings. It makes Navratri a time for growth.Skip non-veg and intoxicantsDo not eat meat or eggs or drink alcohol. Avoid tobacco and paan. These foods block energy. Also avoid mustard oil, hing or regular salt during the fast, as it is believed to be tamasic in nature, which is a strict no-no!No haircuts or nail trimsDo not cut your hair or nails. Do not shave. This helps preserve your energy. If the akhand diya is burning, do not leave your home unattended. This keeps negativity away.Steer clear of grainsAvoid eating wheat, rice or lentils. Do not eat processed foods. Keep your stomach empty till the evening prayer. This shows discipline. Also do not buy ironware, furniture or sharp tools during this time.