Navratri — "nine nights" — is celebrated twice each year in most traditions: Chaitra Navratri in spring (March-April) and Sharad Navratri in autumn (September-October). While Sharad Navratri is often the more publicly celebrated of the two (featuring Garba and Durga Puja), Chaitra Navratri is equally significant — marking the Hindu New Year in many regional calendars and culminating on Ram Navami, Lord Rama's birthday.
Chaitra vs Sharad Navratri — Key Differences
Chaitra Navratri
Spring — Chaitra month (March-April). Marks Hindu New Year (Ugadi/Gudi Padwa/Vikram Samvat start). Culminates on Ram Navami.
Sharad Navratri
Autumn — Ashwin month (September-October). Most publicly celebrated; features Garba, Durga Puja pandals, and Dussehra.
Both share
The same nine Navadurga deities, Ghatasthapana on Day 1, Kanya Puja on Ashtami or Navami, and the core fasting traditions.
Ghatasthapana — Establishing the Sacred Pot (Day 1)
Every Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana — the ritual installation of a Kalash (sacred pot) that invokes and hosts Devi's presence for the nine days. The Kalash is filled with water, adorned with mango leaves and a coconut, and placed on a bed of soil in which barley or wheat seeds are sown. These seeds sprout over the nine days — the sprouting is watched as an auspicious sign and the green sprouts (Jwara) are distributed as prasad on Navami.
The Nine Forms of Devi — Navadurga
Day 1 — Shailputri
Daughter of the mountains, depicted with a crescent moon and trident. Worship begins with Ghatasthapana.
Day 2 — Brahmacharini
The ascetic form of Devi — depicted carrying a rosary and a kamandal, symbolizing devotion and austerity.
Day 3 — Chandraghanta
Devi with a half-moon on her forehead — the warrior form who destroyed demons; worshipped for courage.
Day 4 — Kushmanda
Creator of the universe — her smile is said to have created the world; worshipped for health and vitality.
Day 5 — Skandamata
Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya) — depicted holding her infant son; worshipped for the wellbeing of children.
Day 6 — Katyayani
The fierce warrior form born to sage Katyayana; associated with courage and marriage blessings.
Day 7 — Kalaratri
The dark, most powerful form of Devi — destroys ignorance and removes negative forces; very auspicious for night puja.
Day 8 — Mahagauri
Pure white, calm form of Devi — represents purity and peace; Kanya Puja is often performed today.
Day 9 — Siddhidatri
Bestower of supernatural powers (siddhis) — worshipped on Navami, the day before Ram Navami.
Fasting During Navratri
- Full nine-day fast: some devotees eat only fruits and milk for all nine days — considered the most rigorous observance
- First and last day only: many families fast only on Pratipada (Day 1) and Ashtami/Navami (Day 8/9) rather than all nine
- Sattvic daily meal: avoiding grains, onion, garlic, meat, and alcohol — eating kuttu (buckwheat), sabudana, and fruits
- Ekbukti vrat: one meal per day, taken only after the day's puja is complete
Kanya Puja — Honouring the Divine Feminine (Day 8 or 9)
Kanya Puja (also called Kumari Puja) is performed on Ashtami or Navami, where young girls (typically between ages 2-10) are invited to the home, their feet are washed, and they are seated as living embodiments of Devi. They are offered a ritual meal — traditionally puri, chana (black chickpeas), and halwa — along with gifts. The number of girls invited varies by tradition: some families invite 9 (representing the nine forms of Devi), others 2, 5, or any auspicious number. This is one of the most cherished rituals of Navratri for families with young daughters.
Colours for Each Day
Day 1
Royal Blue
Day 2
Yellow
Day 3
Green
Day 4
Grey
Day 5
Orange
Day 6
White
Day 7
Red
Day 8
Sky Blue
Day 9
Purple
💡 Family tradition tip
Photograph your Jwara (sprouted barley) each Navratri — the height and density of the sprouts by Navami day is a cherished detail that varies year to year. Also record which girls were invited for Kanya Puja and the gifts given; these become meaningful records of the young lives connected to your family's celebrations.
Chaitra Navratri ends on Ram Navami — see our Ram Navami puja guide.