Chaitra Navratri is set to take place from March 19 to March 27, 2026, with the first day marking the installation of the kalash, which signals the beginning of the worship of Goddess Durga. This festival is significant in the Hindu tradition, celebrated over nine nights and ten days with devotees observing fasts and seeking prosperity and well-being during this time. While worshiping the various forms of Goddess Durga, devotees engage in elaborate rituals that highlight the spiritual importance of the festival.

The festival of Navratri occurs four times a year, namely Chaitra, Sharadiya, Magha, and Ashada Navratri, with the Chaitra and Sharadiya variants being the most prominent and widely celebrated. The Magha and Ashada Navratri are commonly referred to as Gupt Navratri, during which devotees focused on spiritual practices and rituals that are less publicly celebrated. The Chaitra Navratri holds a notable place in the hearts of many Hindus as a time of joy, devotion, and renewal of faith.

In 2026, the auspicious time for Ghatsthapana (installation of the kalash) is determined by the lunar calendar, which confirms that this important ritual will take place on March 19. The celebrations culminate on the final day of Navami, observed on March 27, providing a complete cycle of worship and festivities that brings communities together in celebration of divine grace and abundance.