Chaitra Navratri, a significant Hindu festival, begins on March 19, 2026, and will continue until March 27. The festival is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, and it starts with the ritual of 'Ghatasthapana' on the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada day. This day is vital for devotees as it sets the tone for nine days of fasting and prayer, fostering an atmosphere of purity and devotion in homes. The celebrations also culminate in the worship of young girls on the eighth and ninth days, known as Kanya Pujan.

On the first day of Navratri, the auspicious timings for Ghatasthapana, which involves the installation of a sacred pot, are particularly important. This year, there are two auspicious timings for the ritual: the first from 6:02 AM to 7:43 AM, and the second during the Abhijit Muhurt from 12:05 PM to 12:53 PM. These timings are carefully calculated to align with astrological configurations, reinforcing the spiritual significance of the rituals performed during this period. Aaj Tak provides detailed information about these timings and the associated rituals, ensuring that devotees are well-informed ahead of the festivities.