Chaitra Navratri 2026: Exact Dates for Saptami, Ashtami, Navami & Kanjak Pujan
- Sonali Singh
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
When are Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami in 2026? Discover exact dates, Kanya Pujan muhurat, and spiritual significance of Chaitra Navratri.
Do you know that the Chaturmas month of Gregorian Calendar is coming like a wave by the end of the year? As per Sanatangyan, this festival is dedicated to serving Maa Durga along with nine divine forms of her energy, named as Navdurga (Nine Divine Forms). Generally, these nine forms are worshipped in alternation according to the Shastras in the vein of Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami.
What is Chaitra Navratri and Its Spiritual Importance
The three days on Navratras hold an extra special spiritual value for the rituals of Kanya Pujan (Kanjak Pujan), as are true times to receive total blessings.
During the Shukla Paksha month of Chaitra, Vasanta Navratris take the role of ushering in the freshness of spring and bringing about excitement to the Indian New Year festivals where such as Gudi Padwa (Maharashtra) and Navreh (Kashmir) align at the same time period.
As per ancient texts, there are nine forms of Shakti worshipped over the nine nights of Navratras: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri.
A famous verse from Devi Mahatmya reflects the universal power of the Goddess:
“या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥”
“Salutations again and again to the देवी who resides in all beings as power.”
Exact Dates of Saptami, Ashtami & Navami 2026
The final three days of Navratri are considered highly powerful in the Sanatangyan tradition. Here are the exact dates and timings based on Udaya Tithi:
Saptami – Worship of Maa Kalaratri
Tithi Begins: 24 March 2026 at 4:08 PM
Tithi Ends: 25 March 2026 at 1:50 PM
Observed On: 25 March 2026 (Wednesday)
On this day, Maa Kalaratri is worshipped, symbolizing the destruction of negativity. Devotees observe fasts and engage in deep prayers guided by their guru.
Ashtami – Worship of Maa Mahagauri
Tithi Begins: 25 March 2026 at 1:51 PM
Tithi Ends: 26 March 2026 at 11:49 AM
Observed On: 26 March 2026 (Thursday)
Maha Ashtami is one of the most important days. Maa Mahagauri is worshipped for purity and peace.
Kanya Pujan Muhurat (Ashtami):
Should be completed before 11:49 AM on 26 March 2026
Navami – Worship of Maa Siddhidatri & Ram Navami
Tithi Begins: 26 March 2026 at 11:50 AM
Tithi Ends: 27 March 2026 at 10:08 AM
Observed On: 27 March 2026 (Friday)
Navami coincides with Ram Navami, marking the birth of Lord Ram. This day concludes Navratri with divine grace.
Kanya Pujan Muhurat (Navami):
Should be completed before 10:08 AM on 27 March 2026
Kanya Pujan (Kanjak Pujan): विधि और महत्व
Kanya Pujan holds a special place in Sanatangyan, where young girls are worshipped as the living form of Maa Durga. According to ancient shashtra, Navratri fasting is considered incomplete without this ritual.
विधि (Method of Kanya Pujan)
Invite young girls (usually 2–9 years old) into the home
Wash their feet respectfully
Apply roli, kumkum, and अक्षत (rice grains)
Offer prasad like halwa, puri, kala chana, fruits, and sweets
Give dakshina, gifts, and small tokens of love
A sacred verse reflecting this belief is:
“बालिकाः पूजिता यत्र तत्र रमन्ते देवताः।”
Where young girls are worshipped, there the gods reside happily.
Rooted in the dharmic scriptures, this teaching affirms the purity of children as divine beings.
Why These Last Three Days Are So Powerful
The Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami days are considered the most spiritually intense of the Navratri. According to many guru teachings, these days represent the culmination of spiritual effort and devotion.
Powerful Sanskrit verses from the Durga Saptashati confirm this.
“सर्वमंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरी नारायणि नमोऽस्तुते॥”
O auspicious Goddess, fulfiller of all desires, the one who grants refuge, O Gauri, salutations to you.
Verses and quotes such as these enhance one's relationship with divine energy and strengthen one’s faith.
To summarize, Chaitra Navratri 2026 teaches that the true and real devotion to the God through sanatangyan, guru and shashtra is the only way to achieve true inner purity and have the best possible chance for divine blessings based on what is occurring during these powerful days of Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami.