📅 Festival Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 25 March 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Festival | Chaitra Navratri – Day 1 / Ghatasthapana |
| Month | Chaitra, Shukla Paksha |
| Deity of Day | Maa Shailputri (1st form of Maa Durga) |
Note: Timings below are example standard Panchang values (India). City-wise variations may occur.
🌞 Panchang (Indicative – India Standard)
| Panchang Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Tithi | Shukla Pratipada (Begins morning of 25th) |
| Nakshatra | Revati / Ashwini (transition may happen) |
| Yoga | Vishkumbha / Preeti (depending on location) |
| Karana | Kinstughna → Bava (may vary location-wise) |
| Sunrise | ~ 06:30 AM |
| Sunset | ~ 06:35 PM |
| Moonrise | ~ 07:20 AM |
| Moonset | ~ 07:50 PM |
| Vikram Samvat | 2083 |
| Shaka Samvat | 1948 |
If you want, I can compute exact city-specific timings.
⏱ Ghatasthapana Muhurat (Example Standard Timing)
| Start | ~ 06:05 AM |
| End | ~ 08:40 AM |
| Type | Suited for Kalash Sthapana / Navratri Puja beginning |
City/location might shift the Muhurat slightly.
🌺 Rituals & Puja Vidhi
Morning Preparations
- Take a ritual bath before sunrise.
- Clean the puja area and establish a red or yellow cloth.
- Draw Swastika and Kalash outline with kumkum or haldi.
- Place Kalash with coconut, mango leaves, rice, and water – this marks Ghatasthapana.
Main Puja
- Invoke Maa Shailputri, the first of the Navdurga.
- Offer:
- Desi ghee
- White flowers
- Rice and milk prasad
- Light an Akhand Deep (continuous flame) if following all-nine-day worship.
Daily Practice
- Read Durga Saptashati, Siddhakunjika Stotra, Argala, or Navratri vrat katha.
- Maintain fast (phalahar, satvik food) based on your tradition.
🎯 Significance of Day 1
- Symbolizes the energy of Shailputri – strength, stability and beginnings.
- Represents purification, grounding and determination for the nine-day spiritual journey.
- Important for:
- New ventures
- Removing past karmic obstacles
- Gaining spiritual discipline
💠 Benefits of Observing Navratri
- Strengthening of good habits and spiritual discipline
- Purification of mind and body
- Increased Shakti (inner power)
- Healing of emotional and karmic burdens
- Blessings for household prosperity and protection
❓ FAQ
Q1. What is Chaitra Navratri?
It is the spring Navratri, marking the beginning of the Hindu New Year in many regions and dedicated to worship of Maa Durga in her 9 forms.
Q2. Who is worshipped on Day 1?
Maa Shailputri, daughter of the Himalaya king.
Q3. Is fasting mandatory?
Fasting is optional but widely followed – fruit, milk, satvik, or single-meal fasts depending on tradition.
Q4. Can new beginnings be made today?
Yes – this day is considered highly auspicious for starting new projects, business, home purchases, and resolutions.
Panchang Official