Navratri Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Chaitra Navratri Vrat
Chaitra Navratri is the spring Navratri observed in the Chaitra month (March–April), beginning on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada — the Hindu New Year. Nine nights are dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga): Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. This Navratri culminates in Ram Navami on the 9th day. It is one of the two main Navratris of the year and is considered highly auspicious for new beginnings.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Bestows strength, courage, and protection from Goddess Durga, removes negative energies, fulfills desires for marriage and children, marks auspicious new beginnings, grants the blessings of all nine divine feminine energies.
Procedure
Install a Kalash (sacred pot) on Day 1 with Ganga water, mango leaves, and coconut. Worship one form of Navadurga each day. Recite Durga Saptashati or Devi Stotras. Light akhand jyoti (continuous lamp) for nine days. Observe fast daily. Perform Kanya Puja on Ashtami or Navami by feeding nine young girls. Conclude with Havan on Navami.
When to Observe
Chaitra Shukla Pratipada to Navami — 9 days in March or April coinciding with the Hindu New Year (Ugadi/Gudi Padwa).
Fasting Rules
Avoid grains (wheat, rice), non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, and alcohol for all nine days. Permitted: sabudana, singhara flour, kuttu (buckwheat), fruits, milk, paneer, and rock salt (sendha namak). Some observe a single meal per day; others observe nirjala on Ashtami.
How to Break the Fast
Break fast on Navami after Kanya Puja and Havan with prasad — halwa, puri, and chana. Some break daily after evening aarti with phalahar.
FAQ
Q.What is Chaitra Navratri Vrat?
Chaitra Navratri is the spring Navratri observed in the Chaitra month (March–April), beginning on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada — the Hindu New Year. Nine nights are dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga): Shailputri, Brahmac...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Chaitra Navratri Vrat?
Avoid grains (wheat, rice), non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, and alcohol for all nine days. Permitted: sabudana, singhara flour, kuttu (buckwheat), fruits, milk, paneer, and rock salt (sendha namak). Some observe a single meal per day; others observe nirjala on Ashtami.
Q.When should Chaitra Navratri Vrat be observed?
Chaitra Shukla Pratipada to Navami — 9 days in March or April coinciding with the Hindu New Year (Ugadi/Gudi Padwa).
Q.What are the benefits of Chaitra Navratri Vrat?
Bestows strength, courage, and protection from Goddess Durga, removes negative energies, fulfills desires for marriage and children, marks auspicious new beginnings, grants the blessings of all nine divine feminine energies.