Chaitra Navratri 2026: According to the Hindu calendar, the first major festival of the year is Chaitra Navratri, which commences on the Pratipada (first day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon). The Hindu New Year and Gudi Padwa are also celebrated on this day. This year, Chaitra Navratri begins on March 19, 2026, a period dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. It is believed that during these nine days, the nine distinct forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped.

Additionally, devotees observe a nine-day fast with deep reverence and devotion. However, the first day of Navratri holds special significance, as it is on this date that the *Kalash Sthapana* (installation of the sacred pot) is performed at the place of worship. It is believed that the Kalash serves as the abode for all deities; its placement is said to infuse the home with positive energy and foster happiness and prosperity. But do you know the correct procedure for performing the Kalash Sthapana? If not, let us find out.

Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat) for Kalash Sthapana
For Chaitra Navratri, the first auspicious window for performing Kalash Sthapana will be from 06:52 AM to 07:43 AM.
The second auspicious window will be from 12:05 PM to 12:53 PM.

Procedure for Kalash Sthapana
To perform the Kalash Sthapana, take an earthen pot and fill it with clean soil.
Fill the pot with the soil and spread it out evenly.
Take some barley seeds (Jau) and mix them into the soil within the pot.
Next, sprinkle a little clean water over the soil in the pot.
Separately, fill a copper vessel (Lota) with clean water and tie a sacred red thread (Mauli) around it.

Place a betel nut (Supari), a betel leaf (Paan), some coins, rice grains, and sugar drops (Batasha) into the copper vessel.

Subsequently, take 7 or 11 Ashoka leaves and clean them thoroughly.
Arrange all the leaves in a circular pattern, placing them inside the copper vessel.

Now, take a fresh coconut (one containing water), tie a *Chunari* (sacred cloth) and a *Kalava* (sacred thread) around it, and place it atop the copper vessel.

Apply a Tilak (sacred mark) using Roli (red vermilion powder) on the coconut, and then carefully place the entire Kalash (the copper vessel with its contents) in the center of the earthen pot. Thereafter, adorn the Goddess and light incense.

Light a lamp, perform the Aarti, and offer some fruits to the Goddess.
Finally, while reciting the *Durga Saptashati* and the Aarti, distribute the Prasad to everyone.

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