This time there is a lot of confusion among the devotees regarding Chaitra Navratri and Chaitra Amavasya, because different opinions are coming forward regarding the determination of dates and auspicious time. People want to know when to establish the Kalash, which day will be best for charity and offering to ancestors, and when should Navratri fast be considered to begin. According to Panchang and astrology experts, clear dates have been decided, due to which the dilemma of the devotees can be resolved.
According to the Vedic calendar, the beginning of Chaitra Amavasya and Navratri are falling on different days, while the decision is taken on the basis of Udaya Tithi and Vyapati. Let us understand in detail which rituals will be auspicious on which dates.
According to the Vedic calendar, the Amavasya date of Chaitra Krishna Paksha is starting at 08:25 AM on March 18, 2026 and will end at 06:52 AM on March 19. Therefore, works like Darsh Amavasya and Pitra Tarpan etc. will be done mainly on 18th March (Wednesday).
On March 19, Amavasya Tithi will last till 6:40 am, but after that Pratipada Tithi will start. According to the Panchang, Chaitra Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi will last till 7:39 am on March 18, after which Amavasya will occur which will last till 6:40 am on March 19. Most of the time of Amavasya Tithi is being received on 18th March only. Although it is on 19th March in Udaya period, hence bathing etc. can be done in the morning of 19th March, but 18th March will be best for Shraddha rituals and offering to ancestors.
Chaitra Shukla Paksha Pratipada will start after 6:40 am on March 19 (Thursday), which will mark the beginning of Chaitra Navratri. Hindu New Year will also start on this day.
The auspicious time for establishing Kalash on the first day of Chaitra Navratri will be from 6:41 am till before sunset on March 19. According to astrologers, this year the Goddess is arriving in a palanquin, while her departure will be in an elephant, which is considered extremely beneficial. Chaitra Navratri has special significance because on this day Goddess Adishakti started the creation. It is said in the scriptures that Lord Brahma created the universe on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada and Vikramaditya was crowned on this day. This marks the beginning of Hindi New Year.
Chaiti, the four-day long festival of sun worship, is also starting from March 22. Chaiti Chhath will start with Nahay-Khay on 22nd March. The devotees will break their fast by performing Kharna puja on 23rd March, evening Arghya on 24th March and Arghya to the rising sun on the morning of 25th March and will complete Parana.
Disclaimer: This is based on religious beliefs, JBT does not endorse it.
