What can I eat during Navratri Vrat?

During Navratri Vrat, you can eat: Sabudana, Singhara atta, Kuttu atta, Sama rice, Potatoes, Fruits, Milk, Nuts, Rock salt. Avoid: Wheat, Rice, Regular salt, Non-vegetarian, Onion, Garlic, Lentils, Alcohol.

What are the rules of Navratri Vrat?

Fast for all 9 days or choose specific days — Pratipada, Ashtami, and Navami are most important Eat only once a day (vrat ka khana) — no two full meals Use sendha namak (rock salt) only — regular salt is strictly avoided Offer red flowers, kumkum, and coconut to the Goddess daily Light a continuous ghee lamp (Akhand Jyoti) for all 9 days without letting it extinguish Perform Kanya Puja — feed 9 young girls as manifestations of the Goddess — on Ashtami or Navami Break fast on Navami or Dashami after the completion of havan

What is the mantra for Navratri Vrat?

The main mantra is: ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः (Om Dum Durgayai Namah)

When is the next Navratri Vrat?

The next Navratri Vrat dates are: Sharad Navratri: October 9–17, 2026, Vijaya Dashami: October 18, 2026

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4 times a year (mainly Chaitra & Sharad)

Navratri Vrat

Dedicated to Goddess Durga (9 forms)

Navratri means 'Nine Nights' and is celebrated four times a year. The most widely observed are Chaitra Navratri (March–April) and Sharad Navratri (September–October). Each of the nine days is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga — collectively called Navadurga. In 2026, Sharad Navratri begins October 9th and ends October 17th, with Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) on October 18th. Devotees fast, perform Ghatasthapana, chant Durga Saptashati, and observe Kanya Puja on Ashtami.

Upcoming Navratri Vrat Dates 2025

Sharad Navratri: October 9–17, 2026

Vijaya Dashami: October 18, 2026

Vrat Rules & Vidhi

1 Fast for all 9 days or choose specific days — Pratipada, Ashtami, and Navami are most important
2 Eat only once a day (vrat ka khana) — no two full meals
3 Use sendha namak (rock salt) only — regular salt is strictly avoided
4 Offer red flowers, kumkum, and coconut to the Goddess daily
5 Light a continuous ghee lamp (Akhand Jyoti) for all 9 days without letting it extinguish
6 Perform Kanya Puja — feed 9 young girls as manifestations of the Goddess — on Ashtami or Navami
7 Break fast on Navami or Dashami after the completion of havan

✅ Allowed Foods

Sabudana
Singhara atta
Kuttu atta
Sama rice
Potatoes
Fruits
Milk
Nuts
Rock salt

❌ Foods to Avoid

Wheat
Rice
Regular salt
Non-vegetarian
Onion
Garlic
Lentils
Alcohol

Sacred Mantra

ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः

Om Dum Durgayai Namah

Chant 108 times with mala beads for maximum benefit

Benefits of Navratri Vrat

Goddess Durga's protection and blessings, courage and inner strength, victory over enemies, removal of negative energies, and overall prosperity for the family.

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