Navratri Puja Vidhi at Home: Complete 9-Day Guide
Navratri is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms (Navadurga). Observed twice a year — Chaitra Navratri in spring and Sharad Navratri in autumn — this nine-day festival is a time of deep devotion, fasting, and worship. This complete Navratri Puja Vidhi guide covers each day's specific goddess, the samagri list, flowers, mantras, and step-by-step rituals for performing the puja at home. Order fresh puja flowers from Mumbai Florist Hub for each day of Navratri.
About Navratri
Navratri (meaning "nine nights" in Sanskrit) celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Each of the nine days is dedicated to a specific form of the goddess, with a specific color, flower, and offering. Devotees fast, chant mantras, and perform daily puja throughout the festival.
Navratri Dates (2024-2025)
• Chaitra Navratri: March-April (starts on Pratipada of Shukla Paksha)
• Sharad Navratri: September-October (most widely celebrated)
Navratri Samagri List
Flowers & Garlands:
• Red hibiscus (Goddess Durga's favorite)
• Red and orange marigold garlands
• Rose petals (red)
• Jasmine strings (Mogra)
• Lotus flowers
• Ashoka leaves
• Bel leaves (for Devi puja)
Puja Items:
• Idol or photo of Goddess Durga (and each Navdurga form)
• Red cloth for puja seat
• Akhand Diya (clay lamp that burns for 9 days)
• Kalash with water, mango leaves, coconut
• Kumkum (vermilion) and Sindoor
• Haldi (turmeric)
• Chunri (red dupatta/saree for the goddess)
• Incense sticks (agarbatti)
• Camphor (kapoor)
• Akshat (unbroken rice)
• Betel leaves, betel nuts
• Panchamrit
• Wheat grains (for Kanjak puja)
• Supari and coins
• Coconuts
For Navratri Fasting:
• Sabudana (tapioca pearls)
• Singhara atta (water chestnut flour)
• Kuttu atta (buckwheat flour)
• Rock salt (Sendha namak)
• Fruits, dry fruits, milk, curd
Navratri 9 Days: Goddess, Color & Flowers
Day 1 – Pratipada: Shailputri
Color: Red | Flower: Red Rose / Hibiscus
Shailputri is the daughter of the Himalayas. She rides a bull and carries a trident.
Mantra: ॐ देवी शैलपुत्रायै नमः
Day 2 – Dwitiya: Brahmacharini
Color: Blue | Flower: Jasmine / White Flower
Brahmacharini is the goddess of penance and devotion.
Mantra: ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः
Day 3 – Tritiya: Chandraghanta
Color: Yellow | Flower: Marigold / Yellow Flowers
Chandraghanta has a half-moon on her forehead shaped like a bell.
Mantra: ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः
Day 4 – Chaturthi: Kushmanda
Color: Green | Flower: Lotus / Sunflower
Kushmanda is the creator of the universe. She has eight arms.
Mantra: ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः
Day 5 – Panchami: Skandamata
Color: Grey | Flower: White Lotus / Champa
Skandamata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda).
Mantra: ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमृ
Day 6 – Shashthi: Katyayani
Color: Orange | Flower: Marigold / Red Flowers
Katyayani is the warrior goddess, born to sage Katyayana.
Mantra: ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः
Day 7 – Saptami: Kalaratri
Color: White | Flower: Blue/Purple Flowers
Kalaratri is the fierce form of Durga who destroys all evil.
Mantra: ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः
Day 8 – Ashtami: Mahagauri
Color: Pink | Flower: Jasmine / White Flowers
Mahagauri is the pure, white-complexioned goddess who grants peace and wisdom.
Mantra: ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः
Day 9 – Navami: Siddhidatri
Color: Sky Blue | Flower: Lotus / Marigold
Siddhidatri grants all divine powers (siddhis) to her devotees.
Mantra: ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः
Step-by-Step Navratri Daily Puja Vidhi
Step 1: Kalash Sthapana (Day 1 Only)
On the first day of Navratri, set up the Kalash. Fill a copper or clay pot with holy water. Place mango leaves around the rim. Place a coconut on top wrapped in a red chunri. Place the Kalash on a bed of raw rice near the idol. Light the Akhand Diya (it should remain lit for all 9 days).
Step 2: Invoke Goddess Durga
Every day, offer fresh flowers (specific to that day), akshat, and Panchamrit. Light incense and the diya.
Step 3: Chant Durga Saptashati
The Durga Saptashati (700 verses) is the primary text recited during Navratri. Recite one chapter per day or chant the Durga Chalisa daily.
Step 4: Daily Puja Ritual
1. Light the diya and incense
2. Offer fresh flowers (per the day's color)
3. Apply kumkum and sindoor to the idol
4. Offer Panchamrit
5. Offer fruits and bhog (fasting-friendly food)
6. Chant the specific Navdurga mantra
7. Perform aarti
Step 5: Kanjak Puja (Day 8 or 9)
On Ashtami or Navami, perform Kanjak Puja by inviting 9 young girls to your home. Wash their feet, apply kumkum on their feet, offer them puja, and serve halwa-puri-chana prasad. This symbolizes worshipping the nine forms of Durga.
Step 6: Navami Havan
On the last day (Navami), perform a small havan (fire ritual) to complete the Navratri puja. Offer ahuti (offerings) of sesame seeds, ghee, and flowers into the fire while chanting the Durga mantra.
Flowers for Navratri Puja
Each day of Navratri has a specific color and flower offering:
• Red Hibiscus and Roses — for Shailputri and Katyayani
• Marigold Garlands — universal offering, especially for Chandraghanta and Siddhidatri
• Jasmine (Mogra) — for Brahmacharini and Mahagauri
• Lotus — for Kushmanda and Siddhidatri
• White Flowers — for Mahagauri and Kalaratri
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Navratri Fasting Guide
During Navratri, devotees observe a strict fast (vrat). Permitted foods include:
• Sabudana khichdi or kheer
• Kuttu atta puri or chilla
• Singhara atta halwa
• Fruits (banana, apple, mango)
• Milk, curd, and dry fruits
• Sendha namak (rock salt) only — no regular salt
Foods to avoid during fast: wheat, rice, onion, garlic, non-veg, regular salt
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which Navratri is more important — Chaitra or Sharad?
A: Both are equally sacred. Sharad Navratri (October) is more widely celebrated in Maharashtra and North India.
Q: Can we keep the Akhand Diya lit throughout 9 days at home?
A: Yes, it is auspicious. Ensure ghee or oil is regularly replenished. Keep a family member on watch.
Q: What is the significance of Kanjak Puja?
A: Kanjak (or Kanya) Puja symbolizes the worship of Goddess Durga in the form of young girls. It is an essential ritual on Ashtami or Navami.
Q: Can Navratri puja be performed without a pandit?
A: Yes, devotees can perform daily puja at home using a Navratri puja book or guide. The Durga Chalisa can be recited easily at home.
Q: Where can I get fresh puja flowers in Mumbai for all 9 days?
A: Mumbai Florist Hub offers daily fresh flower delivery across Mumbai. Subscribe for the full 9-day Navratri flower package at mumbaifloristhub.com.
Q: What color to wear on each day of Navratri?
A: Day 1: Red, Day 2: Blue, Day 3: Yellow, Day 4: Green, Day 5: Grey, Day 6: Orange, Day 7: White, Day 8: Pink, Day 9: Sky Blue.
Conclusion
Navratri is a nine-day spiritual journey that deepens your connection with the divine feminine. By following this complete Navratri Puja Vidhi day by day, you can perform the rituals at home with devotion and authenticity. Each day’s specific goddess, color, and flower creates a beautiful tapestry of devotion.
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