When Does Chaitra Navratri Start? Amavasya Dates and Rituals Explained

Chaitra Amavasya in 2026 will be observed over two days, leading to confusion among devotees regarding the correct date for rituals and offerings.

According to the Hindu calendar, the Amavasya tithi begins at 8:25 am on March 18 and continues until 6:52 am on March 19. As a result, the new moon phase will be present on both days.

However, March 18 is considered more auspicious for performing rituals related to ancestors, as the Amavasya tithi prevails during the afternoon, which is regarded as the ideal time for such practices.

The Amavasya period will conclude on the morning of March 19, after which the Shukla Pratipada tithi will begin. This marks the start of Chaitra Navratri, which will be observed from March 19 to March 27.

Significance of Pitru Tarpan

On Amavasya, devotees perform rituals such as Tarpan, Pind Daan, and charity to seek blessings for their ancestors. The day is considered dedicated to forefathers, and offerings are made with the belief that it brings peace to ancestral souls and prosperity to the family.

Rituals to follow on March 18

Devotees are advised to perform key rituals on March 18:

• Take an early morning bath and offer prayers to the Sun
• Perform Pitru Tarpan in the afternoon
• Offer food items such as jaggery, ghee, kheer, and puri
• Worship Lord Shiva and offer water and Bel leaves to the Shivalinga
• Light a lamp near the Peepal tree and perform parikrama
• Feed cows, crows, dogs, and the needy
• Light a lamp near the Tulsi plant in the evening
• Worship Lord Hanuman and recite Hanuman Chalisa or Sunderkand

What to do on March 19

On March 19, devotees can take an early morning holy bath before the Amavasya tithi ends. The day will then mark the beginning of Navratri celebrations, during which the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped.