Navratri means nine nights. Over these days, families worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga at home with a kalash, a lamp and daily prayers. You do not need a big setup. This guide explains the main steps so you can plan calmly, with or without a pandit.

Day 1: Kalash sthapana (Ghatasthapana)

The festival begins with placing the kalash, a pot that represents the Goddess. It is done at a good time (muhurat) on the first day. Many families also sow barley (jau) in a small pot of soil next to the kalash, which sprouts over the nine days.

  • A clean copper, brass or clay kalash with water.
  • Mango leaves and a coconut wrapped in red cloth for the top.
  • A little rice, a coin, supari and flowers to place inside or around it.
  • A clay pot with soil and barley seeds, if your family follows this custom.
  • A diya. Some families keep an akhand jyoti that burns for all nine days.

The nine days

Each day is linked to one form of the Goddess: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. A simple daily routine is enough: light the lamp, offer flowers and prasad, read or play the Durga Saptashati or a short aarti, and keep the area clean.

Kanya pujan on Ashtami or Navami

Many families invite young girls home on Ashtami or Navami and honour them as forms of the Goddess. Their feet are washed, a tilak is applied, and they are served a meal, often puri, chana and halwa, followed by a small gift.

  • Invite the families a few days early and confirm the time.
  • Keep the meal simple and the gifts age-appropriate.
  • Many families also invite one young boy, seen as a form of Bhairav or Langur.

Fasting tips

  • Fasting rules differ by family: some eat one meal, some only fruit and milk.
  • Common fasting foods include sabudana, kuttu atta, singhara atta, potatoes and sendha namak.
  • Drink enough water. Elders, pregnant women and people with health conditions should check with a doctor first.

When to book a pandit

Pandits are busiest on the first day and on Ashtami and Navami. If you want help with kalash sthapana or a havan at the end, book 3 to 4 weeks early and agree the days, language and total price.