Navratri is a busy stretch: fasting, a kalash to set up at the right time, a long samagri list and a home that needs to be ready. A pandit leads the sthapana and the Durga worship, so you can focus on the days that follow.
Why it is done
Navratri is the festival of nine nights devoted to Goddess Durga in her forms, held twice a year in many traditions. Many families begin with kalash sthapana, worship the goddess with mantras and aarti, and some conclude with a havan. How the days are observed varies by region and family.
Who it is for
Families beginning Navratri at home; households who want a pandit for the kalash sthapana or for the concluding day; people who keep the fast and want the main rituals done correctly.
When to do it
Kalash sthapana is traditionally done on the first day (pratipada) at a muhurat from the panchang, and many families hold a concluding pooja or havan around Ashtami or Navami. Your pandit can suggest muhurat options. Your family's custom takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 3 hours for the standard ceremony; about 4.5 hours for the extended one
- Standard: The standard ceremony: about 3 hours with one pandit and 20 vidhi steps. It covers sankalp, Ganesh and kalash worship, Durga worship and aarti. Please say at booking whether you want the opening sthapana or the concluding ritual.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: about 4.5 hours with one pandit and 30 vidhi steps. It adds more rituals and prayers, and may include a havan and further recitation. The pandit confirms what is included.
Choose the standard for a simple sthapana or concluding pooja. Choose the extended for the fuller vidhi, or if you want a havan.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself. The Vedic Rituals Navratri Pooja Kit packs the essentials in ritual order if you want to arrange samagri yourself.
Video option
Video may be possible for Navratri Puja, but because of its length or format it needs confirming before you book. Tell us your date and we will check with the pandit.
The sequence
- Purification and lamp lighting
- Sankalp with the family's details
- Ganesh and Gauri worship
- Kalash sthapana, and the goddess's invocation
- Durga worship with the traditional offerings
- Recitation of the goddess's names or mantras
- Havan, if included
- Aarti and pushpanjali
- Bhog, prasad and closing prayers
How to prepare
- Clean the home and the place where the kalash will be set up
- Confirm the muhurat and whether you want the opening sthapana or the concluding pooja
- Keep a clean, raised surface for the kalash and the goddess's image
- If you are fasting, plan simple meals so you are comfortable through the ritual
- Keep a fire-safe spot with ventilation and water nearby
- Decide whether you will use the pandit's samagri or a kit
Who should attend
The household, with the head of the household or the couple sitting for the main rituals as per your family's custom. Guests can join for the aarti and prasad.
Your tradition
Customs differ across North Indian, Gujarati, Bengali, Maharashtrian and South Indian homes, including grain sowing, kanya pooja and the concluding day. Share your tradition at booking.
Safety
Navratri involves open flames and, for many families, fasting. Use a stable heat-safe surface for diyas and havan, keep the space ventilated, keep water nearby, and keep flames away from curtains, children and pets. If you are fasting, keep water and rest in mind, and check with a doctor if you have a health condition.
Questions
How long should I plan for? About 3 hours for the standard ceremony and about 4.5 hours for the extended one, plus setup.
Is this for the first day or the last day? It can be arranged for either. Tell us at booking whether you want the kalash sthapana or the concluding ritual.
Do I need to fast? Fasting is a personal and family choice. The pandit can do the ritual whether or not you fast.
Can the pandit visit more than once during Navratri? Please ask us when booking. Availability and format depend on your dates.
What if our family follows a different custom? Your custom takes priority. Share it at booking.