11 Steps to Perform Navratri Puja at Home is Essential

March 18,2026 | Added by:

11 Steps to Perform Navratri Puja at Home You Should Know

Navratri is a major festival in Sanatan Dharma, in which devotees celebrate the festivals by keeping a strict fast for 9 days. There are many rules and regulations in Navratri, that is why it is a bit difficult to keep this fast and there are many regulations. It includes some things which have to be ignored. A person who keeps fast in Navratri is not allowed to sleep in the bed while in the fasting, they have to sleep on “Kush” or “Puwal” on the ground during the fasting period.

How to Setup Navratri Puja Chowki?

First of all, you should get up early, take a bath and get ready by wearing clean clothes. Clean the place where you have to set up Mata's Chowki and sprinkle with Gangajal. After setting up the Chowki, spread a red or yellow color clothes on it.

Step 1: Devi Establishment (Ghata Sthapana)

First of all, you have to set up Ghata sthapana, with a photo of Maa Durga's or idol and keep a plate made in soil and fill that plate in soil and sown jawar in the soil. Then keep an earthen pot on top of it and fill it with clean water.

Step 2: Kalash Sthapana

In the Kalash, you will be taught to put holy water (Gangajal), coin, a betel nut, Akshat, a turmeric whole, some Ayurvedic herbs like Jatamansi, red sandalwood, white sandalwood, Ganga Jal, camphor in the water of the Kalash. Keep 5 mango leaves on cover it with a bowl. Fill the bowl with raw white rice. Then keep a whole coconut or you can keep a green coconut on it. After that, apply roli, moli, kalawa, sandal wood paste, turmeric paste, sindoor on the kalash.

Step 3: Awaken Akhand Jyot

After that, light the Akhand Jyot and keep in mind that, this jyot will remain live till 9 days or for as many days as you have to keep the fast.

Step 4: Sankalp

Then after, that take some water in your palm, a flower, some Akshat and take a resolution that how many days you have to do this Navratri fast, and why you have to do it. During the Sankalp you can share your wish Mother Durga not with others.

Note: We have already put the content of how to make Sankalp in our website, I would suggest please refer to it as well. Sankalp must be done before doing any puja.

Step 5: Avaahan of Lord Ganesha & Worship

Then take some rice and a flower in your hand and invite Lord Ganesha. After that, offer yellow coloured rice(white rice mix with turmeric) and a flower then put it on the Kalash. Then keep a small brass idol of Ganesha near Maa Durga. First of all, give him a bath. After bathing, offer him a seat, Padaasan, Clothes, Ornaments, Hasto Arghya.

After that, worship Ganesha with gandh(perfume), sandalwood paste, durva, incense, fruits, lamp, flowers, rice, naivedya etc. After the worship, bow down to him and request him to forgive you for any mistake done during the puja.

Step 6: Avaahan & Worship of Goddess Durga

Take some water in your palm with some rice, a flower and avaan to Goddess Durga. Then put it on the Kalash. First offer, Shuddhodyaka, Gandhodyaka, Panchamrita snana to the mother. Then bathe the idol with clean water, Gangajal mixed water and clean it with a clean cloth. Then keep on the Puja Chowki.

After that offer Hasto Arghya (take water in a spoon mix with sandalwood paste, turmeric, ganga jal and a flower) to the mother.

After that, offer Asana, Padasana, Vastram, Jewellery & Ornaments. Then offer, Gandh, Roli, Moli, Kalawa, Chandan, Perfume, Flowers, Dhoop, Deep, Naivedya, Seasonal Fruits to the Goddess. Also worship the Kalash or Ghat with Panchopchara or Shodashopachara method. Panchopchar means worshipping the Goddess with five elements, which are- Gandh, Pushpa, Deepak, Dhoop and Naivedya.

Step 7: Mantra Chanting and Devi Purana

After this, you can chant any mantra of the Goddess as per your wish. And it is very good to recite Devi Purana, Devi Mahatmya, Chandi Path, Shri Durga Saptasati. This will definitely bring a new sunrise to your life.

Step 8: Aarti

After reading the Purana or Mantra recitation, perform Aarti, while performing Aarti, decorate all the decoration items of Navratri in a plate. The plate contains with one bell, some flowers, Akshat, naivedya and some coins. Sing Aarti of mother durga, ring the bells and perform Aarti. Then take blessings from Maa Durga.

Step 9: Tambulam

Then offer Tambulam, which is called Banarasi Paan, to the Goddess.

Step 10: Kshyama Yachna

Then, fold your hands and ask for forgiveness from the Goddess that I have committed a grave mistake knowingly or unknowingly while performing the Puja. I do not know the specific Puja, nor the quantity, the Yantra, so Oh Mother! forgive me and keep your blessings on us.

Step 11: Kanchak or Kanya Pujan

On the “Ashtami or Navami” day of “Navratri”, you should invite 5, 7, 9, 11 small girls, nine girls of the age of about 5 to 12 years and prepare food for them. They are considered to be the form of the Goddess. Perform “Panchopchara Pujan” for them, feed them some Prasad that children like, touch the feet of all the girls. Then give them some gifts and definitely give “Dakshinam”. After the Kanya Pujan, your fast is completed, otherwise it is considered incomplete.

Frequent Asked Questions(FAQs)

For daily worship, one may dedicate anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, or even up to an hour. It would be even more beneficial if you were to incorporate a little meditation alongside your worship.

The best time for worship is considered to be between 4:00 AM and 5:30 AM in the morning. This specific period is known as the “Brahma Muhurta”.

If, due to unavoidable circumstances, you are unable to perform your worship, it is not a cause for concern. Simply offer your salutations to your Deity and convey to them, saying, "O Lord, I am unable to perform Your worship today" while explaining the reason for your inability. However, you should always strive to ensure that you do not miss your daily worship on any day, unless such unavoidable circumstances arise.

Yes, bathing purifies our body. This is beneficial not only for Puja but also in general; daily bathing helps prevent premature wrinkles, makes the skin glow, and strengthens one's immunity. However, if for any reason you are unable to bathe, you may still perform the Puja after thoroughly washing your face, hands, and feet.

No, it is highly advisable and excellent to perform the daily Puja yourself within your own home, regardless of your caste. However, if you lack the time or if no one else in the household is able to perform the Puja, you may then enlist the services of a priest.

One should face towards the East or North while performing “Puja”.

1) First, purify yourself by reciting the self-purification mantra; then, perform “Achamana” (ritual sipping of water) to achieve inner purification. Subsequently, you should perform the purification of the seat Asana, the ground called Bhu Shudhi, and the specific area where the worship is taking place.

2) Next, holding Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges), “Akshat” (unbroken rice grains), and a flower in your hands, perform the purification of the Ganesha idol. After the purification is complete, take a small amount of Akshat in your hands, chant the Ganesha mantra 108 times, and then while reciting the “Avahana” (invocation) mantra release the “Akshat” onto the idol slowly.

3) After that, proceed to observe the “Shodashopachara Puja Vidhi” (the ritual of sixteen acts of worship).

During Ganesh Puja, you may offer to the Lord in the form of Naivedya whatever you wish to present with devotion. Specifically, you may offer Motichoor Laddoos, coconuts, Modaks, any five seasonal fruits, Kheer, and various sweets made with milk.

You may keep the Ganesh idol on the puja platform or in the shrine for as many days as you desire. However, it is essential to perform the Visarjan (immersion) of the Ganesh idol by Bhadra Purnima at the very latest. Because the month of “Shradh Period” begins immediately next day of Bhadra Purnima, during which the immersion ceremony is prohibited. Whenever you perform the immersion, ensure you select an auspicious day; for instance, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday are considered suitable. Additionally, you should avoid performing the immersion on Amavasya (New Moon), “Sankranti”, or “Pratipada Tithi”.

Lord Ganesh should be worshipped using the “Shodashopachara Puja Vidhi” (the sixteen-step ritual).

Lord Ganesh is worshipped on the “Chaturthi Tithi” (the fourth day) of the “Shukla Paksha” (waxing phase of the moon) during the month of “Bhadrapada”.

Ghat Sthapana is performed on the first day of Navratri. Barley is sown in an earthen pot and then a water-filled Kalash is placed on it. A silver coin, Gangajal, some Banaspati herbs like red sandalwood, jatamansi, indrajava, bhimseni camphor, a betel nut, and a lump of turmeric are placed inside the Kalash. Five mango leaves are placed on top of the Kalash, followed by a whole coconut wrapped in a red cloth. Shakti is then invoked, symbolizing prosperity and the beginning of the worship of Goddess Durga. The Kalash is considered the abode of gods and goddesses and is kept lit with an eternal flame for nine days.

For nine days, Mata Durga should be worshipped daily using the Shodashopachara Puja method. If you wish, you can also chant mantras and perform havan after the puja.

There are four Navratris in a year. The Navratri that falls in September-October is called Gupta Navratri, the Navratri that falls in the Magh month of January-February is called Gupta Navratri, the Navratri that falls in Chaitra month of March-April is called Chaitra/Basantika Navratri, the Navratri that falls in the Jyestha month of June-July is called Gupta Navratri.

Gupta Navaratri occurs twice a year. During this Navaratri, a spiritual seeker performs rituals in secret without anyone else's knowledge in order to attain a specific objective. Gupta Navaratri is considered to be of immense significance for spiritual practice.

Sharadiya Navaratri, which falls during the months of September and October, is celebrated with great enthusiasm by people across the globe.

If you wish to observe the Navaratri fast, you should take a Sankalp (vow) on the very first day of Navaratri, specifying exactly how many days you intend to fast. Generally, some people fast for 7 days and break their fast on Ashtami (the eighth day), while others fast for the full 10 days breaking their fast on Dussehra (the tenth day) following the Kanya Pujan ritual.

During Navaratri, Kanya Pujan also known as Kanjak involves revering young girls as embodiments of the Divine Mother. These girls are regarded as the living manifestations of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navadurga.

Devotees complete their worship by treating girls aged 2 to 10 as the direct embodiment of the Goddess, offering them food and gifts; this practice is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and deliverance from all adversities in life. This ritual is performed specifically to honor the Goddess and to seek her divine blessings.

Following the nine days of Navaratri worship, the Kalash should be immersed during an auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) on the Dashami Tithi (the tenth day), or immediately after Mahanavami.

Hold a small amount of Akshat (unbroken rice grains) in your hand. While chanting the following mantra, gradually sprinkle the rice grains over the Kalash:

Mantra:

Gachchha Gachchha Surashreshthe Svasthanam Parameshvari |
Pujaradhanakale Cha Punaragamanaya Cha ||

You may distribute the coconut from the Kalash as Prasad (sacred offering) or immerse it in flowing water, as per your preference. Sprinkle the holy water from the Kalash throughout your home, and immerse the earthen pot itself under a tree or in a river. This ritual is believed to usher in positivity, happiness, and prosperity into the home.

Goddess Durga's has 9 forms and those nine forms worship by devotees during the Navaratri period. They are like following:

Day1: Shailaputri

Day2: Brahmacharini

Day 3: Chandraghanta

Day 4: Kushmanda

Day 5: Skandamata

Day 6: Katyayani

Day 7: Kalaratri

Day 8: Mahagauri

Day 9: Siddhidatri

Diwali Lakshmi Puja is best performed during the Pradosh Kala, specifically within the Sthira Lagna (Fixed Ascendant). The Pradosh Kala is generally considered to fall between 5:45 PM and 8:15 PM in the evening. This time corresponds to the Vrisha Lagna (Taurus Ascendant), which is classified as a "Sthira Lagna" according to Vedic Astrology.

During the days of Diwali, one should not sleep late into the morning. Under no circumstances should you disrespect your parents or elders.

Do not deceive anyone, and do not lie to anyone. Every nook and cranny of the house must be absolutely clean and tidy. One should avoid arguments or discord within the home, and one should not sleep during the evening hours. Refrain from consuming any form of intoxicant, and keep the house clean and well-decorated.

Generally, in North India, Diwali is celebrated over a period of five days, observed as follows:

Day 1: Dhanteras

Day 2: Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali)

Day 3: Diwali

Day 4: Govardhan Puja

Day 5: Bhai Dooj

To perform Puja alone at home on Diwali, begin by thoroughly cleaning the entire house.

Next, in the North-East corner of the house, spread a red cloth over a raised platform (Chowki) and install the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.

Light ghee lamps; bathe the idols, apply sandalwood paste and a tilak (sacred mark) to them, and then offer flowers, fruits, and sweets. Finally, perform the worship using incense (dhoop), lamps (deep), and flowers. Conclude the ritual by performing the Aarti (hymn of worship) for Lord Ganesha and Mother Lakshmi, using either camphor or a ghee lamp. Afterward, bow down in reverence and distribute the Prasad (sacred food offering) among everyone present.

Dhanteras falls on the Trayodashi Tithi (thirteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) during the month of Kartika. It marks the first day of the five-day festival of Diwali. On this day, Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera are worshipped. Purchasing new utensils, gold or silver jewelry, or other items on this day is considered extremely auspicious.

Dhanvantari Trayodashi, is known as Dhanteras. On this day, one should worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera. It is considered highly auspicious to purchase gold or silver jewelry, new utensils, coriander seeds, or a broom on this day.

In the evening, a four-faced lamp (Choumukha Deepak) is burned for Lord Yamaraj to pray for the longevity of all family members; during the day, the house is thoroughly cleaned, and in the evening, Lakshmi Pujan (worship of Goddess Lakshmi) is performed.

Chhath Puja is celebrated every year on the Shashthi Tithi or the sixth day) of the Shukla Paksha and waxing phase of the moon during the month of Kartik. It falls exactly six days after Diwali.

During Chhath Puja, the primary deities worshipped are “Surya Dev” hence the name “Surya Shashthi” and “Chhathi Maiya” is Goddess Shasthi. It is believed that Goddess Shasthi always protects children, and worshipping her blesses the household with a male child.

Chhath Puja is a major festival spanning four days, beginning on “Kartik Shukla Chaturthi” is the fourth day and continuing until “Saptami Tithi” is the seventh day. The rituals include:

Day 1: Nahay-Khay;

Day 2: Kharna;

Day 3: Sandhya Arghya (offering to the setting sun); and

Day 4: Usha Arghya (offering to the rising sun). This festival is dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya.

Chhath Puja is a difficult fast that continues for 36 hours without water (Nirjala). Purity holds special significance in this observance, wherein everything is strictly sattvic and pure and wholesome. The ritual begins on the first day with 'Nahay-Khay,' followed by 'Kharna' on the second day; the third day features the 'Sandhya Arghya' and evening offering, and the fast concludes called Parana on the fourth day with the 'Usha Arghya' or morning offering.