Chaitra Navratri 2027

Chaitra Navratri, also called Vasant Navratri, is a widely celebrated festival across India in which nine days are devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms. It takes place from the Pratipada (first day) to the Navami (ninth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra, and begins with the Hindu new year.

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Goddess Durga: Men and women of all ages observe the nine days of fasting and worship to seek the blessings, strength, and protection of Maa Durga in her nine forms.
• Families Beginning the New Year: Households start the Hindu new year with the Goddess's worship, praying for peace, health, and prosperity for the year ahead.
• Devotees of Lord Rama: Many also keep the fast through to Ram Navami, the birthday of Shri Rama, on the ninth day.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Ghatasthapana (Day 1): The Kalash is installed on the first morning, in the early part of the day (Pratahkaal). Check the Ghatasthapana muhurat for your city on this page.
• Daily Puja (Days 1 to 9): Each day is dedicated to one form of the Goddess. The puja is done in the morning after bathing, and a lamp is lit again in the evening.
• Ashtami Kanya Puja (Day 8): Nine young girls are worshipped in the morning hours on Durga Ashtami (Annapurna Puja in Bengal and Ashokashtami in Odisha, on the same day).
• Navami and Ram Navami (Day 9): The havan and the birth celebration of Shri Rama are held in the midday period (Madhyahna). Check the Ram Navami puja time for your city on this page.
• Parana (Day 10): The fast is broken after the Navami rites are complete. Check the parana time on this page.

The Vrat Katha (Story of Maa Durga and Mahishasura)

Long ago, the demon Mahishasura performed severe penance and received a boon that no man or god could kill him. Proud of his power, he attacked heaven, defeated Indra and the other Devas, and drove them out of their realm. Tormented and helpless, the Devas went to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva for help.

Moved by their suffering, the three gods and all the Devas gave forth their divine energy, and from this radiance arose Goddess Durga, shining with the strength of them all. Each deity placed his own weapon in her hands, and she rode a lion into battle. The Devas pleaded: "O Divine Mother, you alone can end this terror. Protect the three worlds and restore dharma."

Durga fought Mahishasura for nine days and nights. He took many forms, as a buffalo, a lion, and an elephant, but the Goddess stayed calm and unshaken. On the tenth day, she slew the demon and freed the world from his rule. The Devas bowed before her in gratitude and filled the heavens with praise.

Since that day, devotees have worshipped the Goddess for nine days with fasting and prayer, seeking her protection and the victory of good over evil.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the Ghatasthapana and the daily puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Maa Durga, and a red cloth to spread on the altar
• Kalash Items: A Kalash of copper or brass, a coconut wrapped in red cloth, mango leaves, and clean water with a little Gangajal
• Jawara (Barley Sowing): An earthen pot, clean soil, and barley (Jau) seeds
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, Akshat (unbroken rice grains), and Sindoor
• Lamps & Lights: A Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, incense sticks, and camphor
• Offerings (Naivedya): Red flowers (especially hibiscus), a Chunri, fruits, sweets, and Halwa, Puri, and black gram (Kala Chana) for Kanya Puja

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean clothes (red, yellow, or other bright colours are preferred; avoid black).
2. Clean the home and the puja room, and place the altar in the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) or facing east.
3. Take a little water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Divine Mother Durga, I begin this Navratri vrat for the wellbeing of my family. Grant me the strength to observe these nine days with pure devotion."
4. Keep the fast through the day. Many families eat only fruits, milk, sabudana, and kuttu (buckwheat) or singhare (water chestnut) flour dishes with rock salt (Sendha Namak); avoid grains, onion, and garlic throughout.

Step 2: Ghatasthapana (Day 1)

1. Spread a layer of clean soil in the earthen pot, sow the barley seeds, and sprinkle a little water over them.
2. Fill the Kalash with water, tie Kalava (red thread) around its neck, and place mango leaves in its mouth.
3. Place the coconut wrapped in red cloth on top, and set the Kalash in the middle of the pot of barley on the altar.
4. Light a Ghee Diya before the Kalash and invoke the Goddess (Avahan). Many families keep this lamp burning for all nine days (Akhand Jyoti).

Step 3: Daily Puja (Days 1 to 9)

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense before the image of Maa Durga each morning and evening.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat to the Goddess and the Kalash.
3. Offering Flowers & Chunri: Offer red flowers and a Chunri, and sprinkle water on the barley sprouts every day.
4. Offering Naivedya: Offer the day's fruit or sweet, and worship the form of the Goddess for that day (Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri).

Step 4: Recitation and Aarti (Evening)

1. Sit before the altar with a few flower petals and Akshat in your right hand.
2. Recite or listen to the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmya), or the Durga Chalisa, with deep focus and devotion, and hear the story of the Goddess.
3. Perform the Durga Aarti with the lit Ghee lamp, ringing a bell and singing devotional hymns.
4. Offer the Akshat and flower petals at the feet of the Goddess and bow in prayer.

Step 5: Ashtami and Navami Rites (Days 8 and 9)

1. On Ashtami, invite nine young girls, who are honoured as forms of the Goddess, along with one young boy (Batuk).
2. Wash their feet, apply Tilak, tie Kalava on their wrists, and seat them with respect. This is Kanya Puja.
3. Serve them Halwa, Puri, and black gram, offer gifts or a small token, and take their blessings by touching their feet.
4. On Navami, perform the Havan and celebrate Ram Navami by worshipping Shri Rama, reciting from the Ramayana, and singing his bhajans.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Fast

1. After the Navami rites, offer a final aarti and ask forgiveness for any shortcoming in the worship (Kshama Prarthana).
2. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
3. Distribute the prasad among family members, and give the barley sprouts as a blessing or place them in flowing water.
4. Break your fast with the prasad and a simple sattvic meal once the Navami rites are complete.

Day 1: Ghatasthapana (Shailaputri Puja)

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Goddess Durga: Men and women alike observe the nine days with fasting and worship, seeking the Goddess's strength, protection, and blessings.
• Families Seeking Prosperity: Households begin the Hindu new year with this puja to invite peace, health, and prosperity (Sukh-Samriddhi) into the home.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathe early and take the sankalp after sunrise.
• Ghatasthapana Muhurat: The Kalash is installed in the morning, in the early hours of the day. Check the Ghatasthapana muhurat for your city on this page.
• Daily Worship: Throughout the nine days, worship the Goddess in the morning and light the lamp in the evening.
• Closing the Day: Break the fast with a simple sattvic meal after the evening Aarti.

About the Festival

Chaitra Navratri is a deeply revered observance celebrated across India, in which devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga over nine days. It takes place from the Pratipada (first day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra.

The Vrat Katha (Story of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura)

Once upon a time, the mighty demon Mahishasura received a boon of near-invincibility from Lord Brahma, and became so proud that he attacked the heavens. The Devas were defeated and driven out of their homes, and they sought the help of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

The three Gods, in great anger, released a blinding light from their bodies, and the light of all the Devas joined with it to take the form of a radiant goddess. Each God gave her a weapon: Shiva a trident, Vishnu a discus, and the others their own arms. Seated upon a lion, Goddess Durga went to war against Mahishasura.

The battle lasted nine days, and Mahishasura took many forms to deceive her. The Goddess, hearing the prayers of the Devas, assured them: "Do not fear. Worship me with a pure heart, and I will protect all who take refuge in me." On the tenth day, she defeated the demon and restored dharma to the world. Since that day, devotees have worshipped the Goddess during these nine days to seek her strength and protection.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Idol: A picture or idol of Goddess Durga, placed on a Chowki (wooden stool) covered with a red cloth
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, for the Akhand Jyot (lamp kept burning for nine days) where families keep it
• Kalash Set: A Kalash filled with water, mango leaves, a coconut wrapped in a red cloth, and a clay pot with soil and barley (Jau) seeds
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Fruits, sweets, Halwa, and Kheer
• Devotional Accessories: Red flowers, red chunri, Kalava (sacred red thread), and incense

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably red or yellow).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Divine Mother Durga, I begin these nine days of worship with pure devotion. Grant me the strength to complete this vow, and bless my family with health and prosperity."
3. Observe the fast with fruits, milk, and sattvic food (no grains, onion, or garlic), as the family tradition prescribes.

Step 2: Preparing the Altar and Sowing Barley

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) of your home and spread a clean red cloth on the Chowki.
2. Spread a layer of soil in the clay pot, scatter the barley seeds, and sprinkle a little water over them.
3. Place the image of Goddess Durga on the Chowki.

Step 3: Installing the Kalash (Ghatasthapana)

1. Placing the Kalash: Fill the Kalash with clean water and place it on top of the clay pot.
2. Adorning the Kalash: Put mango leaves around its mouth, and place the coconut wrapped in red cloth over it.
3. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat to the Kalash and the image of the Goddess.
4. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya, and the Akhand Jyot if your family keeps it, before the Goddess.

Step 4: Invoking the Goddess and Reciting the Katha

1. Offer red flowers, a chunri, and Kalava to the Goddess, and invoke her presence with folded hands.
2. Recite or listen to the Durga Saptashati, or the story of the Goddess, with deep focus and devotion.
3. After the reading, sprinkle a few grains of rice at the feet of the Goddess.

Step 5: Aarti and Naivedya

1. Offer fruits, sweets, and Halwa in small portions before the Goddess.
2. Perform the Durga Mata Aarti using the lit lamp while singing devotional hymns.
3. Pray for the health, strength, and prosperity of your family.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among family members and children.
3. Break your fast by partaking in the prasad and a simple sattvic meal. Sprinkle water on the barley each day through the nine days.

Annapurna Puja (Bengal)

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Puja?

• Homemakers: Women who run the kitchen and household worship Goddess Annapurna so that their home never lacks food and warmth.
• Families Seeking Abundance: Households pray for plentiful grain, good health, and the blessing of a well-fed family.
• Devotees Seeking Contentment: All devotees may take part, seeking food for themselves and for those in need, and the grace to share it.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Bath and Sankalp: Done early, in Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn hours) or at sunrise.
• Puja Muhurat: The Annapurna Puja is done in the morning, in Purvahna (the forenoon). Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Feeding the Needy: Done after the puja and the Aarti, through the day.

About the Festival

Annapurna Puja is a much-loved Bengali observance in which Goddess Annapurna, the Divine Mother who gives nourishment to all beings, is worshipped with offerings of food. It takes place on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra.

The Katha (Story of Goddess Annapurna)

Once, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were speaking about the world. Shiva said that food and the material world were only illusion (Maya) and had no real worth. Parvati, hearing this, was moved to show him otherwise.

The Goddess then vanished from the world, and with her went all food and nourishment. The earth turned barren, and all beings, including Shiva himself, were left hungry and suffering. Realising his mistake, Shiva went out with a begging bowl through the city of Kashi in search of alms.

There, Parvati appeared before him as Annapurna, radiant and smiling, and fed him with her own hands, saying: "Food is as sacred as the Divine itself. Whoever feeds the hungry feeds me, and my children will never go without." Shiva bowed in reverence and accepted the alms, understanding that nourishment is itself the Goddess's blessing.

Since that day, devotees have worshipped Annapurna as the giver of food and sustenance, praying that their homes remain full of grain and that none go hungry.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Goddess Annapurna, holding a vessel of food and a ladle, placed on a Chowki
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Chandan, Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Incense: A Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Dhoop or Agarbatti
• Sacred Water Container: A Kalash filled with fresh water, with mango leaves and a coconut
• Grains & Food Offerings (Naivedya): Rice, dal, Payesh (rice kheer), Khichuri, seasonal vegetables, and sweets
• Devotional Accessories: Flowers, Bel leaves, Kalava (sacred red thread), and a new cloth or Sari for the Goddess

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably red, yellow, or white with a red border).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Divine Mother Annapurna, today I worship you with devotion. Bless my home with plentiful food, good health, and the heart to share with those in need."
3. Many devotees keep a light fast or eat only sattvic food until the puja is done.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) or the puja room of your home.
2. Place the image of Goddess Annapurna on a Chowki covered with a clean red cloth.
3. Place the Kalash filled with water near the idol, and keep a small pot of rice and the prepared dishes close by.

Step 3: Performing the Puja

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense before Goddess Annapurna.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan, Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat to the image.
3. Offering Flowers & Threads: Offer fresh flowers and Bel leaves, and tie Kalava around the Kalash.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place rice, Payesh, Khichuri, vegetables, and sweets before the Goddess, offering grain first.

Step 4: Prayers and Stotra

1. Hold a few grains of rice and flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the Annapurna Stotram, or recite the story of the Goddess, with deep focus and devotion.
3. After the prayers, offer the grains and petals at the feet of the Goddess.

Step 5: Aarti and Feeding the Needy

1. Perform the Annapurna Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. Offer the Naivedya to the Goddess and pray for the hungry everywhere.
3. Offer the first portion of the prasad to the poor and hungry before eating, in keeping with the spirit of the day.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among family members, neighbours, and visitors.
3. Close the day with a simple sattvic meal, eaten together with gratitude for the food on your plate.

Ashokashtami (Odisha)

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Puja?

• Devotees of Lord Lingaraj and Lord Shiva: Families in Odisha, especially around Bhubaneswar, observe this day with worship and take part in the festival of the Lord's chariot journey.
• Women and Families: Many women keep a fast or a simple observance on this day to seek freedom from sorrow (Shoka Nivaran) and the wellbeing of their families.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Puja: The puja and the Sankalp are done in the morning after sunrise, after the early bath.
• Ashoka Bud Water: Taken after the morning puja, once the Ashoka flowers have been offered to the deity.
• Rukuna Rath Yatra: The chariot procession at the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar takes place later in the day. Check the temple schedule for the exact hour.
• Evening Prayer: A Ghee lamp is lit in Pradosh Kaal (the period after sunset). Check the sunset time for your city on this page.

About the Festival

Ashokashtami is a much-loved Odia observance in which devotees worship the Ashoka tree and the Lord, and the famous Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj is held in Bhubaneswar. It takes place on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra.

The Katha (Story of Sita and the Ashoka Tree)

Once upon a time, when Ravana carried Goddess Sita away from the forest, she was kept in a grove of Ashoka trees known as Ashoka Vatika in Lanka. Day after day she sat beneath an Ashoka tree, weeping for Lord Rama and surrounded by guards who threatened and frightened her.

Even in that grief, Sita held firmly to her faith and her devotion to Rama. The Ashoka tree, whose very name means "without sorrow", became her only shelter in that place of fear and loneliness.

Later, Hanuman reached the grove, found Sita under the tree, and gave her Rama's ring along with the message that help was near. Sita's faith never wavered, and in time Rama crossed the sea, defeated Ravana, and brought her home. It is remembered that Sita's sorrows ended in the shade of the Ashoka tree, and so the tree is prayed to for relief from grief: "O Ashoka tree, born in the month of Chaitra, I drink your buds, burdened with sorrow. Make me free from sorrow forever."

Since that day, devotees worship the Ashoka tree on this Ashtami and drink water with its buds, praying to be freed from grief and sorrow.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Lord Lingaraj (Lord Shiva) or your family deity
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Chandan (sandalwood paste), Kumkum, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Incense: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Dhoop or Agarbatti
• Ashoka Flowers & Buds: Eight Ashoka flower buds (Ashoka Kalika) and fresh Ashoka leaves, if available
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Fruits, sweets, and the simple prasad your family prepares
• Devotional Accessories: Bael leaves (Bilva Patra), sacred thread (kalava), and a vessel of fresh water

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes.
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Lingaraj, today I observe Ashokashtami with faith. Remove all sorrow from my life and from my family, and grant us peace and wellbeing."
3. Keep a simple observance through the day. Many families eat only light, sattvic food until the puja is done.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the puja area, especially the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) of your home.
2. Place the idol or picture of the deity on a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean cloth.
3. Keep the Ashoka buds, Bilva leaves, and a vessel of fresh water near the deity.

Step 3: Performing the Puja

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and place it before the deity.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan, Kumkum, and Akshat to the idol.
3. Offering Flowers & Leaves: Offer Ashoka flowers and Bilva leaves, and tie a piece of Kalava around the vessel.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place fruits and sweets before the deity.

Step 4: Ashoka Bud Water

1. Take eight Ashoka buds and place them in a small vessel of clean water.
2. Offer the water to the deity with a prayer for freedom from sorrow.
3. Drink a little of the water as prasad. This is the widely followed custom of this day.

Step 5: Aarti and Rukuna Rath Yatra

1. Perform the Aarti of the deity with the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. If you are in Bhubaneswar, join the Rukuna Rath Yatra procession of Lord Lingaraj, or pray for the Lord's darshan from your home.
3. In the evening, light a Ghee lamp near the Ashoka tree, if there is one near your home.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among your family members.
3. Close the day with a simple sattvic meal.

Ram Navami

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Lord Rama: Men and women of all ages observe this vrat to seek the blessings of Shri Ram and to live a life of dharma, truth, and righteousness.
• Families: Whole households celebrate together, praying for peace, harmony, and the protection of their families (Kalyan).

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathe early, ideally during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn hours), and take the Sankalp to begin the fast.
• Puja Muhurat: The main puja is done at Madhyahna (midday), the hour at which Lord Rama is believed to have been born. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page. (In Bihar and Odisha, some families begin the observance from sunrise.)
• Evening Aarti: Aarti and devotional singing after sunset, followed by the fast being broken.

About the Festival

Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is celebrated across India with great devotion, in the South as Sri Rama Navami. It takes place on the Navami (ninth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra.

The Vrat Katha (Story of the Birth of Lord Rama)

In the city of Ayodhya, King Dasharatha of the Ikshvaku dynasty ruled with justice and wisdom. He had three queens, Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra, but no children to carry his lineage forward. This was a deep sorrow for the king and his people.

On the advice of his preceptor, Sage Vashishtha, the king invited the great sage Rishyashringa to perform the Putrakameshti Yagna. When the yagna was complete, a divine being rose from the sacrificial fire carrying a bowl of sacred payasam (sweet rice pudding). The king shared it among his queens.

Sage Vashishtha assured the king: "O King, your wish is fulfilled. Four sons will be born to you, and the eldest will be the Lord Himself, born to rid the world of adharma and to protect the righteous." In time, on the Navami of Chaitra Shukla Paksha, at midday, Queen Kaushalya gave birth to Lord Rama. Bharata was born to Kaikeyi, and Lakshmana and Shatrughna were born to Sumitra. All of Ayodhya rejoiced.

Rama grew up to be the ideal son, brother, husband, and king, upholding dharma through every trial. Since that day, devotees have celebrated Ram Navami with fasting, worship, and the singing of Rama's name, seeking his blessings for a righteous life.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the midday puja:

• Image / Idol: A picture or idol of Shri Ram Darbar (Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman)
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, Chandan (sandalwood paste), and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Incense: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Dhoop or incense sticks
• Sacred Water Container: A Kalash filled with clean water (Gangajal if available) with mango leaves and a coconut
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Kheer or Panchamrit, fruits, and Panakam (jaggery and pepper drink) and Kosambari (soaked lentil salad) as made in the South
• Devotional Accessories: Fresh flowers, Tulsi leaves, a flower garland, and Kalava (sacred thread)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes.
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Shri Ram, today I observe this vrat in your name. Bless me and my family with dharma, peace, and devotion to your lotus feet."
3. Observe the fast through the day. Many devotees eat only fruits and milk (Phalahar), while some fast completely until the evening.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) of your home or the puja room.
2. Place the picture or idol of Shri Ram Darbar on a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean red or yellow cloth.
3. Place the Kalash filled with water, with mango leaves and a coconut on top, next to the altar.

Step 3: Performing the Midday Rituals

1. Abhishek: Bathe the idol of Lord Rama gently with water or Panchamrit, and dry it with a soft cloth.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan, Roli, and Akshat to the deity.
3. Offering Flowers & Tulsi: Offer fresh flowers, a garland, and Tulsi leaves, and light the Ghee Diya and incense.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place the Kheer, fruits, and Panakam before the deity. In many homes in the South, the family then celebrates the wedding of Sita and Rama (Sita Rama Kalyanam).

Step 4: Reciting the Katha

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully before the altar and recite or listen to the story of Rama's birth, or the Ramcharitmanas or the Sundar Kand with deep focus and devotion.
3. After the recitation, offer the grains and petals at the feet of the deity.

Step 5: Aarti and Rama Naam

1. Perform the Ram Aarti ("Shri Ramchandra Kripalu Bhajman") using the lit Ghee lamp.
2. Chant "Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram" and sing bhajans with family members.
3. Offer a final bow (Pranam) to the Lord.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Distributing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among family members, neighbours, and children.
3. Break your fast by partaking in the prasad and a simple sattvic meal.