Shardiya Navratri 2026 began on Sunday, October 11. Day 3 falls on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, and is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga. The colour of the day is red.
Who is Maa Chandraghanta
Maa Chandraghanta gets her name from the half moon (chandra) shaped like a bell (ghanta) on her forehead. She is shown riding a tiger or lion, with ten arms holding weapons. She is worshipped as a form of Durga who removes fear and gives courage and peace to her devotees.
Navratri Day 3 colour: Red
The colour for Day 3 of Navratri 2026 is red, as the day falls on a Tuesday. Red stands for strength and devotion. Many devotees wear red clothes and offer red flowers to the goddess on this day.
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How to do Maa Chandraghanta puja
- Take a bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes, preferably red.
- Clean the puja place and place the idol or picture of Maa Chandraghanta.
- Light a diya and offer red flowers, kumkum, akshat (rice) and sandalwood.
- Chant the mantra of Maa Chandraghanta.
- Offer bhog, read the Durga Saptashati or Navratri katha, and end with aarti.
Maa Chandraghanta mantra
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah
Bhog for Day 3
Milk and sweets made from milk, such as kheer, are traditionally offered to Maa Chandraghanta. The prasad is then distributed among family members.
Navratri 2026 colours and dates
| Day | Date | Goddess | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | October 11 (Sunday) | Maa Shailaputri | Orange |
| Day 2 | October 12 (Monday) | Maa Brahmacharini | White |
| Day 3 | October 13 (Tuesday) | Maa Chandraghanta | Red |
| Day 4 | October 14 (Wednesday) | Maa Kushmanda | Royal Blue |
| Day 5 | October 15 (Thursday) | Maa Skandamata | Yellow |
| Day 6 | October 16 (Friday) | Maa Katyayani | Green |
| Day 7 | October 17 (Saturday) | Maa Kalaratri | Grey |
| Day 8 (Ashtami) | October 18 (Sunday) | Maa Mahagauri | Purple |
| Day 9 (Navami) | October 19 (Monday) | Maa Siddhidatri | Peacock Green |
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Which goddess is worshipped on Navratri Day 3?
Maa Chandraghanta, the third form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped on Day 3.
What is the colour of Navratri Day 3 in 2026?
The colour of Day 3 (October 13, 2026) is red.
What is the bhog for Maa Chandraghanta?
Milk and milk-based sweets such as kheer are traditionally offered.
When is Durga Ashtami in Navratri 2026?
Durga Ashtami falls on Sunday, October 18, 2026, and Maha Navami on Monday, October 19.
Dates and colours may vary slightly by regional panchang. Photo: Jonoikobangali / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
