Navratri Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta, Puja, Rituals, Colour, Significance, And Things To Do

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Ten arms holding weapons, a lion beneath her, and a half moon shaped like a bell on her brow. Maa Chandraghanta is shown as fierce and serene at once. Navratri Day 3 falls on 13 October, when devotees worship her as the third form of Goddess Durga.

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The day follows Maa Brahmacharini's day of penance on 12 October, and comes before Maa Kushmanda on 14 October. The 2026 colour list runs orange on 11 October, white on 12 October, red on 13 October and royal blue on 14 October.

Who Is Maa Chandraghanta?

She is the third of the Navadurga, adorned with a crescent moon shaped like a bell, and represents courage, supreme bravery and serenity. The image holds two ideas together: readiness to fight and a calm that does not break.

Her name joins chandra, the moon, with ghanta, a bell. She is shown with ten arms carrying weapons and seated on a lion, and is described as the Goddess as a bride. Some almanacs also link the day with the planet Mars.

Significance Of Navratri Day 3

Worshipping her is believed to destroy obstacles, repel negative energies and instil fearless strength. She is associated with courage, protection and freedom from fear. Her worship is also linked to alertness, guiding devotees to face challenges fearlessly.

The lesson of the day is balance. Real strength, in this reading, stays composed under pressure.

Navratri Day 3 Puja Vidhi

The ritual is simple enough to follow at home.

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• Begin the day with prayers and positive thoughts.
• Use red cloth or flowers for the puja if possible, since devotees often use red-coloured cloth, flowers or decorations.
• Recite her dhyana verse and meditate on her form.
• Chant 'Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah'.
• Offer milk, kheer or milk-based sweets as bhog.
• End with the Durga aarti.

For timing, Tritiya runs from 10:14 pm on 12 October to 11:29 pm on 13 October. Sunrise in Delhi is at 6:21 am, a useful reference for those who begin the puja early. Local panchang timings can differ by city.

Bhog: What To Offer Maa Chandraghanta

Milk is central to the day. Besides kheer, milk-based sweets, fruits and simple sattvic foods are commonly offered. Households that observe a fast may adapt the recipe to their own vrat rules. Whatever is offered is usually shared afterwards as prasad.

Navratri Day 3 Colour: Red

Red symbolises energy, courage, strength and devotion, and is linked to the powerful nature of Maa Chandraghanta. The colour list is a modern custom, so some calendars differ. Red is the most widely listed shade for this day in 2026.

Things To Do On Navratri Day 3

• Wear red, or add a red dupatta, scarf or accessory.
• Make kheer and share it with family and neighbours.
• Chant the mantra for a few quiet minutes, even if you cannot manage a full round.
• Light a diya and sit in silence for ten minutes before the day gets busy.
• Maintain a sattvic diet through the day, and keep drinking water if you are fasting.
• Choose one small fear to face today, such as a difficult call or an overdue conversation.

A Note For Those Fasting

Fasting is not suitable for everyone in the same way. People with medical conditions, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should take personalised medical advice before fasting. Keep meals balanced and light, and do not let hydration slip.