Chaitra Navratri- 2026: What to offer and what to avoid when worshipping Goddess Durga for fruitful prayers
Chaitra Navratri, the great festival of power and worship, is set to begin on March 19, 2026. In Hinduism, Navratri is a unique confluence of power and devotion. Navratri occurs four times a year, with the Chaitra month's Navratri holding special spiritual significance. Nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped during Navratri.
Bhog is offered to each form of Goddess Durga. Fruits are offered along with grains. However, the devotees should follow the rules regarding the offerings. There are some fruits and grains that you should avoid offering to Goddess Durga during Navratri, even by mistake.
These fruits should not be offered to Goddess Durga
Figs: According to scriptures, figs should never be offered to Goddess Durga during Chaitra Navratri. Figs are considered a Tamasic fruit. Therefore, they are not offered to the Goddess.
Lemons: Lemons are primarily used in Tantric worship. Therefore, they are not offered in the Satvik worship of Goddess Durga.
Dry coconuts: During Chaitra Navratri, offering a coconut filled with water to the Goddess is considered auspicious, but a dry coconut should not be offered.
Stale or cut fruits: It is said that stale or cut fruits should not be offered to the Goddess. Only fresh fruits should be offered to the deities.
Gooseberries: Gooseberries should also not be offered to the Goddess. It is a highly sour fruit. Therefore, it should never be offered.
These fruits should be offered to Goddess
Apple: Offered as a symbol of health and beauty.
Mango: For attaining knowledge and prosperity.
Amla: This is a fruit very dear to the Mother Goddess and symbolizes purity.
Pomegranate: Provides happiness, prosperity, and health.
Banana: Offered for child happiness and family well-being.
Coconut: Offering coconut to the Mother Goddess is considered very auspicious; it is also called Shrifal.