Overview
- According to the Vedic/Hindu Panchang, the Amavasya tithi runs from the morning of March 18 (about 8:25 AM) until around 6:52 AM on March 19, making March 18 the primary day for observance.
- Chaitra Navratri starts on March 19 with Kalash Sthapana performed on the Pratipada tithi of Shukla Paksha.
- Hindu Panchang listings provide an early‑morning Ghatasthapana muhurat on March 19 with an Abhijit alternative near midday, with sources citing windows such as 6:10–8:35 AM or 6:52–8:08 AM and around 12 noon for Abhijit.
- Priests advise that ancestral offerings (pitru tarpan/Shraddha) are best performed on March 18, while Amavasya snan and daan may be done early on March 19 before Pratipada begins.
- The festival runs from March 19 to March 27, concluding with Rama Navami, and India Today notes traditional beliefs that the goddess arrives this year on a palanquin.