Navratri Puja at Home: Simple Puja Vidhi, Samagri & Guide

18th October, 2026

Navratri is a sacred festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her different forms.

For nine days, devotees may observe prayer, fasting, mantra chanting and other spiritual practices. Families celebrate Navratri in different ways across India.

You can also create a simple Navratri Puja at home with a clean prayer space and a few traditional items.

What Is Navratri?

Navratri means nine nights and refers to a period of devotion dedicated to the Divine Mother.

Many traditions worship different forms of Goddess Durga during these nine days.

Celebration styles can differ across regions. Some families focus on daily puja, while others also participate in community celebrations, devotional singing or fasting.

Navratri Puja Samagri List

Common items include:

Maa Durga idol or image
Kalash
Coconut
Mango leaves, if traditionally used
Diya
Cotton wicks
Oil or ghee
Incense or dhoop
Fresh flowers
Kumkum
Turmeric
Akshat
Red cloth
Fruits
Sweets or prasad
Durga Puja book
Navratri prayer or mantra

Your family tradition may require additional items.

How to Prepare for Navratri Puja

1. Clean Your Prayer Space

Clean the mandir or prayer area before beginning the festival.

Keep the space fresh and organised throughout Navratri.

2. Prepare the Kalash

Many traditions include a kalash as part of the Navratri setup.

Prepare it according to your family or regional practice.

3. Place the Deity

Arrange the Maa Durga idol or image in the prepared space.

Decorate the area with flowers, red cloth and simple festive elements.

Simple Navratri Puja Vidhi

Step 1: Begin With Prayer

Sit calmly in front of the deity.

Take a few moments to focus your mind before starting the puja.

Step 2: Light the Diya

Light the diya and incense safely.

The warm light can create a peaceful atmosphere for prayer.

Step 3: Offer Flowers

Offer fresh flowers to Maa Durga.

You can also offer kumkum, rice and other traditional items according to your practice.

Step 4: Recite Mantras or Prayers

Read a Durga prayer or recite a familiar mantra.

You may also spend a few minutes in silent meditation.

Step 5: Offer Bhog

Prepare fruits, sweets or other traditional offerings according to your family practice.

Step 6: Perform Aarti

Complete the puja with aarti.

Invite family members to participate if they wish.

Step 7: Continue the Practice

During Navratri, many families maintain a daily prayer routine.

You can repeat a short version of the puja each day while following your traditional practices.

Navratri Fasting

Many devotees observe fasting during Navratri.

However, fasting practices vary widely. Some people avoid particular foods, while others follow a limited meal routine.

Choose an approach that is appropriate for your circumstances. If you have health or dietary concerns, seek suitable professional guidance.

Final Thoughts

Navratri gives devotees an opportunity to spend more time in prayer, reflection and devotion.

A simple home setup can be enough to create a meaningful daily practice.

Follow your family tradition, keep your prayer space peaceful and approach each day with devotion.

Pujalay is being created as a space for faith, spiritual knowledge and the rich traditions behind Indian festivals. Stay connected for more guides on puja, festivals and spiritual practices.