Shardiya Navratri 2026: 9 Things to Add to a Diya for 9 Days to Seek Maa Durga’s Blessings

Shardiya Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated across India. In 2026, Navratri begins on October 11 and is followed by Vijayadashami on October 20. During these nine days, devotees worship the nine forms of Maa Durga and pray for happiness, peace, prosperity, and well-being.

The festival brings a special spiritual feeling to homes and temples. People decorate their houses, light diyas, offer flowers and bhog, observe fasts, and chant mantras dedicated to Maa Durga. From beautifully decorated pandals to the sound of devotional songs and aartis, the entire atmosphere feels festive and full of devotion.

Many devotees also follow traditional rituals during Navratri to seek the blessings of the Goddess. One such practice involves lighting a diya at home and using different traditional ingredients on each of the nine days.

According to popular religious beliefs, these rituals are associated with positive energy, peace, prosperity, and protection from negativity. However, these are faith-based practices, and their results are not guaranteed.

If you could not follow a ritual on the first few days of Navratri, you can still focus on prayer and devotion during the remaining days. Here is a simple guide to the nine diya rituals associated with Shardiya Navratri 2026.

What Is the Significance of Nine Diyas During Navratri?

The diya holds a special place in Hindu worship. Its light represents knowledge, hope, purity, and the victory of good over evil. Lighting a diya during puja is a way for devotees to offer their prayers and create a peaceful atmosphere at home.

Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Maa Durga. Some traditional practices connect specific ingredients with each Goddess and the qualities devotees seek through worship.

These rituals are not compulsory. Devotees can follow them according to their family traditions, personal beliefs, and convenience. The main purpose is to worship Maa Durga with a sincere heart.

Day 1: Add Two Cloves to the Diya

The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, the first form of Navdurga. She is associated with strength, devotion, and a strong connection with nature.

According to a popular traditional belief, devotees may place two cloves near the diya while lighting it at the main entrance of their home. Cloves are commonly used in religious rituals and are also known for their strong fragrance.

This practice is traditionally associated with protection from negative influences and creating a positive atmosphere at home.

How to follow it: Light a diya safely near the entrance or in your designated puja area, and offer your prayers to Maa Shailputri.

Day 2: Offer One Cardamom

The second day is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini, who represents dedication, patience, discipline, and devotion.

Some traditional Navratri rituals suggest keeping one cardamom near the diya during the evening puja. Cardamom is valued for its pleasant fragrance and is often used in Indian sweets and religious offerings.

According to popular beliefs, this ritual is associated with sweetness in relationships, harmony among family members, and prayers for prosperity.

How to follow it: Place the cardamom near the diya or on your puja plate as an offering. Avoid putting it directly into a burning flame.

Day 3: Use Camphor During Puja

The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta. She is worshipped as a symbol of courage, strength, and protection.

Camphor is traditionally used during Hindu aarti and puja. Its fragrance and bright flame are associated with purity and devotion.

Some devotees connect camphor rituals with mental clarity, peace, and the removal of negative thoughts. These associations are part of religious tradition rather than guaranteed outcomes.

How to follow it: If your family tradition permits, perform a camphor aarti separately using a suitable aarti holder. Do not place a camphor tablet inside an oil diya, as it can create a sudden or uncontrolled flame.

Day 4: Offer Akshat and Kumkum

The fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda. She is believed to be the divine energy associated with the creation of the universe and is worshipped for vitality, light, and well-being.

Akshat refers to unbroken rice grains used in Hindu rituals, while kumkum is a traditional red powder offered during puja.

According to religious beliefs, offering akshat and kumkum is associated with auspiciousness, prosperity, and devotion to the Goddess.

How to follow it: Place five unbroken rice grains and a small amount of kumkum on your puja plate or near the diya. Offer them while praying to Maa Kushmanda. Do not drop powders or rice into the burning oil or ghee.

Day 5: Offer a Pinch of Turmeric

The fifth day is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, who represents motherhood, compassion, and protection.

Turmeric has an important place in Indian traditions. It is associated with purity, auspiciousness, and good fortune and is commonly used in religious ceremonies.

Some devotees offer a small pinch of turmeric during Navratri puja while praying for family harmony, peace, and well-being.

How to follow it: Keep a little turmeric on your puja plate and offer your prayers to Maa Skandamata. There is no need to put it directly into the diya.

Day 6: Offer Rose Petals and Honey

The sixth day is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, who is associated with courage, determination, and inner strength.

Rose petals are often used in worship because of their beauty and fragrance. Honey is also offered as part of traditional Hindu rituals and bhog.

According to popular devotional beliefs, these offerings represent sweetness, harmony, and a peaceful mind.

How to follow it: Offer two clean rose petals and a small amount of honey in separate containers on your puja plate. Pray to Maa Katyayani for strength, patience, and peace in your daily life.

Day 7: Offer Black Sesame Seeds

The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kalaratri. She is worshipped as a powerful form of Maa Durga who represents courage and the destruction of evil.

Black sesame seeds are used in several Hindu religious rituals. Some traditions associate them with protection and prayers for freedom from fear and negative influences.

How to follow it: Place a few black sesame seeds in a small bowl as an offering during the evening puja. Light the diya separately and pray to Maa Kalaratri for courage and protection.

Day 8: Offer Two Pieces of Mishri

The eighth day is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, who represents purity, peace, and compassion. Many devotees celebrate Maha Ashtami with special prayers, bhog, and Kanya Puja, according to their family traditions.

Mishri, or rock sugar, is commonly used as a sweet offering during Hindu worship. It symbolises sweetness and is associated with happiness and harmony.

How to follow it: Offer two small pieces of mishri on your puja plate while praying to Maa Mahagauri. Devotees may seek her blessings for peace, happiness, and fulfilment of their sincere wishes.

Day 9: Offer Cinnamon and Bay Leaves

The ninth day is dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri, the final form of Navdurga. She is worshipped for wisdom, spiritual growth, and divine blessings.

Cinnamon and bay leaves are commonly used in Indian cooking, and some popular Navratri rituals also include them as symbolic offerings.

According to these traditions, the ingredients are associated with prayers for progress, prosperity, and success in personal and professional life.

How to follow it: Keep a small piece of cinnamon and a clean bay leaf on your puja plate. Offer your prayers to Maa Siddhidatri and seek guidance for your work, studies, business, and family life.

Important Safety Tips for Lighting a Diya

While following traditional rituals, it is important to keep safety in mind.

• Avoid putting dry ingredients, powders, petals, sugar, or spices into a burning diya. They can cause unexpected flames, smoke, or splattering.

• Keep the diya on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from curtains, paper, and other flammable objects.

• Never leave a burning diya unattended, especially around children or pets.

• Use camphor only in a suitable holder and in a well-ventilated space.

You can follow the spiritual meaning of these rituals by placing the ingredients separately on your puja plate instead of adding them to the flame.

Conclusion

Shardiya Navratri is a time to strengthen faith, practise gratitude, and welcome positivity into everyday life. The nine forms of Maa Durga remind devotees of qualities such as courage, patience, compassion, discipline, and wisdom.

Lighting a diya, chanting a mantra, offering flowers, or spending a few quiet moments in prayer can make your Navratri worship more meaningful. You do not need to follow every ritual perfectly to express your devotion.

Follow your family traditions, take care while performing puja, and celebrate these nine days with faith and respect. May this Shardiya Navratri bring peace, happiness, and well-being to you and your family.