This year's Gupta Navratri of the Ashadh month runs from 15 July to 23 July 2026, nine days during which Maa Bhagwati's nine forms are worshipped with full rituals. Tradition holds that this Navratri carries the same significance as the Chaitra and Shardiya Navratris, the only difference being that its sadhana is performed secretly.
Nine days reserved for hidden sadhana
According to astrologers, these nine days are considered a special window for secret worship and attaining siddhis. Belief has it that great siddhas, sages and Vedic Brahmins usually perform their rituals openly during Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri, but during Gupta Navratri the same practitioners worship the goddess quietly, away from public view, which is why this period is called "Gupta" or hidden Navratri.
Pandit Manish Upadhyay says its power is no less
Ritual astrologer Pandit Manish Upadhyay explains that Gupta Navratri is not weaker in effect than the other two Navratris. He says the same divine energy of Maa Bhagwati that is active during Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri also works through these nine days, so devotees who worship with faith and discipline during this period can find success in important pending tasks. Upadhyay adds that young men and women whose marriages keep getting delayed or facing obstacles can seek Maa Bhagwati's blessings by following the remedies suggested for Gupta Navratri, with separate mantras given for unmarried girls and boys.
The Katyayani mantra for unmarried girls
Per Upadhyay, girls whose marriage is not getting fixed, or whose engagements keep breaking off for one reason or another, should sit on a pure woollen mat facing north during Gupta Navratri. After lighting a ghee lamp in front of them and meditating on Maa Katyayani, they should recite the mantra below with devotion. It is believed that regular chanting brings a suitable groom quickly, and this chant should specifically be done on the Ashtami and Navami tithis.
Katyayani mahamaye mahayoginyadhishwari.
Nandagopasutam devi, patim me kuru te namah.
108 chants for unmarried young men
For unmarried young men facing delays or obstacles in getting married, Upadhyay recommends a separate mantra to be chanted 108 times on the Ashtami and Navami tithis of Gupta Navratri. Tradition holds that reciting it with faith and trust removes hurdles related to marriage and creates the conditions for finding a suitable bride.
Patnim manoramam dehi manovrittanusarinim.
Tarinim durgasansarasagarasya kulodbhavam.
