One week before
- Decide where the home altar or puja space will be located.
- Clean and declutter the area rather than trying to redesign the whole home.
- Check lamps, plates, incense holders and reusable decor.
- Plan flowers, fruits and daily offerings that fit your family tradition.
- If you maintain an Akhand Jyot, assess fire safety and adult supervision before committing to it.
The day before Navratri
- Finish routine cleaning and keep the puja area dry and stable.
- Wash reusable cloths, thalis and vessels.
- Prepare grains or soil if your family sows barley/khetri.
- Set aside a safe lamp area away from curtains, children and pets.
- Verify the local Ghatasthapana muhurta if your tradition follows one.
Keep the setup practical
A home altar does not need to be expensive. A clean surface, image or murti used by the family, lamp, flowers and basic offerings can be enough. Avoid buying ritual items merely to reproduce social-media aesthetics. The point is to support worship, not create pressure.