Chaitra Navratri

Major Hindu Festival, Fasting, Devotion

Partial/Regional Public Holiday (specifically for Rama Navami on the 9th day in some regions)

9 Nights and 10 Days

Celebrates the divine feminine (Shakti) in her various forms, particularly Goddess Durga. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year (Vikram Samvat) and signifies the victory of good over evil. The ninth day culminates in Rama Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.

Key Rituals & Practices

Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) - Ritual installation of a pot symbolizing the universe and the Goddess, marking the beginning of the Navratri.

Daily Pujas and Aarti (worship rituals with lamps) dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Fasting - Many devotees observe partial or full fasts for all nine days, consuming only fruits, specific grains (e.g., Kuttu, Singhara), and milk products.

Recitation of religious texts like Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam) and other Devi Stotras (hymns).

Worship of the nine forms of Durga (Navadurga), with one form dedicated to each day.

Kanya Pujan / Kanjak - On the 8th (Ashtami) or 9th (Navami) day, young girls (symbolizing the Goddess) are worshipped, fed special food (puri, chana, halwa), and given gifts.

Homa (Hawan) - Fire rituals are performed to invoke the blessings of the deities.

Rama Navami Celebration - On the ninth day, the birth of Lord Rama is celebrated with special pujas, bhajans, and processions.

Breaking the fast - Observance ends after the Navami puja and Kanya Pujan or on Dashami (the 10th day).

Associated Deities

Goddess Durga (and her nine forms: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri)

Lord Rama (on Rama Navami)

Lord Vishnu (as Rama)

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Chaitra

Paksha

Shukla Paksha (Bright Fortnight)

Tithi

Pratipada (1st day) to Navami (9th day)

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

According to Hindu scriptures, Chaitra Navratri signifies the beginning of spring and the onset of a new year in the traditional Hindu calendar (Vikram Samvat). It is believed to be the period when Goddess Durga was worshipped by Lord Rama before his war with Ravana, seeking her blessings for victory. The celebration also aligns with the creation of the universe by Brahma, as described in the Markandeya Purana. Each of the nine days is dedicated to a specific incarnation of Goddess Durga, representing different aspects of divine power and righteousness.

Alternative Names

Vasant Navratri

Rama Navratri

Gregorian Date

Varies annually, typically falls in March or April