According to the scriptures, the festival of Navratri is celebrated 4 times a year, with Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri being the major ones. On the other hand, the festival of Gupt Navratri is celebrated in the month of Magha and Ashadha. Every year Chaitra Navratri is celebrated from the first day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month to Navami Tithi.
What is Chaitra Navratri?
According to the Hindu calendar, the Navratri festival commemorates the change of seasons. There are a total of four Navratris in a year. Among them, two are Gupta Navratri, along with Small and Big Navratri. Chaitra Navratri is regarded as the Big Navratri and is termed Badi Navratri. Chaitra Navratri holds all kinds of religious, scientific and social significance.
The first day of Chaitra Navratri is the first day of the Hindu New Year. It is said that on this day, Lord Brahma created the universe. Also, the very first incarnation of Lord Vishnu took place during Chaitra Navratri. Furthermore, Chaitra Navratri is considered to be the beginning of the summer season.
Chaitra Navratri 2023, Date and Timings
This year the festival of Chaitra Navratri starts on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 and ends on March 30, 2023.
Navratri Starts: Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 06:23 a.m to 07:32 a.m
Navratri Ends: Chaitra Navratri Parana is on Friday, March 31, 2023
Muhurat for the devotees observing Chaitra Navratri fast is after 06:13 a.m
Let’s find the Muhurat of Navratri Ghatsthapan on the day of Navratri
Significance of Chaitra Navratri
The word ‘Navratri’ is an amalgamation of two words, ‘Nava’ and ‘Ratri’. ‘Nav’ means nine and the word ‘Ratri’ is again composed of two words, ‘Ra’ and ‘Tri’. Ra means night and Tri means the three aspects of life – body, mind and soul.
As a change of season occurs during this time, our sages have made a law to fast during Chaitra Navratri and worship Mother Goddess in various forms. As Nature is also regarded as Mother Goddess, during Chaitra Navratri various forms of ‘Mata’ are worshipped to gain good health, wealth and prosperity, as well as to increase self-confidence. Practising Sadhana during Chaitra Navratri gives immense mental strength and fulfils spiritual and worldly desires.
- Maa Shailputri on the first day,
- Maa Brahmacharini on the second day,
- Goddess Chandraghanta on the third day,
- Maa Kushmanda on the fourth day,
- Maa Skandmata on the fifth day,
- Goddess Katyayani on the sixth day,
- Maa Kalratri on the seventh day,
- Maa Mahagauri on the eighth day and
- Goddess Siddhidatri on the ninth day.
The devotees keep fasting during Chaitra Navratri to please Maa Durga. As per religious beliefs, the Chaitra Navratri puja is considered successful only after performing a Kanya Puja on the last day of Navratri.
Puja Vidhi
- On the first day of Chaitra Navratri, the devotees who keep a fast should wake up early, have a bath and wear fresh clothes.
- Then they should purify the whole house by sprinkling Gangajal in every corner.
- Then the idol of Maa Durga should be bathed with milk and water. Following this, the idol is placed in the area of worship and Maa Durga’s Shringar is done with the help of red clothes, flowers and sindoor.
- Kalash sthapana has special significance before puja. The devotees should spread a red cloth on the floor, in front of Maa Durga’s idol and place the Kalash. Then a coconut and five mango leaves are kept on the Kalash and finally, a sacred red dhaga (thread) is tied to the coconut by chanting Maa Durga Mantras.
- Then various offerings such as oil lamps, incense sticks, sweets, fruits, kheer, etc. are made and the puja is conducted.
- According to religious beliefs, some devotees light a monolithic lamp during Navratri and ensure that the lamp is lit continuously for nine days. Only then their worship is considered successful.
- The devotees observing the fast shouldn’t consume non-veg, onion or garlic. They should eat fruits only while observing the fast for nine days.
Find what are the Benefits of Fasting during Navratri
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