Chaitra Navratri: Significance, Tithi and 9 Days Festivities
About Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri is a special time for devotees of Maa Durga and Bhagwan Ram. During these nine days, people worship the nine forms of Devi Shakti. On the final day, they celebrate Ram Navami, marking the birth of Bhagwan Rama. Chaitra Navratri begins on the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar, which falls in March or April. Many rituals observed during the more widely known Shardiya Navratri, which occurs in September or October, are also practised during Chaitra Navratri.
Astrological Significance of Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri plays a significant role, as per Vedic Hindu astrology. It is the time when the planet Sun re-enters the first zodiac sign, Aries (Mesh Rashi), after travelling to all 12 zodiac signs. The sun will enter Aries on April 13, 2024. Hence, it is also celebrated as the beginning of a new year as per the Sanatan Hindu calendar.
These nine days are considered highly auspicious in astrology, and it’s believed that starting new projects during this time brings good fortune, regardless of the auspicious time. Devotees believe that sincere worship of Goddess Durga during these nine days can resolve problems and turn tragedies into opportunities.
Chaitra Navratri 2024: Nine Days of Auspicious Timing
Each day of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to worshipping a specific manifestation of the goddess:
- Day 1: April 9, 2024 (Pratipada Tithi, Ghatasthapana): Worshipping of Maa Shailputri.
- Day 2: April 10, 2024 (Dwitiya Tithi): Worshipping of Maa Brahmacharini.
- Day 3: April 11, 2024 (Tritiya Tithi): Worshipping of Maa Chandraghanta.
- Day 4: April 12, 2024 (Chaturthi Tithi): Worshipping of Maa Kushmanda.
- Day 5: April 13, 2024 (Panchami Tithi): Worshipping of Maa Skandamata.
- Day 6: April 14, 2024 (Shashthi Tithi): Worshipping of Maa Katyayani.
- Day 7: April 15, 2024 (Saptami Tithi): Worshipping of Maa Kalratri.
- Day 8: April 16, 2024 (Ashtami Tithi): Worshipping of Maa Mahagauri.
- Day 9: April 17, 2024 (Navami Tithi): Worship of Maa Siddhidatri, coinciding with the celebration of Ram Navami.
For exact puja timing in your location, you can consult pandits in your locality. To learn more, you can also talk to our astrologers at NamoAstro.
Chaitra Navratri: History Behind
It is believed Maa Durga descended on earth on the first day of Chaitra Navratri and at the behest of Maa Durga, Brahma Dev started the creation of the Brahmand and all life within it. This festival is also celebrated as the start of the Hindu calendar year.
It is also believed that the Matsya avatar of Shri Hari Vishnu incarnated on the third day of Chaitra Navratri at the beginning of the formation of Mother Earth. The ninth day of Chaitra Navratri, which is popularly known as ‘Navami’ or ‘Ram Navami’, is celebrated as the birth of Prabhu Shri Rama, the seventh avatar or incarnation of Vishnu Bhagwan.
According to the epic Ramayana, Bhagwan Rama and Lakshmana worshipped Maa Shakti for nine days and performed a special yagna on the final day to seek her blessings. These blessings granted them the strength and courage to fight Ravana and free Mata Sita from his captivity.
There is another belief that Maa Durga took permission from Bhagwan Shiva to visit her parents’ home. She stayed in her parents’ home for nine days, during which time she killed the demon Mahisasura.
In another legend, there was a king named Sudarshan who devoutly prayed to Maa Shakti and was blessed with victory. In gratitude, he performed a grand yagna. This act of gratitude led to the celebration of Chaitra Navratri.
Chaitra Navratri Puja Vidhi
The Puja Vidhi to be followed during Chaitra Navratri is as follows:
- Before Navratri starts, houses are cleaned well. The prayer area is also cleaned and decorated with lights and important items.
- The idol of Goddess Durga is dressed in new clothes and adorned with accessories like bindi, bangles, and sindoor.
- Those fasting during Navratri eat only “Satvik” foods like kuttu ka aata, potatoes, fruits, and curd. Garlic, onion, and non-vegetarian foods are avoided.
- Chanting Navratri mantras, reading stories related to Navratri, and worshipping the Goddess with devotion are important parts of the celebration.
- The fast is broken on the ninth day after performing Havan and Kanya Pujan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Navratri start in March 2024?
A: Chaitra Navratri 2024 will start on Tuesday, April 9, and finish on April 17, 2024.
Q: In which season is Chaitra Navratri celebrated?
A: Chaitra Navratri takes place during the lunar month of Chaitra, which typically falls between March and April.
Q: How many Navratri in the year 2024?
A: Navratri happens four times a year. Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri are the well-known ones, but Magha and Ashada Navratri are also observed and are called Gupt Navratri.
