"Chaitra Navratri"- Celebrating Divine Feminine Energy

Chaitra Navratri is a holy nine-day Hindu festival, which lies in the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. 'Nav' means 'nine' and 'ratri' means 'night', hence this festival lasts 9 nights. Its festivities start from Pratipada (1st day) and last for 9 days till Navami (9th day- bright fortnight of moon). According to the Gregorian calendar, it falls in March or April.

As per “Drik Panchang”, this year, Chaitra Navratri starts on 30th March 2025 and lasts till 7th April 2025.

It is also known as Vasant Navratri, Basanti Puja & Ashadha Navratri. The Hindu lunisolar calendar marks the beginning of a new year with Chaitra Navratri along with the onset of the summer season. People from different parts of the country celebrate this festival by different names. Maharashtrians celebrate the first day of Navratri as Gudi Padwa, Kashmiris as Navreh, and people from Andhra Pradesh as Ugadi.

The Nine Days of Devotion – Worshiping the Nine Forms of Goddess Durga

People worship the following nine divine forms of Maa Durga during the nine sacred days of this Navratri:

1. Shailputri, as a symbol of strength and purity
2. Brahmacharini, as the Goddess of wisdom and penance
3. Chandraghanta, as the Goddess of peace and bravery
4. Kushmanda, as the creator of the cosmic universe
5. Skandamata, as the motherly form of Goddess Durga
6. Katyayini, as the destroyer of evil and protector of righteousness
7. Kaalratri, the fierce form, remover of darkness and fear
8. Mahagauri, the goddess of purity and serenity
9. Siddhidatri, the goddess of supernatural powers and wisdom

Every Avatar of Devi is a symbol of the eternal feminine energy.

Rituals and Traditions During “Chaitra Navratri”

During Chaitra Navratri, the devotees of Mata Rani perform the following sacred rituals to seek her divine blessings:

• Fasting & Sattvic Diet:

For the nine days, people keep fasting while consuming Sattvik food only. They prohibit having onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. They consider that a pure diet purifies the mind and body. Alongside, many ardent devotees go for Nirjala Vrat (waterless fasting) while some others consume fruits, milk, and light vegetarian meals.

• Ghatasthapana Puja – The Installation of the Kalash:

On Pratipada (first day of Navratri), the devotees perform a special Ghatasthapana Puja. During this, they place a Kalash (sacred pot), covered with a red cloth and tied with mango leaves, coconut, and grains, in the house or at temples.

Throughout the whole nine days, people lit an Akhand Jyot (eternal flame) as a representation of divine energy.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the tithi for “Chaitra Ghatasthapana” in the year 2025 is as follows:

• Chaitra Ghatasthapana is on 30th March 2025, Sunday
• (Ghatasthapana Muhurta falls on Pratipada Tithi)
• Pratipada Tithi Starts - 04:27 p.m. on 29th March 2025
• Pratipada Tithi Ends - 12:49 p.m. on 30th March 2025

&

• Ghatasthapana Muhurat - 06:13 AM to 10:22 AM
• Duration - 04 Hours 08 Minutes
• Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurat - 12:01 PM to 12:50 PM
• Duration - 00 Hours 50 Mins

• Daily Chanting and Devotional Activities:

People also chant Durga Saptashati, Devi Mahatmya, and other sacred hymns dedicated to Maa Durga during the nine holy days. Many households and temples organize daily Bhajans and Kirtans to celebrate Devi’s divine presence.

The Legends related to “Chaitra Navratri”

1. Creation of the Universe

According to Brahma Purana, it was the first day of Chaitra Navratri, i.e. Pratipada, when Lord Brahma started the universe creation after receiving Maa Durga’s blessings. This is the reason why this festival marks the beginning of the Hindu Calendar’s New Year.

2. Matsya Avatar of Lord Vishnu

The holy texts say that Lord Vishnu appeared in this first avatar, i.e. Lord Matsya, on the third day of Chaitra Navratri. And then, he saved the world from destruction and guided humanity towards righteousness.

3. Birth of Lord Rama – Rama Navami

We commemorate the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri is celebrated as Lord Rama’s divine birth, i.e. Rama Navami. This day is of utmost importance for Hindus as Lord Rama symbolizes dharma, truth, and virtue.

The Connection Between Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri

Hindu texts state that Chaitra Navratri was originally the main Navratri festival in ancient times. However, during the Ramayana war, Lord Rama performed Durga Puja in the Ashwin month (September–October), which later became more popular as Sharad Navratri.

Significance of Chaitra Navratri

The nine days of Chaitra Navratri, when observed with pure dedication and devotion, bestows devotees with:

• Health, wealth, and prosperity
• Success and growth in life
• Protection from negative energies and evil forces
• Removal of obstacles and hardships
• Relief from past sins and karmic debts

Conclusion

Let us all recognize our inner strengths this Navratri and express gratitude to Maa Durga for welcoming positivity into our lives.

As we embrace the divine energy of Goddess Durga, we can overcome all struggles and emerge victorious, just as good always triumphs over evil.