"Chaitra Navratri"- Celebrating Divine Feminine Energy & the Triumph of Good over Evil

Chaitra Navratri, the very holy nine-days Hindu festival, lies in the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. 'Nav' means 'nine' and 'ratri' means 'night', hence this festival lasts for a total of 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 the month of March or April.

As per “Drik Panchang”, this year, Chaitra Navratri starts from ‘9th April ‘24’ and lasts till ‘17th April ‘24.’

It is also known as Vasant Navratri, Basanti Puja & Ashadha Navratri. As per Hindu lunisolar calendar, this occasion also marks the beginning of a new year. It also marks the onset of the summer season. Maharashtrians celebrate the first day of the festival as Gudi Padwa, Kashmiris as Navreh and people from Andhra Pradesh as Ugadi.

During the nine sacred days of Chaitra Navratri, people worship the nine different forms of Mata Durga namely Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayini, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhiratri. These 9 forms of Goddess Durga symbolise feminine energy. The devotees keep a continuous fast on the nine days consuming only Sattvik food and avoiding non-veg, onion and garlic. 'Ghatasthapana Puja' is performed in which a Kalash is kept in the house being covered with a red cloth and tied with mango leaves all around. Akhand jyot is lit for the nine days of Chaitra Navratri.

'Chaitra Navratri' has a classic story example of 'the triumph of good over evil.' There are many legends behind this auspicious day. According to Brahma Purana, Lord Brahma started creating the universe on the day of Chaitra Pratipada on the behest of Mata Durga. That's why, this day is considered the very first day of the year as per Hindu calendar. It is also believed that Lord Vishnu took his Matsya Avatar on the 3rd day of Chaitra Navratri. And its 9th day marks the birth of Lord Rama called Rama Navami.

Hindu Puranas and scriptures say that Goddess Shakti was worshipped during Chaitra Navratri until Lord Rama worshipped Maa Durga in the ‘Ashwin’ month during the Ramayana war.

The eighth day of Chaitra Navratri is of utmost importance as special Pujas and rituals are observed on this day. In North India, Goddess Shakti temples find a huge rush. Annapurna Puja is also observed on the same day. On the ninth day, the northern states worship nine small girls (kanjaks or kanyas) as the nine forms of Durga Maa. The tenth day is to bid farewell to Maa Durga. Basically, it's considered as the Navratri Parana.

Chaitra Navratri is the best time to recognise our inner strengths and to revere Maa Durga and all her 9 forms. It also bestows one with health, wealth, prosperity, success in life, protection from evil eye and negativity, removal of obstacles and relief from past sins.