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What are the four different types of Navratri that happen throughout the year?
What are the legends and historical significance associated with Chaitra Navratri?
The different dos and dont’s during Navratri

The Hindu lunar month of Chaitra holds special significance among Hindus as the Chaitra Navratri falls in this month. In 2024, Chaitra Navratri starts on the 9th of April 2024 and will culminate on the 17th of April 2024. In this article, you will learn more about the difference between the Chaitra and Sharad Navratri and how to celebrate it.

What is Chaitra Navratri?

Chaitra Navratri gets its name from the first month of the Hindu Lunar calendar, ‘Chaitra.’ It falls on the Shukla paksha of the Chaitra Maas. This Navratri is also known as Vasanta Navratri. People celebrate this festival for nine days with devotion and worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Moreover, people dedicate each of the nine days to a particular form of the Goddess and pray to her accordingly.

What are the four types of Navratri?

People celebrate Navratri four times a year and these are:

Shardiya Navratri
Chaitra Navratri
Magh Gupt Navratri
Asadha Gupt Navratri

Chaitra Navratri 2024: Date & Puja Timings

Chaitra Navratri starts on	9th April 2024
Chaitra Navratri ends on	17th April 2024
Ghatasthapana Muhurat	06: 26 AM to 10: 35 AM

There are other festivals that people observe on the first day of Navratri. Maharashtrians observe Gudi Padwa- the ‘New Year’ of the Maharashtrians. Kashmiri Hindus celebrate ‘Navreh’ on the first day of Navratri. Whereas, the people of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh celebrate the first day of Navratri as ‘Ugadi.’

Difference Between Chaitra Navratri And Sharad Navratri

According to the Hindu calendar, the Navratri festival falls twice a year. Chaitra Navratri falls in March-April and Shardiya Navratri occurs in September-October. All the customs and rituals observed during Chaitra Navratri are the same as Shardiya Navratri.

History Of Chaitra Navratri

There are many legends associated with Chaitra Navratri. First, according to Brahma Purana, it was Chaitra Pratipada when Lord Brahma started creating the universe at the behest of Goddess Durga. Second, Lord Vishnu took the Matsya avatar on the third day of Chaitra Navratri to establish Mother Earth. Third, the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri is known as ‘Navami’ or ‘Ram Navami,’ it marks the birth of Lord Rama. Fourth, Goddess Parvati wanted to visit her parents for nine days, so she took Lord Shiva’s permission and started her journey to her parent’s house.

What is the significance?

The auspicious time of Navratri is the best time to reflect, analyse, and self-introspect. During Navratri, you must recognise, embrace, believe and celebrate the divine power of the Shakti, which symbolises feminine energy. Did you know that the first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga, the next three to Goddess Lakshmi, and the last three to Goddess Saraswati?

Nine Days Of Navratri

Day 1	Goddess Shailputri
Day 2	Goddess Brahmacharini
Day 3	Goddess Chandraghanta
Day 4	Goddess Kushmanda
Day 5	Goddess Skandmata
Day 6	Goddess Katyayani
Day 7	Goddess Kalratri
Day 8	Goddess Mahagauri
Day 9	Goddess Siddhidatri

Do’s and Don’t During Chaitra Navratri

Things You Can Do During Navratri	Things You Cannot Do During Navratri
While keeping fast you can consume fruits, curd, buttermilk, milk, and sweet lassi	Rather than having things made from Atta or consuming rice, consume products made from Kuttu or Singhara Atta
Begin your day by visiting a temple and praying	During these nine days avoid foods such as fast foods, packed food, rice flour, cornflour, semolina, onion, garlic, egg, and meat
Offer prasad, meditate, and maintain cleanliness during Navratri	Use rock salt or sendha namak instead of processed salt
Navratri is the best time to perform acts of charity and service such as donations or volunteering	Avoid cutting your hair and nails

Summary

Chaitra Navratri is a Hindu festival that celebrates Goddess Durga over nine days. It signifies new beginnings and spiritual reflection. The festival happens over the course of nine days and people worship all the nine forms of Goddess Durga.