In the sacred land of India, Chaitra Navratri is one of the most pious Hindu festivals, marked with religious fervor and enthusiasm, thanks to the devotees of Goddess Durga. The nine-day-long festivity is dedicated to worshiping the nine avatars of Goddess Durga and fasting for all nine days.
Every year, the Chaitra Navratri is marked by devoting yourself to Goddess Durga, doing Puja, and observing a fast with complete faith. On the final day of Chaitra Navratri, Ram Navami is observed to commemorate the birth of the glorious Lord Rama.
Check below to enlighten yourself about Chaitra Navratri 2024, its significance, date, timings, and, most importantly, its rituals.
2024 Navratri Date And Time: Things You Should Know About Chaitra Navratri
The Chaitra Navratri festivities start on the first day, Pratipada, and continue until Navami, the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha during the Hindu Lunar month of Chaitra. This Navratri is celebrated in Chaitra, the very first month of the Hindu calendar, which is why this occasion is known as Chaitra Navratri. As per the Gregorian calendar, this festival is celebrated between March and April.
Know the auspicious time and date of Chaitra Navratri 2024 right here!
According to the Hindu Panchang, Chaitra Navratri 2024 will begin on 9th April 2024 (Tuesday) and continue till the 17th April 2024 (Wednesday), which will be the full nine days of Chaitra Navratri. This year, the auspicious time of Ghatasthapana is from 06:02 AM to 10:16 AM on the first day of Chaitra Navratri, i.e., 9th April 2024.
All the timings are as per the local time in Delhi, India.
Chaitra Ghatasthapana- 9th April 2024 (Tuesday)
Ghatasthapana Timing- From 06:02 AM to 10:16 AM
Kalash Sthapana Abhijit Muhurat- From 11:57 AM to 12:48 PM
Pratipada Tithi (Starts)- 11:50 PM, 8th April 2024
Pratipada Tithi (Ends)- 08:30 PM, 9th April 2024
Vaidhriti Yoga (Starts)- 06:14 PM, 8th April 2024
Vaidhriti Yoga (Ends)- 02:18 PM, 9th April 2024
The most auspicious time to do Kalash Sthapana is while Pratipada still prevails during the first one-third of the day. If this timing is unavailable, Ghatasthapana can be done during the Abhijit Muhurat. Always remember that Kalash Sthapana should be done before midday while Pratipada is going on. You are highly recommended to avoid the Vaidhriti Yoga and Chitra Nakshatra for Kalash Sthapana; nevertheless, these are not entirely prohibited.
Most of the rituals performed during Shardiya Navratri are followed during Chaitra Navratri. Ghatasthapana and Sandhi Puja, which are integral parts of Shardiya Navratri, are also observed during Chaitra Navratri. Moreover, performing Ghatasthapana is prohibited during Amavasya.
On the final day, i.e., Maha Navami, Hindus observe Rama Navami, which celebrates Lord Rama's birth. This usually falls on the ninth day of the Navratri festivities.
The Rituals Associated with Ghatasthapana: Get to Know Here!
One of the most significant traditional rituals during Chaitra Navratri is Ghatasthapana, which marks the beginning of the auspicious nine days and the worship of Goddess Durga. Ghatasthapana is done to invoke Goddess Durga, and it should always be done at the right time. If it is done at the wrong time, it might bring the fury of the Goddess.
Puja Samagri or Materials for Kalash Sthapana
Wide and open earthen pot to sow Sapta Dhanya, Sapta Dhanya or seven types of grains, clean soil to sow the Sapta Dhanya, Kalash, Gangajal or water from the sacred Ganga river, five leaves of the Ashoka or Mango tree, coins, betel nuts to put inside the Kalash, a lid to cover the Kalash, Sindoor or vermillion, sacred thread or Moli, perfume, flowers and garlands especially marigold, fruits, sweets, unpeeled coconut, Akshat or raw and unbroken rice, camphor, Durva grass, and red cloth to wrap the coconut.
Here is what you have to do while performing Ghatasthapana.
Wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and then clean the place where the Kalash has to be kept thoroughly. You must purify the place with Gangajal. The Kalash is kept at the place of worship, and then rituals of Kalash Puja are carried out on the first day of Navratri.
To perform Ghatasthapana, you will first need a Kalash to sow the grains. You must first spread a layer of the soil in the Kalash and then put in the grains. After that, spread another layer of soil and grains. Cover the grains with another layer of soil. You can also sprinkle some water to set the soil.
Spread a red-colored cloth on a wooden seat. Put raw rice on the red cloth while chanting the mantras dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Place the Kalash in the center at the top of the rice grains.
Fill the Kalash with water and put some coins in it. Also, put some rice grains, Durva grass, Akshat, scent, and a betel nut.
Use the vermillion paste to draw a Swastika sign on the Kalash. After this, tie the holy thread or Kalava around the neck of the Kalash.
Then, take a coconut, wrap it in a red cloth or Chunari, and tie the sacred thread around it.
Set the leaves at the edge of the pot. After that, cover the Kalash with a lid and place the coconut on top of the Kalash. The Kalash is seen as the representation of Lord Ganesha; hence, he is worshiped before the Goddess. Once the Kalash is ready, you can invoke Goddess Durga.
You must pray to the almighty Goddess and request her to reside in the Kalash for a period of nine days.
After that, the Panchopachara Puja is done with five Puja materials. To do the Puja, you must show the lamp to the Kalash and pray to all the deities. After that, light the Dhoop or incense sticks and offer them to the Kalash. Then offer flowers and perfume.
Finally, offer Naivedhya to conclude the Panchopachara Puja.
Offer flowers to the deities and worship them with complete reverence.
Recite the Durga Puja Mantras and then do the Aarti of Goddess Durga.
Take good care of the Kalash for the nine days of Chaitra Navratri. Doing Ghatasthapana is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and positivity to the people who perform it with reference and sincerity.
There are four seasonal Navratris: Shardiya Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Magha Gupt Navratri, and Ashadha Gupt Navratri. The post-monsoon autumn festival of Shardiya Navratri is observed in honor of Goddess Durga, whereas the Navratri celebrated during the month of Chaitra is known as the Chaitra Navratri.
Chaitra Navratri and Sharada Navratri are considered the most popular and important ones. Therefore, they are celebrated widely across different parts of India. The Sharada Navratri falls in September and October.
Navratri means 'nine nights,' wherein 'Nav' means nine, and 'Ratri' means nights. Chaitra Navratri's first day is considered the birth of the universe, according to the Brahma Purana. Chaitra is also the very first month of the Hindu calendar. Hence, Hindus consider this the beginning of the Hindi New Year.
In Maharashtra, Chaitra Navratri festivities begin with the occasion of Gudi Padwa. On the other hand, in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and other South Indian states, it is celebrated as Ugadi. This occasion also marks the beginning of the spring season, when one gets to see a new bloom around us.
The devotees worship Goddess Durga in all her glory on this particular occasion. Goddess Durga is seen as a symbol of righteousness, power, and prosperity. The significance of this festival is immense, as Goddess Durga is believed to have triumphed over evil with her divine power. Goddess Durga is worshiped as a symbol of Shakti, meaning ultimate strength. She is revered for her supreme power.
During this festival, devotees worship the Goddess with reverence to protect themselves from evil, attain enlightenment, and receive her choicest blessings. It is also believed that people who worship her during this auspicious period without any desire and complete faith can attain salvation.
What Are The 9 Divine Forms of Goddess Durga?
Each day of Chaitra Navratri is associated with a different form of Goddess Durga, and every day is dedicated to worshiping one of the nine forms of the Goddess. The devotees are filled with love and admiration for the Goddess and her nine glorious forms, who are worshiped with equal fervor.
Let’s get to know a little about the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga.
Goddess Shailputri: The first day is devoted to Goddess Shailputri. She is the first manifestation of the Goddess, who is believed to be the daughter of King Himavat, who is the personification of the Himalayas. Devotees should worship her and offer her pure ghee for their well-being.
Goddess Brahmacharini: The second pious day is committed to Goddess Brahmacharini. She is the female ascetic or meditative form of Goddess Durga. Devotees should offer sugar to Goddess Brahmacharini for longevity, especially for the family members.
Goddess Chandraghanta: The third day is devoted to the third form of the Goddess, i.e., Goddess Chandraghanta. She is depicted as a 10-armed female deity, and a crescent Moon adorns her forehead, which is where her name comes from. She is always ready to destroy all evil. Devotees should offer Kheer or milk to her to drive away all their pains.
Goddess Kushmanda: The fourth day is dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda. She is popularly considered to be the creator of the universe. Devotees should offer Malpua to the Goddess for sound intellect and great decision-making capabilities.
Goddess Skandamata: On the fifth day, Goddess Skandamata is worshiped. The Goddess is a four-armed deity carrying Kartikeya on her lap. She is known to be the mother of Lord Kartikeya. The devotees should offer bananas to Goddess Skandamata as Prasad, her favorite Prasad.
Goddess Katyayani: The sixth auspicious day is for Goddess Katyayani. She is a warrior Goddess and is considered one of the really fierce avatars of Goddess Durga. The devotees should offer honey to Goddess Katyayani, as that is the best offering for her.
Goddess Kaalratri: The seventh day is dedicated to Goddess Kaalratri. Goddess Kaalratri is one of the most violent forms of Goddess Durga. She is believed to be the destroyer of darkness, evil, and ignorance. The devotees should offer jaggery as Prasad to Goddess Kaalratri to get rid of any obstacles and sufferings and to attain happiness.
Goddess Mahagauri: The auspicious eighth day is devoted to Goddess Mahagauri. She is a powerful four-armed deity who rides a bull or a white elephant. The devotees should offer coconuts to Goddess Mahagauri while worshiping her.
Goddess Siddhidatri: Goddess Siddhidatri is worshiped on the ninth and last day of Chaitra Navratri. The Goddess is depicted as a four-armed female deity mounted on a lotus and believed to be the provider of all Siddhis. The Goddess also controls the planet Ketu. The devotees must offer sesame seeds to Goddess Siddhidatri. This offering is for their safety and protection from any unnatural events.
You should know that the rituals and customs followed during Sharada Navratri are also followed during Chaitra Navratri. Chaitra Navratri celebrations are marked by praying, fasting, meditating, worshiping Goddess Durga, and enjoying the nine days of festivities.
Here are some things that you should definitely know about.
Before the celebrations start, you should clean your house for the Goddess.
People across India celebrate the festival in their own ways. However, Chaitra Navratri has immense importance in North India. People celebrate this auspicious festival by observing a fast and performing Pujas. People recite auspicious mantras and special Pujas in honor of every avatar of Goddess Durga.
Most devotees performing the Puja observe a fast for all nine days. Aarti, Kirtan, etc., are done with great devotion.
When you are fasting, you must only consume 'Satvik' or vegetarian food like potatoes, 'Kuttu ka Atta,' Sabudana Khichdi, and fruits.
The devotees spend their day worshiping the Goddess and chanting mantras dedicated to her. The Prasad offered to the Goddess should be consumed by you and the other members of your family.
You can donate during these auspicious days. You can donate food, clothes, and money to the needy during the festival. Making donations can please the Goddess and help you in attaining her blessings.
Devotees visit temples to offer prayers to Goddess Durga. Temples often organize special ceremonies and events during the festival.
The final two days of Chaitra Navratri hold particular importance among the devotees. The highlight is a popular ritual called the 'Kanya Pujan,' which can take place on Ashtami or Navami, along with the Havan, performed on the final day. In this ritual, young girls are worshiped with proper rituals and are offered food, Dakshina, and other gifts. After their feet are washed and Tilak is put on their forehead, the little girls are served the special Prasad consisting of Kale Chane (Black Bengal gram), Poori, and Suji ka Halwa (a sweet dish made with semolina). They must also be given Dakshina and some other gifts like red-colored clothes, things related to studies, etc. Worshiping a girl child can bring you happiness and prosperity. Along with this, Goddess Durga gets pleased with this ritual and fulfills the devotee's wishes.
Things You Must Avoid
While fasting, you should avoid the consumption of non-vegetarian food.
You should also strictly avoid consuming onion and garlic. Instead, you should consume light food.
The consumption of alcohol and tobacco is also strictly forbidden.
While maintaining strict discipline in food, you should also monitor your behavior. Do not get involved in arguments or be violent. You also shouldn't talk ill about others. You must keep yourself calm and keep your thoughts clean, especially at the time of doing Puja.
Avoid cutting your nails or hair during the nine auspicious days.
Chaitra Navratri is celebrated with much zeal by the devotees of Goddess Durga. It is no wonder that it holds such importance in everyone's lives.
Astroyogi wishes you a Happy Chaitra Navratri!
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