Chaitra Navratri, called Vasanta Navratri also, is celebrated with great enthusiasm, dedication, and devotion across the nation. It is an auspicious festival that is dedicated to worshipping the nine avatars or forms of Devi Durga. Maa Durga is the symbol of Shakti and Strength. As per the Hindu calendar, the Chaitra Navratri is being celebrated in the month of Chaitra, which comes around March / April. It also depicts the beginning of the spring season. The Navratri is formed with two words – Nav and Ratri. Nav means nine, and Ratri signifies night. Therefore, this festival is celebrated for all nine days. The nine forms or avatars of Maa Durga that are worshipped are – Devi Shailputri (First Day), Devi Brahmacharini (Second Day), Devi Chandraghanta (Third Day), Devi Kushmanda (Fourth Day), Devi Skandamata (Fifth Day), Devi Katyayani (Sixth Day), Devi Kalratri (Seventh Day), Devi Mahagauri (Eighth Day), and Devi Siddhidatri (Ninth Day). On the tenth day, Dashmi or Navratri Paran is observed. Some people observe fast on all nine days and have Saatvik Bhojan.
When is Chaitra Navratri 2023? – Date and Day
This year in 2023, Chaitra Navratri will begin on Wednesday, the 22nd of March, and end on Friday, the 31st of March, 2023. Ashtami will be celebrated on Wednesday, the 29th of March, and Navami on Thursday, the 30th of March. Devi Mahagauri is worshipped on Ashtami, and on Navami, there is a Puja of Devi Siddhidatri. Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Ram, is also observed on the ninth day.
Significance and Rituals
On the first day of Chaitra Navratri, the devotees perform the Kalash Sthapana by considering the auspicious muhurta. It is to be done on the first day (this year: the 22nd of March, Wednesday) and is considered highly auspicious. It helps in drawing health, good fortune, and prosperity. People usually fast during these auspicious nine days and have Satvik Bhojan like Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu ki Puri, and others. All these delicacies are cooked in Sendha Namak. The delicacies like “Makhane ki Kheer” is also prepared. This festival is an auspicious time to find and explore our inner strengths. It is the most important duration to meditate and offer prayers. The devotees enjoy the folk songs or those dedicated to Maa Durga during all nine days.
The devotees also celebrate Rama Navami by visiting temples, offering prayers at home or in temples, and seeking the blessings of Lord Rama. At some temples, “Hav