Chaitra Navratri 2024 Start And End Date: Here's The Navratri Calendar For Nine Days
Chaitra Navratri 2024 Start And End Date:?The auspicious festival of Navratri will soon descend in India, spanning over a time duration of nine days. Starting from April 9, Chaitra Navratri will be celebrated across the country with much joy, cheer, and festivity; till April 17.
While there are four Navratri festivals celebrated throughout the year, Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri are more widely observed across the country. During Chaitra Navratri, devotees worship Maa Durga and her nine divine forms. However, on the last day, they celebrate Ram Navami, which marks the birth of Lord Rama. The nine forms of Maa Durga are collectively known as Navdurgas. They are Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri. For those celebrating the festival, it is important to know the dates, details of the nine days of fasting, and more.
Chaitra Navratri 2024: Start And End Date of Navratri 2024
Chaitra Navratri 2024 is approaching, starting on Tuesday, April 9th, and ending on Wednesday, April 17th. During this nine-day Hindu festival, many devotees observe fasting and perform pujas (prayers) dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
| Chaitra Navratri 2024 Date | Day | Navratri Day | Goddess Name | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 9 | Tuesday | Navratri Day 1 | Ghatasthapana Puja, Maa Shailputri | ? Red?? |
| April 10 | Wednesday | Navratri Day 2 | Maa Brahmacharini | ? Dark Blue?? |
| April 11 | Thursday | Navratri Day 3 | Maa Chandraghanta | ? Yellow?? |
| April 12 | Friday | Navratri Day 4 | Maa Kushmanda | Green |
| April 13 | Saturday | Navratri Day 5 | Skanda Mata | Grey |
| April 14 | Sunday | Navratri Day 6 | Maa Katyayani | ? Orange?? |
| April 15 | Monday | Navratri Day 7 | Maa Kaalratri | ? White?? |
| April 16 | Tuesday | Navratri Day 8 | Durga Ashtami, Maa Mahagauri Puja | ? Pink?? |
| April 17 | Wednesday | Navratri Day 9 | Rama Navami | ? Sky Blue?? |
Chaitra Navratri 2024 Fasting Practices
Devotees following strict fasting may abstain completely from grains, cereals, and legumes. Some may allow fruits, vegetables, nuts, and milk products.
The level of restrictions varies depending on individual practices and traditions.
Chaitra Navratri 2024 Daily Pujas:
Each day of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to a specific form of Goddess Durga. Devotees perform puja rituals and offer prayers to the corresponding form.
Here's a glimpse into the nine days:
- Navratri Day 1 (Shailaputri Puja): Worshiping the embodiment of innocence and power. (colour: Red)
- Navratri Day 2 (Brahmacharini Puja): Honoring the form representing penance and spiritual discipline. (colour: Royal Blue)
- Navratri Day 3 (Chandraghanta Puja): Worshipping the warrior aspect, dispelling negativity. (colour: Yellow)
- Navratri Day 4 (Kushmanda Puja): Offering prayers to the form of prosperity and good health. (colour: Green)
- Navratri Day 5 (Skandamata Puja): Worshipping the embodiment of maternal love and protection. (colour: Grey)
- Navratri Day 6 (Katyayani Puja): Honoring the fierce form conquering evil and negativity. (colour: Orange)
- Navratri Day 7 (Kalaratri Puja): Worshiping the embodiment of time and destruction of evil forces. (colour: Black)
- Navratri Day 8 (Mahagauri Puja): Offering prayers to the form representing purity and peace. (colour: White)
- Navratri Day 9 (Siddhidatri Puja): Worshiping the ultimate form, the bestower of boons and accomplishments. (colour: Light Pink)
Four different seasonal Navaratri
There are four different seasonal Navaratri i.e Sharada, Vasanta (Chaitra), Magha and Ashada. However, Sharada and Chaitra are the most popular ones among all. Goddess Durga is the symbol of righteousness and prosperity. She single-handedly fought the evil specks of demons and triumphed over evil with her power. Everyone soulfully worships this Goddess as a means of enlightenment and protection from evil.
Nine avatars of Goddess Durga
The nine avatars of Goddess Durga are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. They are equally worshipped with much joy and fervour.
History of Chaitra Navratri
According to Hindu mythology, Chaitra Navratri marks the creation of the universe and the beginning of the world and beings. It is believed that Goddess Durga was entrusted with the task of creating the world, making this festival the start of the Hindu year for many. Another legend states that Goddess Durga visited her maternal home for nine days after receiving permission from her husband, Lord Shiva. During this time, she vanquished the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the victory of good over evil. People worship Goddess Durga during Navratri to attain inner peace, good health, and strength to combat evil forces.
The significance of Chaitra Navratri lies in its association with the birth of the universe, marking the beginning of the Hindu New Year. People, especially in North India, celebrate the arrival of Chaitra Navratri by observing fasts, performing pujas, and preparing various sweets associated with the festival. Special pujas are conducted, and auspicious mantras are recited to honor each avatar of Goddess Durga.
During Navratri, people adorn themselves in new clothes and exchange sweets with one another. Many women gather to chant mantras together in the evening, further enhancing the spiritual significance of the festival, which holds a special place in the hearts of devotees.
(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)
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