Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comChaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri is the nine-day worship observed at the start of the Hindu new year, running from Chaitra Shukla Pratipada to Navami tithi, that is, through to Ram Navami.
The Pratipada tithi of Chaitra Navratri is also considered the start of the Hindu new year, the Vikram Samvat, and this same day is celebrated as Gudi Padwa (Maharashtra) and Ugadi (Andhra-Karnataka). Ghatasthapana's exact muhurat varies by city, so check a local panchang.
Significance of Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri is observed in the spring season, which is why it is also called the 'Vasantik Navratri'. It is one of the year's four Navratris, and begins with Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, which also marks the start of the Hindu new year. It is believed that Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on this very day.
As with Shardiya Navratri, Chaitra Navratri also sees the sequential worship of Maa Durga's nine forms, Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri, with Ghatasthapana performed and an akhand jyoti lit through the nine days.
The ninth and final day of Chaitra Navratri, Navami tithi, is celebrated as Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Rama. This is why Chaitra Navratri is a festival not only of Maa Durga's worship but also of remembering Shri Ram, the Maryada Purushottam.
Navratri's Nine Forms
Maa Shailputri
Day 1Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Shailaputryai Namah
Bhog: Pure cow's ghee · Health, stability, and longevity
Maa Brahmacharini
Day 2Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Brahmacharinyai Namah
Bhog: Sugar or sugar candy · The strength of penance and self-restraint
Maa Chandraghanta
Day 3Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chandraghantayai Namah
Bhog: Milk and milk-based dishes · Courage, valour, and freedom from fear
Maa Kushmanda
Day 4Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Devyai Namah
Bhog: Malpua · Wisdom, sound judgement, and good health
Maa Skandamata
Day 5Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Skandamatayai Namah
Bhog: Banana · Knowledge, children's wellbeing, and liberation
Maa Katyayani
Day 6Mantra: Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah
Bhog: Honey · Removal of obstacles in marriage
Maa Kalaratri
Day 7Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Kalaratryai Namah
Bhog: Jaggery · Protection from fear and negative forces
Maa Mahagauri
Day 8Mantra: Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
Bhog: Coconut · Happiness, prosperity, and fulfilled wishes
Maa Siddhidatri
Day 9Mantra: Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah
Bhog: Sesame seeds · The attainment of siddhis and complete knowledge
How Chaitra Navratri Is Celebrated
On the first day, Ghatasthapana is performed, barley seeds are sown in an earthen pot, and a water-filled kalash topped with mango leaves and a coconut is set up to invoke Maa Durga, with an akhand jyoti lit at home.
Each day, the corresponding form of the goddess is worshipped along with the Durga Chalisa. In Maharashtra, this same Pratipada is celebrated as 'Gudi Padwa', with a gudi flag decorated at the doorway, while Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka observe 'Ugadi'.
On the ninth day, Navami, homes celebrate the birth of Lord Rama, Kanya Pujan is performed, and a havan concludes the nine days of worship.
Chaitra Navratri Puja Vidhi
On Pratipada tithi, bathe in the morning, sow barley seeds in an earthen pot, set up the kalash to invoke Maa Durga, and light the akhand jyoti. Each day, meditate on that day's form and recite the Durga Chalisa. On the ninth day, perform Kanya Pujan and a havan, concluding the worship along with the celebration of Lord Rama's birth.
About Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri is the festival of worship dedicated to Maa Durga's nine forms, running with the Hindu new year from Chaitra Shukla Pratipada through to Navami tithi, that is, Ram Navami. This page covers its significance, Ghatasthapana, the nine Navdurga forms, and related traditions such as Gudi Padwa and Ugadi.
A detailed page is also available for its ninth and concluding day, Ram Navami. The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Chaitra Navratri observed?
Chaitra Navratri is observed every year from Chaitra Shukla Pratipada to Navami tithi, over nine days, usually falling in March–April.
What is the difference between Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri?
Chaitra Navratri falls in spring, in the Chaitra month, and concludes with Ram Navami, while Shardiya Navratri falls in autumn, in the Ashwin month, and concludes with Dussehra. Both worship the same nine forms of Maa Durga.
How is Chaitra Navratri connected to the Hindu new year?
The Pratipada tithi of Chaitra Navratri marks the start of the Vikram Samvat, the Hindu new year, and this same day is also celebrated as Gudi Padwa and Ugadi.
On which day does Chaitra Navratri end?
Chaitra Navratri concludes on the ninth day, Navami tithi, celebrated as Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Rama.