Chaitra Navratri
चैत्र नवरात्रि
The nine-night spring festival dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Beginning on the first day of the Hindu New Year (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada), devotees worship a different form of the Devi each day.
Why We Celebrate
Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and celebrates the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga). Each day is dedicated to a different form: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Unlike the autumn Sharad Navratri which celebrates Durga's victory over Mahishasura, Chaitra Navratri focuses on spiritual renewal and the awakening of nature. Ram Navami falls on the ninth day.
Chaitra Navratri is the spring celebration of the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga), observed over nine nights starting on the first day of the Hindu New Year (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada). Each day honors a different manifestation of the Divine Feminine: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. These forms represent the journey from the material to the spiritual, from strength to serenity.
The festival begins with Ghatasthapana (the ritual installation of a sacred pot with barley seeds and a coconut). As the barley grows over nine days, it symbolizes prosperity and the awakening of nature in spring. Unlike Sharad Navratri in autumn, which commemorates Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura, Chaitra Navratri focuses on inner purification and renewal. The ninth day, Ram Navami, celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.
Devotees observe fasts, chant the Durga Saptashati, and perform Kanya Pujan (honoring young girls as embodiments of the goddess). Chaitra Navratri is a time to invoke the protective and nurturing energy of the Divine Mother, align with the renewal of spring, and begin the year with devotion and clarity.
How It's Celebrated
Set up a Kalash (sacred pot) with mango leaves and coconut on Day 1 (Ghatasthapana)
Sow barley seeds in the Kalash — their growth symbolizes prosperity
Worship the designated form of Durga each day with flowers, kumkum, and incense
Day 1: Shailputri, Day 2: Brahmacharini, Day 3: Chandraghanta, Day 4: Kushmanda
Day 5: Skandamata, Day 6: Katyayani, Day 7: Kaalratri, Day 8: Mahagauri, Day 9: Siddhidatri
Observe a fast (fruits and milk, or strict nirjala fast for advanced devotees)
Perform Kanya Pujan (feeding nine young girls representing the nine Devis) on Ashtami or Navami
Read Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmya during the nine days
Regional Variations
What You Need
- Kalash (brass or clay pot) with mango leaves and coconut
- Barley seeds and fresh soil
- Nine different colored dupattas/cloths (one for each day)
- Kumkum, sindoor, turmeric, and red flowers
- Akhand Jyoti (continuous lamp) with ghee
- Durga idol or photo
- Fruits, milk, and fasting food items
- Prasad for Kanya Pujan (halwa-puri-chana)
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Download AaradhanaDid You Know?
- ✦Chaitra Navratri culminates on Ram Navami (the ninth day), celebrating the birth of Lord Rama — making it a combined celebration of both the Divine Mother and Lord Vishnu.
- ✦The barley seeds sown during Ghatasthapana are kept and their growth over nine days is considered a sign of prosperity for the coming year — healthy growth means good fortune.
- ✦Chaitra Navratri is considered more spiritually potent than Sharad Navratri by some traditions, as it marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and aligns with the awakening energy of spring.
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