Chaitra, which usually occurs in March or April on the Hindu calendar, is the month during which the nine-day festival of Chaitra Navratri is observed. This event, which ushers in the spring season, is also known as Vasanta Navratri. Sanskrit, meaning nine nights, the Hindu holiday of Navratri, is when devotees honour the goddess Durga, also known as Shakti, in her nine different manifestations.
During Navratri, nine aspects of the goddess are observed each day. On the festival's tenth day, celebrates the triumph of virtue over evil and serves as its conclusion. Chaitra Navratri is observed with tremendous enthusiasm and devotion in some areas of India. They observe fasts, do puja (worship), and participate in cultural celebrations, including processions and worship. Devotees can connect with the holy feminine spirit throughout the festival and seek blessings for their health, riches, and success.
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Hindu mythology is the foundation of Chaitra Navratri and considers the goddess Durga to be a crucial figure. According to tradition, Lord Brahma had blessed the demon king Mahishasura, making him immortal and impossible to destroy. The gods constructed the goddess Durga, who possessed unmatched strength and divine abilities, out of fear that Mahishasura would destroy the cosmos.
Mahishasura and Durga engaged in ferocious combat for nine nights until Durga ultimately prevailed on the tenth day. Hindus throughout the world celebrate this triumph of good over evil.
The nine nights of Navratri represent the goddess Durga's nine different manifestations, which are worshipped during the festival. Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri are among these nine manifestations of Durga. Every manifestation of the goddess takes on a different aspect and bestows favours on followers.
Chaitra Navratri is considered particularly significant as it symbolises the start of the Hindu calendar's new year and the beginning of spring, regarded as a season of renewal and fresh beginning. Devotees should use this occasion to ask for favours and express devotion to the goddess and seek her care and blessing.
Chaitra Navratri is marked by several rituals and customs unique to each culture and location, to worship the goddess Durga. Following are some typical worshipping methods:
The altar is put up at home by devotees who decorate it with flowers, fruits, and other gifts. The goddess' image or idol is put on the altar with other gods. This tiny altar is called a mandap.
On the nine days of Navratri, many devotees follow a severe fast, going without food or water from dawn till dusk.
During the daily puja or devotion, followers offer the goddess flowers, incense, diya and other offerings. To seek the goddess’s blessings and protection, devotees chant mantras, hum devotional songs, and offer prayers.
Kanya Puja, or the adoration of young girls, is carried out on the eighth or ninth day of Navratri. The invitation to the residence includes food, presents, and blessings for the nine girls, who stand for the nine manifestations of the goddess.
Holy fire is lighted, and grains, ghee, and other sacrifices are presented to the goddess.
Worshippers go to the goddess' temples to participate in specific rites and celebrations. During Navratri, several temples also host cultural festivals and processions.
After completing the last puja and asking the goddess for blessings, worshippers break their fast on the tenth day.
Homes and public spaces are decorated with flowers, lights, and rangolis (colourful patterns made with coloured powder or rice.) Overall, Chaitra Navratri is a time of spiritual renewal and devotion, during which devotees seek blessings and protection from the goddess Durga.