Chaitra Navratri is a famous Hindu festival. Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasant Navratri, is a Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March–April) every year. It is a nine-day festival that honors the nine forms of Goddess Durga or Shakti. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. During this festival, devotees fast, pray and perform traditional rituals. The nine days of the festival are dedicated to nine different forms of the Goddess and each day is devoted to worshipping a different form. On the ninth day, the Goddess is worshipped in her full form. Chaitra Navratri is celebrated with much enthusiasm across India and is a joyous occasion for Hindus.
In this festival of Navratri, the two seasons meet. Navratri is celebrated twice a year. This festival is called Chaitra Navratri and Ashwin Navratri. Chaitra Navaratri falls during the months of March or April. Chaitra Navaratri is also known as Vasant Navaratri.
The festival is celebrated to honor the nine forms of Goddess Durga and her various powers and accomplishments. During the first three days of the festival, the Goddess is worshiped in her form of Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, and Chandraghanta. The next three days are devoted to worshiping the Goddess in the form of Kushmanda, Skandamata, and Katyayani. The remaining three days are dedicated to honoring the Goddess in her form of Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama is usually on the ninth day during the Navratri festival. Hence Chaitra Navaratri is also known as Rama Navaratri.
Most of the customs and rituals that follow during Sharadiya Navratri are followed during Chaitra Navratri. Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhan is the same for Sharadiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri.
Chaitra Navratri is more popular in North India. In Maharashtra, Chaitra Navratri begins with Gudi Padwa and in Andhra Pradesh it begins with Ugadi.
vivāde viṣāde pramāde pravāse jale cānale parvate śatrumadhye।
araṇye śaraṇye sadā māṃ prapāhi gatistvaṃ gatistvaṃ tvamekā bhavāni॥
Meaning: During the dispute, despair, intoxication, or travelling, in water, fire, or mountains, amidst enemies, and in the forest, protect me, for you are my refuge. You are the way, the only way, Bhavani!
The festival is marked by traditional rituals such as chanting mantras, lighting diyas or small lamps, and offering prayers to the Goddess. Devotees also observe fasts and perform pujas or religious ceremonies.
Chaitra Navratri is an important festival for Hindus, as it is believed to be an auspicious time to seek the blessings of the Goddess and to improve one’s spiritual and material
Chaitra Navratri 2025 start on Sunday, 30 March 2025.