Navratri is a 9- day long Hindu festival that is celebrated in almost every part of India. Usually, in most parts of India, it is celebrated to honor the celestial Goddess Durga, a reincarnation of Adi Parashakti.

In the southern and eastern states of India, Navratri is generally celebrated to worship Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasur. In the northern and western states, the festival usually signifies the battle and victory of God Ram over demon king Ravan.

All the stories and legends surrounding the festival boil down to the victory of good over evil. The festival is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm and Goddess Nav Durga is worshipped to seek her blessings for the person and their loved ones and find ultimate salvation through the worship.

When is it celebrated?

In the Hindu calendar, there are 4 different seasonal Navratri that fall every year. However, only 2 of them are extremely significant- Sharad Navratri and Chaitra Navratri. The other 2 are Gupt Navratri- Magh Navratri and Ashadh Navratri. In all cases, Navratri falls in the bright half of the Hindu lunisolar months.

• Sharad Navratri

It is the most celebrated Navratri all over India, celebrated near autumn equinox from September to October. Sharad means autumn in Sanskrit. Sharad Navratri is observed in the lunar month of Ashvin, post-monsoon in September- October. In most regions, the festival falls after the autumn harvest, and in others, during the autumn harvest.

• Chaitra Navratri

This is the 2nd most celebrated Navratri and named after Vasant which means spring. It is observed in the lunar month of Chaitra, post-winter in March- April. . In most regions, the festival falls after the spring harvest, and in others, during the spring harvest. It also marks the first day of the Hindu calendar and is also known as the Hindu New Year.

The other two Navratri are observed either regionally or by individuals.

• Magh Navratri

It is celebrated in January- February, which is the lunar month of Magh, meaning winter. The 5th day of this Navratri is often celebrated individually as Vasant Panchami, i.e. the official start of spring according to Hindu tradition. It is celebrated in honor of Goddess Saraswati through arts, music, writing, and kite flying in some regions. In others, the Hindu God of love, Kama is revered.

• Ashadh Navratri

It is celebrated in June- July, which is the lunar month of Ashadh, meaning monsoon

The exact dates of the 4 Navratri are determined according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, and sometimes the festival may be held for a day more or a day less depending on the adjustments for sun and moon movements and the leap year.

What is celebrated on each day?

Navratri Day 1 (Pratipada):

• Shailputri Puja
• Ghatasthapana
• Chandra Darshan

Navratri Day 2 (Dwitiya):

• Brahmacharini Puja
• Sindhara Dooj

Navratri Day 3 (Tritiya):

• Chandraghanta Puja
• Gauri Puja
• Saubhagya Teej

Navratri Day 4 (Chaturthi):

• Kushmanda Puja
• Vinayak Chaturthi

Navratri Day 5 (Panchami):

• Skandamata Puja
• Naag Puja
• Lakshmi Panchami

Navratri Day 6 (Shashthi):

• Katyayani Puja
• Skanda Shashthi
• Yamuna Chhath

Navratri Day 7 (Saptami):

• Kaalratri Puja
• Maha Saptami

Navratri Day 8 (Ashtami):

• Mahagauri Puja
• Durga Ashtami
• Annapurna Ashtami
• Sandhi Puja

Navratri Day 9 (Navmi):

• Rama Navami

Navratri Day 10 (Dashmi):

• Navratri Parana

Chaitra Navratri is more popular in northern India. In Maharashtra, Chaitra Navratri begins with Gudi Padwa, and in Andhra Pradesh Chaitra, Navratri begins with Ugadi.

If you’re interested in performing Navratri puja at your home and bless your loved ones with Goddess Durga’s imminence and seek her blessings for good fortune, wealth, and health, don’t forget to book our Online Navratri Puja services. We provide puja services for Navratri puja at Navratri puja time, including puja samagri.

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