Chaitra Navratri 2023: A Nine-Day Celebration of Devotion

According to Hindu Lunar Calender, Navratri – the nine-night religious festival is celebrated twice a year- in April and October. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, as this was when Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura. 

People usually perform different pujas and homas, including Durga Homa, Chandi Homa, Durga Deep Namaskara Puja and others, during Chaitra Navratri at home. They set huge pandals, decorate the stages and book a pandit who handles the religious chores of the ceremony. 

Are you planning to organize Chaitra Navratri Puja at your home? If yes, then SmartPuja will connect you with expert pandits. 

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All you need to do is select the puja you wish to perform and book pandits for the planned dates. Our priests will handle all the samagri needs for the puja and will also help with a checklist of household items that need to be collected. 

Furthermore, let’s find the essential details about Chaitra Navratri from our experts to know the significance of the nine-day festival. 

What is Chaitra Navratri?

Chaitra Navratri refers to the nine divine nights when Goddess Durga and her forms are worshipped. This Navratri usually falls from March to April. It is believed that during Chaitra Navratri, the Goddess Durga comes down from heaven to stay with her devotees and is hailed to be one of the most auspicious nights in the Hindu culture. 

In different parts of India, Chaitra Navratri is celebrated in various forms. 

• The South Indian states start the celebration of Chaitra Navratri with Ugadi. 
• The beginning of Chaitra Navratri in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh starts with Gudi Padwa and Ugadi, respectively. 

Commonly the start of Chaitra Navratri is marked with Ghatasthapana. Chaitra Navratri is also referred to as Rama Navratri or Vasanta Navratri. The ninth day is believed to be Lord Rama’s birthday. 

History of Chaitra Navratri 

According to Brahma Purana, on the day of Chaitra Pratipada, Lord Brahma began creating the universe on Goddess Durga’s command, signifying the first day of the year. 

On the third day of Chaitra Navratri, the Matsya avatar of Lord Vishnu was incarnated on Earth to make Mother Earth. The ninth day of Chaitra Navratri is also known as Ram Navami, marking the birth of Lord Vishnu, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. 

Another legend associated with Chaitra Navratri is about Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. It is believed that when Goddess Parvati wanted to visit her parents, she took the permission of Lord Shiva to pay the visit.  

Chaitra Navratri Worshipping 

Chaitra Navratri signifies the start of the Hindu New Year, which falls in spring. The devotees worship the three manifestations or forms of Goddess Shakti, namely Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Durga. 

Each day of the nine nights marks the celebration or worshipping of each form of Goddess Shakti. The nine forms of Goddess Shakti that are worshipped during Chaitra Navratri include- 

• Durga 
• Shailputri
• Chandraghanta
• Brahmacharini
• Katyayani
• Skandmata
• Maha Gauri
• Siddhidatri
• Kaalratri

Chaitra Navratri 2023

Chaitra Navratri 2023 will begin with the Ghatasthapana Puja. The auspicious time for the Ghatasthapana Puja is 06:29 AM to 7:42 AM on March 22, 2023. The muhurta for the installation of Chaitra Navratri Ghatasthapana Puja will last 1 hour and 13 minutes. 

Below is the complete schedule for Chaitra Navratri 2023:

Day 1 (March 22, 2023): Pratipada Tithi/ Ghatasthapana

• Goddess Worshipped: Mata Shailputri
• Colour: Grey 
• Offerings: Kuttu ki Poori
• Mantra: Om Shaam Sheem Shoom Shailputrayi Namah

Day 2 (March 23, 2023): Dwitiya Tithi

• Goddess Worshipped: Mata Brahmacharini 
• Colour: Orange
• Offerings: Motichoor Laddoo
• Mantra: Om Braam Breem Broom Brahmachariniyai Namah

Day 3 (March 24, 2023): Tritiya Tithi

• Goddess Worshipped: Mata Chandraghanta
• Colour: White
• Offerings: Makhane ki Kheer
• Mantra: Om Hreem Kleem Sheem Chandraghantayai Namah

Day 4 (March 25, 2023): Chaturthi Tithi

• Goddess Worshipped: Mata Kushmanda
• Colour: Red
• Offerings: Beetroot/ Carrot Juice
• Mantra: Om Hreem Kushmandayi Jagatprasootyai Namah

Day 5 (March 26, 2023): Panchami Tithi 

• Goddess Worshipped: Mata Skandamata
• Colour: Blue
• Offerings: Blueberry/ Prune
• Mantra: Om Hreem Saha Skandmatrayi Namah

Day 6 (March 27, 2023): Shasthi Tithi 

• Goddess Worshipped: Mata Katyayani
• Colour: Pink
• Offerings: Rose petal ki kulfi
• Mantra: Om Hreem Sheem Katyayanayi Namah

Day 7 (March 28, 2023): Saptami Tithi

• Goddess Worshipped: Mata Kaalratri
• Colour: Royal Blue 
• Offerings: Nariyal ki Barfi
• Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Shreem Kaalratriyai Namah

Day 8 (March 29, 2023): Ashthami Tithi 

• Goddess Worshipped: Mata Mahagauri
• Colour: Yellow
• Offerings: Kesar ki Kheer
• Mantra: Om Hreem Shreem Glaum Gam Gauri Geem Namah

Day 9 (March 30, 2023): Navami Tithi/ Ram Navami/ Durga Maha Navami

• Goddess Worshipped: Mata Siddhidatri
• Colour: Green
• Offerings: Bottle Gourd
• Mantra: Om Hreem Saha Siddhidatrayi Namah

Significance of Chaitra Navratri 

• According to the beliefs, anyone who worships Goddess Durga during Navratri without any desire can easily attain salvation. 
• Mother Earth also undergoes significant climatic changes during Chaitra Navratri and welcomes summer. Therefore, consuming light food and fasting prepares individuals for the summer season. 
• As it also marks the beginning of the New year and spring season, people worship Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshani to seek blessings for the year ahead. 

Mythological Significance of Chaitra Navratri 

According to popular beliefs, Lord Shiva permitted Goddess Parvati (his wife) to meet and stay with her mother for nine days. It is why many women plan a visit to their mother’s home during this period. 

But Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura during her nine-day stay, and since then, she has been worshipped as a symbol of Shakti for her energy and power. Devotees further believe that Maa Durga cannot be destroyed or created and worship her to get inner strength that cannot be destroyed. 

Chaitra Navratri Puja Procedure 

Puja Preparations 

• On the first day of Puja, perform the Kalash Sthapana. On the respective area, spread a red piece of cloth and place the Photo of Maa Durga on it. 
• Put up some red soil, moisten it, and sprinkle some water on it. 
• Sow the barley seeds and place a moistened earthen clay pot in the centre.
• Into the pot, add some Gangaajal and drop a few pinches of roli. 
• Place mango leaves on the pot’s opening, safeguarding it as a lid.
• Wrap a coconut in red cloth. 
• Put a few rice grains on the lid and then place the coconut.

Everyday Navratri Puja Procedure 

Here are a few things to perform every day for Navratri Puja:

• Light a diya and agarbatti.
• Put up some offerings such as flowers, Chandan, vermillion and turmeric paste. 
• While doing the Durga Puja daily, sprinkle water on the barley seeds. 
• Prepare the respective dish on the day and offer it to the Goddess. 
• Do aarti twice a day.
• Distribute the prasad among all the family members.

Eighth Day Puja

On the eighth day of the Puja, perform the Kanya Puja. Invite nine young girls into your house. These nine girls symbolize the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Cook delicious vegetarian meals and offer them. Wash the feet of the girls and provide them with food. 

Visarjan on the 10^th Day

The tenth day is for Visarjan. On the tenth day, perform the Puja casually as the rest of the nine days and sprinkle the water from the Kalash in the rooms of all houses. Offer the rice to birds that you had kept on the Kalash lid. The barley seeds will be grown to some extent by the tenth day; place them close to the tree.  

Don’ts During Chaitra Navratri 

• Avoid the consumption of garlic and onion. 
• Anyone fasting during the Chaitra Navratri festival shouldn’t consume non-vegetarian food. 
• People observing the Chaitra Navratri festival should refrain from wearing any leather products. 
• The house where Chaitra Navratri is celebrated should ensure that someone is always available and that the house is not left empty during the festival. 
• While observing the Navratri fast, one should not go to sleep during the afternoon. 
• Do not cut hair or shave during Navratri festivals. It is said to bring negative influence or bad luck. 
• Fasting is a familiar ritual for Chaitra Navratri. However, one should not starve themselves for the Puja. Even while fasting, it is essential to have small meals regularly throughout the day. It will help in avoiding harming health. 

Conduct Chaitra Navratri Puja at Home with Professionals

Chaitra Navratri is a vibrant and significant Hindu festival celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. To make your Navratri celebration even more special and auspicious, it is suggested that you hire a pandit from SmartPuja. 

With their years of experience and in-depth knowledge of Hindu customs and traditions, a pandit from SmartPuja can help you perform the puja most traditionally and authentically possible. They can also guide you through the rituals and answer any questions you may have about the festival. 
Furthermore, you can also book e-puja and astrology services provided by our experts.

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