Chaitra Navratri, also called Vasanta Navratri, is a nine-day Hindu festival to honor Goddess Durga. It starts on the first day of the Hindu calendar, which is usually in March or April. In 2025, Chaitra Navratri will start on March 30 and end on April 7, with Rama Navami celebrated on the ninth day.

This festival is very important, especially in northern India, where people fast, do pujas (prayers), and read holy texts. In Maharashtra, it begins with Gudi Padwa, while in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, it aligns with Ugadi, the Hindu New Year.

IMPORTANT DATES OF CHAITRA NAVRATRI 2025

Each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, and people perform special prayers and rituals. Here are the key dates:

• March 30, 2025 - Pratipada (Ghatasthapana & Shailputri Puja) - Orange color
• March 31, 2025 - Dwitiya (Brahmacharini Puja) - White color
• April 1, 2025 - Tritiya (Chandraghanta Puja) - Red color
• April 2, 2025 - Chaturthi (Kushmanda Puja) - Royal Blue color
• April 3, 2025 - Panchami (Skandamata Puja) - Yellow color
• April 4, 2025 - Shashti (Katyayani Puja) - Green color
• April 5, 2025 - Saptami (Kalaratri Puja) - Grey color
• April 6, 2025 - Ashtami (Mahagauri Puja & Kanya Pujan) - Purple color
• April 7, 2025 - Navami (Siddhidatri Puja & Ram Navami) - Peacock Green color

Importance of Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri is a festival that honors the nine forms of Goddess Durga, called Navadurga. During this time, people fast, recite prayers, and do special rituals to receive blessings from the Goddess. Many also give to charity and feed those in need. This festival is important because it celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, so it is also known as Rama Navratri.

It is believed that Goddess Durga came to Earth during this time to battle and defeat the demon Mahishasura.

Rituals and Traditions (Puja Vidhi and Rituals)

• Ghatasthapana: The festival starts with Ghatasthapana, where a clay pot (kalash) is placed and worshipped.
• Daily Offerings: Each day is for a different form of Goddess Durga, with special prayers and songs performed.
• Color Significance: Each day has a specific color that is thought to bring good energy and blessings.
• Sandhi Puja: On the eighth day (Ashtami), a special ritual called Sandhi Puja is held at the time between Ashtami and Navami.
• Kanya Pujan: Many people perform Kanya Pujan, where they honor young girls (who represent Goddess Durga) and offer them food.
• Navratri Parana: The festival ends on Dashami, when people break their fasts and perform the Parana ritual.