The festival of Navrarti celebrated in the month of Chaitra is known as Chaitra Navaratri. It is a nine-day celebration in which Goddess Durga, the epitome of absolute divine power, is welcomed in homes by devotees and worshipped in all her nine forms with great jubilation and happiness. Hindu devotees mainly worship three main forms of Goddess Shakti - Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi - to seek their divine blessings during this blissful time of the year. The nine forms of Shakti worshipped on each day of Chaitra Navratri are: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri.
The festival commences on the first day of the Hindu calendar during Shukla Paksha of Chaitra Masa falling in the month of March-April every year. This year, it will begin on 09th April 2024 and will end on 17th April 2024. Chaitra Navratri is also called Vasanta Navratri as it marks the beginning of the spring season in India. This festival culminates with Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama.
The most auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri holds immense significance for the Hindu people as it is the best time to please Goddess Durga and seek her blessings. The religious rituals and ceremonies of Chaitra Navratri have a great symbolic value attached to them. The first three days of Chaitra Navratri is devoted to Maa Durga, the Goddess of Energy; the next three days is devoted to Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth; and the last three days is dedicated to Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge.
As the festival of Chaitra Navratri begins on the first day of the Hindu Lunisolar Calendar, the first day of the nine-day extravaganza is celebrated as –
According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama and Lakshmana worshipped Maa Shakti for nine days and performed yagna on the last day to seek her blessings. These blessings gave them the courage to fight Ravana and release Mother Sita from his captivity.
According to another legend, once there was a king named Sudarshan who offered his prayers to Maa Shakti and became victorious in seeking her blessings. To thank the Goddess, the king in return performed a yagna and therefore, this day came to be celebrated as Chaitra Navratri.
| Navratri Day | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Pratipada | 09th April 2024 | Tuesday/ मंगलवार |
| Dwitiya | 10th April 2024 | Wednesday / बुधवार |
| Tritiya | 11th April 2024 | Thursday / गुरूवार |
| Chaturthi | 12th April 2024 | Friday / शुक्रवार |
| Panchami | 13th April 2024 | Saturday / शनिवार |
| Shashthi | 14th April 2024 | Sunday / रविवार |
| Saptami | 15th April 2024 | Monday / सोमवार |
| Ashtami | 16th April 2024 | Tuesday / मंगलवार |
| Navami | 17th April 2024 | Wednesday / बुधवार |
Offering prayers to all the nine forms of Goddess Shakti and observing fasts is the crux of the celebrations of Chaitra Navratri. Performing all the rituals and ceremonies of the Navratri Puja in a well-defined manner will attract happiness, wellness, and prosperity in our homes.
Before the beginning of the Chaitra Navratri festivals, the house is properly cleaned. The Puja Ghar in the house is cleaned and decorated with lights and all the essential items. The idol of Goddess Durga is draped new clothes and decorated with Shringar items like Bindi, bangles, sindoor, and others. Devotees fasting are allowed to eat only “Satvik” food such as ‘kuttu ka aata’, potatoes, fruits, and curd. Food items like garlic, onion, and non-vegetarian food re strictly prohibited in homes where Navratri Puja ceremonies are held. Chanting Navratri mantras, reading Navratri stories of each day, and worshipping the Goddess with full devotion forms an important part of the Navratri rituals and celebrations. The fast is broken on the ninth day of Navratri after the havan and Kanya Pujan.
There are a few things which must be taken care of while observing Chaitra Navratri Puja at home.
As the nine avatars of Goddess Shakti is worshipped during the nine days of Chaitra Navaratri, every day of Navratri has its own significance and has different rituals to be followed.
Also known as Kalash Sthapana or Kalashsthapana, Ghatasthapana constitutes a significant part of the Navratri rituals. It signifies the beginning of the noine-day festival of Navratri as holy Kalash is installed in the Puja Ghar on this day. When performed in a ritualistic manner following all the necessary rules and regulations, it brings peace and prosperity in homes. It is advised to perform this Puja in the Pratipada muhurat and avoid performing it in Nakshatra Chitra and Vaidhriti Yoga during Ghatasthapana.
| Date of Chaitra Ghatasthapana | Tuesday, April 09, 2024 |
| Ghatasthapana Shubh Muhurat | 06:02 AM to 10:16 AM |
| Falls During | Vaidhriti Yoga |
| Tithi | Pratipada |
| Pratipada Tithi Begins | 11:50 PM on Apr 08 |
| Pratipada Tithi Ends | 08:30 PM on Apr 09 |
| Abhijit Muhurat | 11:57 AM to 12:48 PM |
The first of Navratri or Pratipada is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri (also called Maa Bhavani, Parvati and Hemavati) who is the first form of the Goddess Durga. Maa Shailputri Puja when performed by the devotees in a ritualistic manner wards off any negative effects of the moon. The Puja is performed immediately after the Ghatasthapana.
| Date of Puja | 09 April 2024 |
| Colour of the Day | Red |
| Favourite flower | Jasmine |
| Offering to Goddess | Ghee |
| Chakra | Muladhara |
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
शैलपुत्री माँ बैल असवार। करें देवता जय जय कार॥
शिव-शंकर की प्रिय भवानी। तेरी महिमा किसी ने न जानी॥
पार्वती तू उमा कहलावें। जो तुझे सुमिरे सो सुख पावें॥
रिद्धि सिद्धि परवान करें तू। दया करें धनवान करें तू॥
सोमवार को शिव संग प्यारी। आरती जिसने तेरी उतारी॥
उसकी सगरी आस पुजा दो। सगरे दुःख तकलीफ मिटा दो॥
घी का सुन्दर दीप जला के। गोला गरी का भोग लगा के॥
श्रद्धा भाव से मन्त्र जपायें। प्रेम सहित फिर शीश झुकायें॥
जय गिरराज किशोरी अम्बे। शिव मुख चन्द्र चकोरी अम्बे॥
मनोकामना पूर्ण कर दो। चमन सदा सुख सम्पत्ति भर दो॥
The Dwitiya tithi of Chaitra Navratri observes the celebration of Goddess Brahmacharini Puja who is the second form of Goddess Durga. Goddess Brahmacharini symbolizes love, loyalty, wisdom, and knowledge and blesses her devotees with all these qualities. Performing her Puja ritualistically bring good luck and eliminates all hurdles from the path of progress.
| Date of Puja | 10 April 2024 |
| Colour of the Day | Royal Blue |
| Favourite flower | Chrysanthemum flower |
| Offering to Goddess | Sugar |
| Chakra | Swathisthana |
| Ruling Planet | Mars/Mangal |
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
जय अम्बे ब्रह्मचारिणी माता। जय चतुरानन प्रिय सुख दाता॥
ब्रह्मा जी के मन भाती हो। ज्ञान सभी को सिखलाती हो॥
ब्रह्म मन्त्र है जाप तुम्हारा। जिसको जपे सरल संसारा॥
जय गायत्री वेद की माता। जो जन जिस दिन तुम्हें ध्याता॥
कमी कोई रहने ना पाए। उसकी विरति रहे ठिकाने॥
जो तेरी महिमा को जाने। रद्रक्षा की माला ले कर॥
जपे जो मन्त्र श्रद्धा दे कर। आलस छोड़ करे गुणगाना॥
माँ तुम उसको सुख पहुँचाना। ब्रह्मचारिणी तेरो नाम॥
पूर्ण करो सब मेरे काम। भक्त तेरे चरणों का पुजारी॥
रखना लाज मेरी महतारी।
The third day of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to the Goddess Chandraghanta who is the third form of the Goddess Shakti. As she is the Goddess of spiritual and internal power, so performing the rituals of the Chandraghanta Puja in a perfect manner such as offering her milk and milk products will remove obstacles from life.
| Date of Puja | 11 April 2024 |
| Colour of the Day | Yellow |
| Favourite flower | Lotus |
| Offering to Goddess | Milk |
| Chakra | Manipura |
| Ruling Planet | Venus (Shukra) |
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ चन्द्रघण्टा रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
जय माँ चन्द्रघण्टा सुख धाम। पूर्ण कीजो मेरे काम॥
चन्द्र समाज तू शीतल दाती। चन्द्र तेज किरणों में समाती॥
मन की मालक मन भाती हो। चन्द्रघण्टा तुम वर दाती हो॥
सुन्दर भाव को लाने वाली। हर संकट में बचाने वाली॥
हर बुधवार को तुझे ध्याये। श्रद्दा सहित तो विनय सुनाए॥
मूर्ति चन्द्र आकार बनाए। शीश झुका कहे मन की बाता॥
पूर्ण आस करो जगत दाता। कांचीपुर स्थान तुम्हारा॥
कर्नाटिका में मान तुम्हारा। नाम तेरा रटू महारानी॥
भक्त की रक्षा करो भवानी।
Maa Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped on the fourth day of the Chaitra Navratri. The Goddess is known to end darkness with her radiant smile. She is the avatar of Goddess Parvati who resides in the sun and gives out positive energy to the universe. With the vase of nectar in her hands, she gives blessings of longevity and good health to her devotees.
| Date of Puja | 12 April 2024 |
| Colour of the Day | Green |
| Favourite flower | Jasmine |
| Offering to Goddess | Malpua |
| Chakra | Anahata (Heart) |
| Ruling Planet | Sun |
ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कूष्माण्डा रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
कूष्माण्डा जय जग सुखदानी। मुझ पर दया करो महारानी॥
पिङ्गला ज्वालामुखी निराली। शाकम्बरी माँ भोली भाली॥
लाखों नाम निराले तेरे। भक्त कई मतवाले तेरे॥
भीमा पर्वत पर है डेरा। स्वीकारो प्रणाम ये मेरा॥
सबकी सुनती हो जगदम्बे। सुख पहुँचती हो माँ अम्बे॥
तेरे दर्शन का मैं प्यासा। पूर्ण कर दो मेरी आशा॥
माँ के मन में ममता भारी। क्यों ना सुनेगी अरज हमारी॥
तेरे दर पर किया है डेरा। दूर करो माँ संकट मेरा॥
मेरे कारज पूरे कर दो। मेरे तुम भंडारे भर दो॥
तेरा दास तुझे ही ध्याए। भक्त तेरे दर शीश झुकाए॥
Goddess Skandamata is worshipped on the fifth day of Chaitra Navratri. She is the fifth incarnation of the Goddess Adi Shakti. When Goddess Parvati gave birth to Lord Kartikeya (Lord Skanda), she came to be known as Skanda Devi.
| Date of Puja | 13 April 2024 |
| Colour of the Day | Grey |
| Favourite flower | Hibiscus |
| Offering to Goddess | Bananas |
| Chakra | Vishuddha (Throat) |
| Ruling Planet | Mercury |
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ स्कन्दमाता रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
जय तेरी हो स्कन्द माता। पांचवां नाम तुम्हारा आता॥
सबके मन की जानन हारी। जग जननी सबकी महतारी॥
तेरी जोत जलाता रहूं मैं। हरदम तुझे ध्याता रहूं मै॥
कई नामों से तुझे पुकारा। मुझे एक है तेरा सहारा॥
कही पहाड़ों पर है डेरा। कई शहरों में तेरा बसेरा॥
हर मन्दिर में तेरे नजारे। गुण गाए तेरे भक्त प्यारे॥
भक्ति अपनी मुझे दिला दो। शक्ति मेरी बिगड़ी बना दो॥
इन्द्र आदि देवता मिल सारे। करे पुकार तुम्हारे द्वारे॥
दुष्ट दैत्य जब चढ़ कर आए। तू ही खण्ड हाथ उठाए॥
दासों को सदा बचाने आयी। भक्त की आस पुजाने आयी॥
Goddess Katyayani is the sixth form of Goddess Durga well-known in removing obstacles from the path of her devotees. Ladies worship the Goddess to seek her blessings for a happy and long married life. Offering prayers to the Goddess during Navratri will eliminate negative impacts of planets in horoscope. Girls who are unmarried and finding it difficult to find a groom for themselves, worshipping Maa Katyayani will bless them find a suitable groom.
| Date of Puja | 14 April 2024 |
| Colour of the Day | Orange |
| Favourite flower | Marigold |
| Offering to Goddess | Honey |
| Chakra | Ajna (Third Eye) |
| Ruling Planet | Jupiter |
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कात्यायनी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
जय जय अम्बे जय कात्यायनी। जय जग माता जग की महारानी॥
बैजनाथ स्थान तुम्हारा। वहावर दाती नाम पुकारा॥
कई नाम है कई धाम है। यह स्थान भी तो सुखधाम है॥
हर मन्दिर में ज्योत तुम्हारी। कही योगेश्वरी महिमा न्यारी॥
हर जगह उत्सव होते रहते। हर मन्दिर में भगत है कहते॥
कत्यानी रक्षक काया की। ग्रंथि काटे मोह माया की॥
झूठे मोह से छुडाने वाली। अपना नाम जपाने वाली॥
बृहस्पतिवार को पूजा करिए। ध्यान कात्यानी का धरिये॥
हर संकट को दूर करेगी। भंडारे भरपूर करेगी॥
जो भी माँ को भक्त पुकारे। कात्यायनी सब कष्ट निवारे॥
The seventh day of navratri is dedicated to the Goddess Kalaratri. She is believed to destroy ignorance and eliminate darkness from the universe. This day of Navratri is celebrated in two ways by the people of India. Some people follow a tantric method of prayer where wine or blood is offered to the Goddess and some people follow certain religious rituals which include praying.
| Date of Puja | 15 April 2024 |
| Colour of the Day | White |
| Favourite flower | Krishna Kamal/Raat ki Rani |
| Offering to Goddess | Jaggery |
| Chakra | Sahasrara (Crown) |
| Ruling Planet | Saturn (Shani) |
ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ कालरात्रि रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
कालरात्रि जय जय महाकाली। काल के मुंह से बचाने वाली॥
दुष्ट संघारक नाम तुम्हारा। महाचंडी तेरा अवतारा॥
पृथ्वी और आकाश पे सारा। महाकाली है तेरा पसारा॥
खड्ग खप्पर रखने वाली। दुष्टों का लहू चखने वाली॥
कलकत्ता स्थान तुम्हारा। सब जगह देखूं तेरा नजारा॥
सभी देवता सब नर-नारी। गावें स्तुति सभी तुम्हारी॥
रक्तदन्ता और अन्नपूर्णा। कृपा करे तो कोई भी दुःख ना॥
ना कोई चिंता रहे ना बीमारी। ना कोई गम ना संकट भारी॥
उस पर कभी कष्ट ना आवे। महाकाली माँ जिसे बचावे॥
तू भी भक्त प्रेम से कह। कालरात्रि माँ तेरी जय॥
Also known as Maha Ashtami or Durga Ashtami, the 8th day of Chaitra Navratri observes people worshipping Goddess Mahagauri and performing Kanya Puja. The Goddess epitomizes peace and endurance and worshipping her cleanse us of all the sins in the heart. Kanya Pujan is performed in most of the Hindu homes on this day.
| Date of Puja | 16 April 2024 |
| Colour of the Day | Pink |
| Favourite flower | Night Blooming Jasmine/Mogra |
| Offering to Goddess | Coconut |
| Ruling Planet | Rahu |
ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ महागौरी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
जय महागौरी जगत की माया। जय उमा भवानी जय महामाया॥
हरिद्वार कनखल के पासा। महागौरी तेरा वहा निवास॥
चन्द्रकली और ममता अम्बे। जय शक्ति जय जय माँ जगदम्बे॥
भीमा देवी विमला माता। कौशिक देवी जग विख्यता॥
हिमाचल के घर गौरी रूप तेरा। महाकाली दुर्गा है स्वरूप तेरा॥
सती (सत) हवन कुंड में था जलाया। उसी धुएं ने रूप काली बनाया॥
बना धर्म सिंह जो सवारी में आया। तो शंकर ने त्रिशूल अपना दिखाया॥
तभी माँ ने महागौरी नाम पाया। शरण आनेवाले का संकट मिटाया॥
शनिवार को तेरी पूजा जो करता। माँ बिगड़ा हुआ काम उसका सुधरता॥
भक्त बोलो तो सोच तुम क्या रहे हो। महागौरी माँ तेरी हरदम ही जय हो॥
Siddhidatri Devi is worshipped on the ninth day of the Chaitra Navratri as she is the ninth form of the Goddess Durga. She fulfils the wishes of her devotees and bestows joy in their lives. On the ninth day of Navratri, the devotees worship the holy kalash and recite all the chapters of the ‘Durga Saptashi’. Devotees also offer the Goddess nine oranges, light diyas and burn incense sticks in front of her, offer jasmine flowers, fruits, clothes and chant Siddhidatri Pujanmantras. Some people even conduct Kanya Pujan at home on the ninth day of Navratri and invite nine girls in their homes and offer them Prasad and gifts. These girls are symbolic of the nine avatars of Maa Durga.
| Date of Puja | 17 April 2024 |
| Colour of the Day | Sky Blue |
| Favourite flower | Champa |
| Offering to Goddess | Til |
| Ruling Planet | Ketu |
ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः॥
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ सिद्धिदात्री रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥
जय सिद्धिदात्री माँ तू सिद्धि की दाता। तु भक्तों की रक्षक तू दासों की माता॥
तेरा नाम लेते ही मिलती है सिद्धि। तेरे नाम से मन की होती है शुद्धि॥
कठिन काम सिद्ध करती हो तुम। जभी हाथ सेवक के सिर धरती हो तुम॥
तेरी पूजा में तो ना कोई विधि है। तू जगदम्बें दाती तू सर्व सिद्धि है॥
रविवार को तेरा सुमिरन करे जो। तेरी मूर्ति को ही मन में धरे जो॥
तू सब काज उसके करती है पूरे। कभी काम उसके रहे ना अधूरे॥
तुम्हारी दया और तुम्हारी यह माया। रखे जिसके सिर पर मैया अपनी छाया॥
सर्व सिद्धि दाती वह है भाग्यशाली। जो है तेरे दर का ही अम्बें सवाली॥
हिमाचल है पर्वत जहां वास तेरा। महा नंदा मंदिर में है वास तेरा॥
मुझे आसरा है तुम्हारा ही माता। भक्ति है सवाली तू जिसकी दाता॥
Ram Navami is the birth anniversary of Lord Rama which is celebrated on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month. On this auspicious day, people take a holy dip in the river Sarayu and thereafter visit Rama temple to participate in his birthday celebrations.
| Date of Ram Navami | 17th April 2024 |
| Rama Navami Madhyahna Muhurat | 11:03 AM to 01:38 PM |
| Navami Tithi Begins | 01:23 PM on Apr 16, 2024 |
| Navami Tithi Ends | 03:14 PM on Apr 17, 2024 |
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन, हरण भवभय दारुणम्।
नव कंज लोचन, कंज मुख कर कंज पद कंजारुणम्॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।
कन्दर्प अगणित अमित छवि, नव नील नीरद सुन्दरम्।
पट पीत मानहुं तड़ित रूचि-शुचि नौमि जनक सुतावरम्॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।
भजु दीनबंधु दिनेश दानव दैत्य वंश निकन्दनम्।
रघुनन्द आनन्द कन्द कौशल चन्द्र दशरथ नन्द्नम्॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।
सिर मुकुट कुंडल तिलक चारू उदारु अंग विभूषणम्।
आजानुभुज शर चाप-धर, संग्राम जित खरदूषणम्॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।
इति वदति तुलसीदास, शंकर शेष मुनि मन रंजनम्।
मम ह्रदय कंज निवास कुरु, कामादि खल दल गंजनम्॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।
मन जाहि राचेऊ मिलहि सो वर सहज सुन्दर सांवरो।
करुणा निधान सुजान शील सनेह जानत रावरो॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।
एहि भांति गौरी असीस सुन सिय हित हिय हरषित अली।
तुलसी भवानिहि पूजी पुनि-पुनि मुदित मन मन्दिर चली॥
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजु मन…।
| Year | Dates | Day |
| 2024 | 09 April - 17 April | Tuesday - Wednesday |
| 2025 | 30 March – 7 April | Sunday - Monday |
| 2026 | 19 March – 27 March | Tuesday - Friday |
| 2027 | 7 April - 15 April | Wednesday – Thursday |
| 2028 | 27 March - 4 April | Monday – Tuesday |
| Year | Date | Time |
| 2024 | Tuesday, 09 April | 06:02 am to 10:16 am |
| 2025 | Sunday, 30 March | 06:13 am to 10:22 am |
| 2026 | Thursday, 19 March | 06:52 am to 07:43 am |
| 2027 | Wednesday, 7 April | 06:05 am to 07:26 am |
| 2028 | Monday, 27 March | 06:17 AM to 07:09 AM |
