Chaitra Navratri 2023: Date, History, Significance, Story & more.

Chaitra Navratri Quick Facts

History of Chaitra Navratri

Navratri is very important in Hinduism, it is celebrated in the month of March-April. Nine forms of Durga are worshiped in Navratri. The religious belief is that the person who worships Maa Durga with true devotion and devotion gets the desired fruit.

The history of Navratri is very ancient and is described in the Puranas. The festival is celebrated in different months of the year, but it is mostly celebrated as Sharadiya Navratri, which falls between the months of September and October. During these days, forms of Maa Durga are worshiped and Shakti is prayed for on the occasion.

Story of Chaitra Navratri

Victory of Maa Durga: This story narrates the victory of the deities over a demon named Mahishasura. Mahishasura had defeated the gods because of his amazing power. On this the deities worshiped Maa Durga and endowed her with their power. Maa Durga fought for nine days and killed Mahishasura. This restored the gods to their power.

Battle of Maa Durga: It is told in this legend that once upon a time during the worship of the Trimurti of God Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, a very powerful and evil demon Tarakasura was born. Distressed by Tarakasura's tyrannical activities, the deities worshiped Maa Durga and sought her help. Maa Durga killed Tarakasura and protected the deities.

Worship by Shriram: It is told in this legend that Lord Shriram worshiped Goddess Durga during the Lanka war. He worshiped the goddess for nine days and by her grace was victorious in the Lanka war. Hence, the celebration of Navaratri was started by Shri Ram and is still celebrated in his memory.

Significance of Chaitra Navratri

The importance of Navratri is given special recognition from the religious, social, and cultural point of view. This Hindu festival Navratri is dedicated to the worship and worship of Goddess Durga. Maa Durga displays her amazing power during Navratri. She appears in nine forms for nine days, which are called Navadurga. Through these forms she defeats the demons and evil and waits for the victory of righteousness and justice. Navratri encourages harmony, unity, and strategic spirit in the Indian society.

In this festival people collectively perform puja, aarti, and bhajan, organize and celebrate together with each other. It plays an important role in social harmony and the wider Indian culture. The importance of Navratri is also in increasing spiritual progress. Through fasting, worship, chanting of mantras, and transmission of religious songs and stories, people improve their inner state and progress towards spiritual advancement.

How to celebrate Chaitra Navratri

The festival of Navratri is celebrated with special pomp in India and other Hindu world:

Navratri worship: People worship Maa Durga for nine days. A special worship place is prepared for this, where the idol or picture of the goddess is installed. The rituals include incense, lamps, flowers, prayers, chanting of mantras and offerings.

Observing a fast: Many people observe a fast for nine days during Navratri. In this, they have to eat a regular fasting diet, which includes satvik and pure diet, and they have to observe other special fasting rules.

Bhajan-Kirtan: During Navratri religious songs and hymns are communicated. People sing songs and hymns glorifying Goddess Durga and praising her virtues.

Specialties of the nine days of Navratri: The nine days of Navratri are dedicated to Maa Durga with nine different names of nine forms. Accordingly, every day a symbol of one form is made and worshipped. For the construction of these forms, special care is taken in color-dissolving and decoration.Durga Pandals: During Navratri people set up Durga Pandals, where the idol of Maa Durga is installed. Here people sing bhajans, perform aarti and pray for the blessings of the mother. Critical decorations are done to make the pandals modern and colourful.

Tradition and customs of Chaitra Navratri

The festival of Navratri is celebrated in different parts of India with different customs.

Dandiya and Garba: Dandiya and Garba dances are organized during Navratri. It is majorly celebrated in Gujarat and Rajasthan. People enjoy the colorful dance of Garba and Dandiya along with traditional songs.

Fasting and Diet: Many people observe a fast during Navratri. In this, they regularly eat fasting diet, which includes satvik and pure diet. Other fasting rules are also followed, such as Akele Vrat, Nirhar Vrat, Falahar Vrat etc.

Social celebration: During Navratri people celebrate collectively. They organize cultural events, dance and music competitions, workshops and fairs.

Decoration of the house: During Navratri, the decoration of houses is of special importance. People decorate their homes beautifully and use torans, garlands of flowers, colored letters, fans, makeup etc.

More info about Chaitra Navratri

In recent times, the beliefs and fervor of Navratri in general seem to be changing. Some people have adopted Navratri as a fun and social festival. It is an occasion when people enjoy music, dance, colorful costumes and fairs.

In big cities people celebrate Navratri by night clubbing. It includes DJ music, dance floor, Navratri songs and colorful lights. It is a modern and fun way in which people dance and enjoy the whole night of entertainment. Big and small fairs are organized during Navratri, where people enjoy different clothes, latest art, food items, political events etc. This usually includes food bonding, various activities, performances by magicians, etc.

Dance and song gatherings and competitions are held during Navratri. People wait for concerts, dance performances and Navratri songs. Often people themselves participate in these events and sing or dance. Some people do social service during Navratri. They help the poor and downtrodden, serve in ashrams , or contribute to other social causes.

List of major festivals: