Chaitra Navratri 2023: History & Significance

Chaitra Navratri is among the well-known festival in Hinduism. It is the auspicious time of the year when devotees of Goddess Durga and Lord Rama observe fasts and pray to the gods for nine days to bless them with prosperity and happiness.

During this nine-day celebration, devotees pray to the nine avatars of Goddess Shakti, and on the last day, observe Ram Navami.

Chaitra Navratri starts on the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar. During this festival, nine incarnations of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Each day of this festival holds a different significance and is dedicated to Maa Durga’s nine avatars, including Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.

On the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri the seventh avatar of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya, Shree Ram was born during this time. So on the ninth day, Ram Navami is celebrated.

During these days, many devotees abstain from drinking alcohol, eating non-veg and consuming onion and garlic. Many people also perform rituals and pujas as per Hindu traditions.

Day 1 – Maa Shailputri Puja (Pratipada)

Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini Puja (Dwitiya)

Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta Puja (Tritiya)

Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda Puja (Chaturthi)

Day 5 – Skandamata Puja (Panchami)

Day 6 – Maa Katyayani Puja (Shasthi)

Day 7 – Maa Kalaratri Puja (Saptami)

Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri Puja (Annapurna Ashtami, Sandhi Puja)

Day 9 – Ram Navami, Goddess Siddhidhatri