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Lucknow: Chaitra Navratri, a significant Hindu festival marking the beginning of the Hindu New Year, is set to begin tomorrow, on April 9, 2024. This festival, observed with grandeur across the country, aligns with the initiation of Vikram Samvat 2081, celebrating the divine forms of Goddess Durga over nine auspicious days, culminating with Ram Navami.
Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasant Navratri, is one of the four Navratri festivals celebrated in India, with Shardiya Navratri being another major observance. The festival begins on the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar, embracing the spring season’s essence. During this period, devotees engage in various rituals, including fasting, prayers, and the singing of bhajans, to honor Goddess Durga and her nine forms. Each day is dedicated to a specific form of the goddess, symbolizing different virtues and powers.
Rituals and Celebrations
One of the major rituals during Chaitra Navratri is the Ghatasthapana Puja, which marks the beginning of the festival on April 9. This ritual involves installing a sacred pot and sowing barley seeds, symbolizing prosperity and growth. Devotees meticulously follow the color code associated with each day, wearing attire that matches the day’s designated color. The festival also features elaborate puja ceremonies, cultural programs, and community feasts, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual awakening among participants.
Goddess Maa Durga and her nine avatars:
1-Shailaputri: The first form of Navadurga, Shailaputri, represents the daughter of the mountains. She is depicted as a feminine form – Maa Shailputri carries a trident in one hand and a lotus flower in another. Her ride is Nandi the bull.
2-Brahmacharini: The second manifestation, Brahmacharini, symbolises austerity and penance. She is depicted as walking barefoot, holding a rosary and a water pot. Worshipping her is believed to bestow wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual growth.
3-Chandraghanta: This third form of Durga, Chandraghanta, is depicted with a half-moon adorning her forehead, giving her the name. She signifies peace, serenity, and bravery. Devotees pray to her for courage and protection from evil forces.
4-Kushmanda: Kushmanda, the fourth avatar, is revered as the creator of the universe. She is depicted with eight hands, holding various weapons and a rosary. Worshipping Kushmanda is believed to bestow health, wealth, and prosperity.
5-Skandamata: The fifth form, Skandamata, is worshipped as the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya). She symbolises motherly love, compassion, and nurturing. Devotees seek her blessings for the well-being and success of their children.
6-Katyayani: Katyayani, the sixth manifestation, is known for her fierce form. She is worshipped for courage, victory, and protection. Devotees pray to her to overcome obstacles and challenges in life.
7-Kaalaratri: Kaalaratri, the seventh avatar, is revered as the destroyer of darkness and ignorance. She is depicted with a dark complexion, riding a donkey, holding a sword, and blessing her devotees. Worshipping Kaalaratri is believed to eliminate fear and grant inner strength.
8-Mahagauri: Mahagauri, the eighth form, symbolises purity and serenity. She is depicted in white attire, radiating peace and tranquillity. Devotees seek her blessings for the purification of mind, body, and soul.
9-Siddhidatri: The ninth and final manifestation, Siddhidatri, is worshipped as the bestower of supernatural powers and blessings. She is depicted with four arms, holding a lotus, mace, discus, and conch. Devotees pray to her for spiritual evolution and attainment of divine knowledge.
Know the significance of Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri has deep spiritual significance, representing the victory of good over evil and the power of feminine energy. It is a time of self-reflection, purification and renewal of one’s faith. The festival also coincides with other regional New Year celebrations such as Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, adding to its cultural significance. As the festival approaches, devotees prepare to immerse themselves in devotion, seeking blessings of health, wealth and prosperity.
As Chaitra Navratri 2024 begins, anticipation and spiritual excitement reaches its peak among Hindu devotees. This festival, beyond its religious rites, reminds us of the enduring power of faith and the timeless nature of divine worship. As communities come together to celebrate, it reinforces the rich tapestry of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, promising a period of introspection, happiness and communal harmony.
