March 30, 2024
Welcome Vasant Ritu, the gorgeous spring season that ushers in one of the vital celebrated festivals, Vasant Navratri or Chaitra Navratri, which is particularly noticed in North India. “Chaitra” means the start of a brand new yr. Vasant Navratri observes a nine-day auspicious worship of Durga Mata in all of the splendor of her 9 kinds. This pageant has excessive non secular significance and witnesses the religious worship of the fiery but benevolent warrior goddess Durga.
When is Vasant Navratri noticed?
Navratri is a timeless custom celebrated in 5 seasons throughout India, amongst which Vasant (spring) or Chaitra is among the most essential festivals, which takes place within the first month of the Hindu lunar calendar, Chaitra (March -April), within the Shukla Paksha (Brilliant Lunar Fortnight). This yr, it begins on April 9 and ends on April 17, 2024.
Why Vasant/Chaitra Navratri is known as Ram Navratri?
This pageant is often known as Ram Navratri because it coincides with Ram Navami, which is noticed in the direction of the conclusion of Vasant Navratri. The ninth day of Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of Sri Ram, the seventh avatar of Vishnu (celebrated as Ram Navami).
Vasant Navratri celebration
Vasant or Chaitra Navratri is broadly celebrated by folks of various ethnicities in Maharashtra the place the primary day is noticed as Gudi Padwa (New Yr), in Kashmir as Navreh and in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana as Ugadi. The pageant can be celebrated in Manipur like Sajibu Cheiraoba and different states like Goa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat.
Legend of Vasant Navratri
Based on Srimad Devi Bhagavatam, Goddess Durga, image of Shakti, the last word drive, annihilated the evil demon Mahishasura. The goddess, created from the mixed energies and powers of the Trimurti and different gods, is believed to have emerged as a formidable feminine energy with a number of fingers and weapons to destroy Mahishasura. The goddess is believed to have everlasting divine power that’s invincible.
Based on the Brahma Purana, on the day of Chaitra Pratipada (first day of the month of Chaitra), Brahma created the Universe on the behest of Goddess Durga.
Significance of Chaitra Navaratri
Goddess Durga is the Shakti side of the mighty Supreme and is revered as one of many important attributes of the Mom Goddess Mahadevi. She fights towards evil and demonic forces that threaten peace, prosperity and Dharma (righteousness). Goddess Durga represents safety, energy, motherhood, devastation and battle.
Based on essentially the most outstanding scriptures of Shaktism, the Devi Mahatmya and the Devi Bhagavatam, she is the primordial creator of the Universe and Brahman (final reality and actuality). It’s the triumph of excellent over evil that marks Navratri.
Non secular Facets of Chaitra Navaratri
Chaitra Navratri it requires recognizing, embracing and believing within the divine powers of Shakti, symbolized by female power. The auspicious time of Navratri is good for introspection, evaluation, reflection and introspection. It enhances your spirituality and brings you nearer to the Supreme Consciousness. Fasting and prayers are noticed all through the Navratri interval.
It’s a highly effective time to meditate, provide fervent prayers, acquire peace of thoughts, and manifest your wishes. It is usually a time to establish your interior energy and worship Mata Durga in every of her kinds for the 9 days: the primary three days for Goddess Durga, the following three days for Goddess Durga. Goddess Lakshmi and the final three days for Goddess Saraswati. The goddess is believed to achieve the earthly realm and bestow her blessings on her devotees.
Rituals
Ghatasthpana Pooja: The primary day of Vasant Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana Vidhi, additionally referred to as Kalasha Sthapana, putting in the sacred pot by which the deity (Mom Shakti) is invoked.
Kanya Pooja: On Ashtami or the eighth day of Navratri, Ashtami Pooja is carried out and 9 Kanyas (little women) are referred to as residence. It is usually referred to as Kanya Pooja as the women are believed to indicate the 9 divine incarnations of Mata Durga. They’re supplied items and scrumptious meals, and their blessings are sought.
Prasad (Nivedhyam) Supplied for 9 days of Chaitra Navratri
Day 1- Desi Ghee
Day 2- Sugar and fruits
Day 3-Milk, Kheer and sweets
Day 4- Malpua
Day 5- Bananas
Day 6- Honey
Day 7- Jaggery and sweets constituted of Jaggery
Day 8- Coconut
Day 9- Til seeds (sesame).
Vasant Navratri 2024 Schedule
April 9, 2024: Vasant Navratri, Ghatasthapana, Chaitra Pratipada, Chandra Darshana, Shailputri Pooja begins (Ghatasthapana Mahurat- 06:26 AM – 10:35 AM)
April 10, 2024 – Dwitiya Navratri, Sindhara Dooj, Brahmacharini Pooja
11 April 2024 – Tritiya Navratri, Gauri Pooja, Soubhagya Teej, Chandraghanta Pooja
12 April 2024 – Chaturthi Navratri, Varad Vinayak Chaturthi, Kushmanda Pooja
April 13, 2024: Panchami Navratri, Naga Pooja, Lakshmi Panchami, Skandamata Pooja
April 14, 2024 – Shashti Navratri, Yamuna Chhath, Skanda Shashti, Katyayani Pooja
April 15, 2024: Saptami Navratri, Maha Saptami, Kalratri Pooja
April 16, 2024- Durga Ashtami, Annapoorna Ashtami, Mahagauri Pooja, Sandhi Pooja
April 17, 2024- Ram Navami, Siddhidatri Maha Pooja
April 18, 2024- Dashami, Navratri Parana
