Chaitra Navratri 2024 is already begun on April 9 and will conclude with Ram Navami which will be celebrated on April 17, 2024. Navratri has great religious significance among Hindus and Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the new year according to the Hindu calendar. Chaitra Navratri, Ashadh Gupt Navratri, Magh Gupt Navratri and Sharadiya Navratri come four times in a year.
1. Chaitra Navratri 2024: Ghat Sthapana
Ghat establishment is one of the main ceremonies which takes place on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. On the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha, people establish ghats and on this auspicious day people worship Goddess Shailputri. Devotees have idols of Goddess Durga and offer their prayers to her by performing various rituals and chanting Vedic mantras. They keep it in the house till the end of Navratri.
2. Durga Ashtami
Durga Ashtami is the eighth day of Navratri when people worship girls by worshiping them. On this auspicious day, people call nine little girls at home and feed them food – halwa, whole gram and also give them gifts. It was observed on April 15-16, 2024.
When is Ashtami Tithi of Navratri?
People perform a special puja on Ashtami Tithi, the eighth day of Navratri. Mahagauri form of Goddess Durga is worshiped on this day. According to the Panchang, Ashtami Tithi of Chaitra Navratri is from 12:11 pm on 15th April to 1:23 pm on 16th April.
3. Ram Navami
Ram Navami is celebrated on the last day of Chaitra Navratri on April 17, 2024. On this auspicious day people worship Mata Siddhidatri and it is also the day when Lord Shri Ram was born hence this worship has great importance.
Here are some of the major customs and rituals associated with Durga Ashtami:
- Fasting: Devotees often observe a one-day fast on Durgashtami as an expression of their devotion and penance. Some individuals opt for solitary meals during the day, while others abstain from both food and water until the evening puja.
- Astra Puja: Astra Puja is the ceremonial worship of the weapons and armor used by Goddess Durga to conquer the demon Mahishasura. During this ritual, mantras are chanted to channel the divine power of these weapons.
- Virashtami: This day is also known as Virashtami due to the display of various types of weapons, armor and martial arts skills. Experts can display their proficiency in weapons and combat techniques.
- Ashtanayika Puja: On this day, the eight incarnations of Durga Maa, collectively called Ashtanayika, are honored. These goddesses include Brahmani, Indrani, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narsinghi, Kameshwari, Maheshwari and Chamunda.
- Ghat Sthapana: Devotees make a sacred ‘ghat’ or vessel in front of the deity. This vessel is decorated with red sandalwood paste, fruits, flowers, sweets, betel leaves, cardamom and coins and this prasad is distributed among relatives and friends.
- Aarti and Mantra: The Goddess is worshiped by lighting the lamp seven times, while Durga Saptashati Mantra is chanted 108 times during the puja.
- Worship of Yoginis: 64 Yoginis, who are considered associates of the Goddess, are also worshiped on Durgashtami.
- Worship of minor deities and protectors: On this day, homage can also be paid to other minor deities and protectors associated with the Mother Goddess, including Bhairava.
- Devi Gauri Puja: Goddess Gauri is also worshiped on Durgashtami. Under this custom, nine young virgin girls are honored. Their feet are washed and they are offered traditional sweets like halwa, puri and kheer.
- Temple Festivals: Many temples dedicated to Goddess Durga organize elaborate pujas and ‘havan’ on Durgashtami. Devotees visit these temples in large numbers to participate in the festivities and seek the blessings of the Goddess.
- Sandhi Puja: Durgashtami concludes with Sandhi Puja, which marks the transition to the next day, Mahanavami. This puja is performed during the time of Ashtami and Navami and is considered an auspicious and auspicious time for the puja.
Chaitra Navratri 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
When is Chaitra Navratri 2024?
Chaitra Navratri is starting from Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha on April 9, 2024 and it will end on Ram Navami on April 17, 2024.
How is Chaitra Navratri celebrated?
Chaitra Navratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement. People keep the idol of Goddess Durga at home and devotees observe fast and worship for several consecutive days.
How is Durga Ashtami celebrated?
Durgashtami is celebrated through various rituals and traditions aimed at invoking the blessings of the Goddess.