Chaitra Navratri: Significance behind the celebration

In the Hindu religion, Navratri holds significant importance. This festival is celebrated with great fervor and excitement around the country. Chaitra Navratri also celebrated as the Vasant Navratri, falls in the spring season and is considered very auspicious. As per the Hindu calendar, this festival falls in March or April to mark the first day of the Hindu calendar.

In 2022, Chaitra Navratri will begin on April 2, Saturday, and complete on April 11, Monday. 

Dates dedicated to Goddess Durga 

Day 1: 2nd April (Saturday), Tithi - Pratipada, dedicated to Maa Shailputri. 

Day 2: 3rd April (Sunday), Tithi -  Dwitiya, dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini. 

Day 3: 4th April (Monday), Tithi -  Tritiya, dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta. 

Day 4: 5th April (Tuesday), Tithi -  Chaturthi, dedicated to Maa Kushmanda. 

Day 5: 6th April (Wednesday), Tithi -  Panchami, dedicated to Maa Skandmata. 

Day 6: 7th April (Thursday), Tithi -  Shasthi, dedicated to Maa Katyayani. 

Day 7: 8th April 2021 (Friday), Tithi -  Saptami, dedicated to Maa Kaalratri.  

Day 8: 9th April (Saturday), Tithi -  Ashtami is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri.  

Day 9: 10th April (Sunday), Tithi -  Navmi, dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri. 

Significance of the festival 

In Hinduism, it is believed that Lord Rama first reached Lanka by worshipping Goddess Durga on the beach for nine days. Nine various forms of Maa Durga which are worshipped during the nine days of Navratri are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Devotees get their wishes and desires fulfilled when they worship the goddess on all nine days. As per mythology, it was on the day of Chaitra Navratri that Goddess Durga appeared and created the universe on the request of Lord Brahma.