Spring is almost upon us, and along with it comes one of the most major Hindu festivals in India, which is home to 33 crore gods and goddesses. The festival in question is Chaitra Navratri/Vasant Navratri, which is dedicated to the Mother Goddess. Nine forms of the Goddess are worshipped over nine days during Chaitra Navratri.

Navratri, by all accounts, is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated in India. A little-known fact about this festival is that there are 4 Navaratris in a year, and they are celebrated during different seasons. They are Chaitra/Vasantha Navratri, Ashada Navratri, Sharada Navratri, and Paush/Magha Navratri. Of these, Chaitra Navratri, which occurs in the Vasantha ritu (spring season) and Sharada Navratri in the Sharad ritu (autumn season) are the most important and popular Navratris.

Goddess Durga signifies righteousness and prosperity. She single-handedly fought and killed evil demons. She brings enlightenment and offers protection from evil. The nine avatars of Goddess Durga are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. 

History of Chaitra Navratri
 
As per Hindu mythology, Chaitra Navratri is associated with the creation of the universe or the beginning of the world and all the things and creatures that inhabit it. It was Goddess Durga who had the task of creating the world. Hence, Chaitra/Vasantha Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu year for many. There is also a legend that says Goddess Durga went to her maternal home for nine days after getting her husband, Shiva’s consent. During this time, she killed the demon, Mahishasura and ensured the triumph of good over evil. 

Significance and Importance of Chaitra Navratri
 
Chaitra Navratri is called Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Telengana and Andhra Pradesh. The festival is celebrated more in North India. People celebrate the festival by observing a fast, performing Poojas, and making various sweet dishes as offerings for the Goddess. There are special Poojas for each form of Goddess Durga, and devotees also chant sacred Mantras associated with each Goddess. People wear new clothes and offer sweets to others on Navratri. 

Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri comes during the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month (March -April). For Maharashtrians, the first day of this Navratri is Gudi Padwa. For Kashmiris, it is Navreh. People celebrate this Navratri with great exuberance in Northern and Western India. Chaitra Navratri 2022 is from April 2-11.

The Nine Days of Navratri
 
Let us take a look at the nine days of Navratri celebrations.
 
Pratipada
 
Pratipada is the first day on which devotees worship Goddess Shailaputri. She is supposedly the daughter of the Himalayas and one-half of Lord Shiva. Her mount is the bull, Nandi, and she carries a Trishul and a lotus. She rules the planet, Moon.
 
Dwitiya

On the second day, Dwitiya, people worship Goddess Brahmacharini. She is the second incarnation of Goddess Durga. Her name means ‘ardent female follower.’ She rules the planet Mars.
 
Tritiya

On the third day or Tritiya, devotees honor Goddess Chandraghanta. She is the married form of Goddess Parvati. The name Chandra-Ghanta means “one who has a bell-shaped half-moon.’ The sound of the moon-bell on her forehead can expel evil spirits. Her third eye remains open always, and she is ever-ready for war against demons. 

On Chaturthi or day four, Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped. Kushmanda’s blessings include good health and wealth. She is as luminous as the Sun and has the ability to reside within the Sun. 
 
Panchami

Panchami is the fifth day on which Goddess Skandamata is the object of worship. Her name denotes ‘mother of the god of war.’ Skanda is Lord Muruga, and Matha means ‘mother.’ Skanda/Muruga is the god of war.
 
Sashti

On the sixth day (Sashti), we worship Goddess Katyayani, the daughter of Sage Katyayan. She rides a lion and carries 10 weapons. She has three eyes and a half-moon on her forehead. 

Saptami

On the seventh day or Saptami, devotees worship Goddess Kalaratri. She is the most ferocious form of the Goddess. She has a black complexion and rides a donkey.
 
Ashtami

Ashtami or the eighth day honors Mahagauri. She is very fair. She rides a bull.
 
Navami

On Navami, the ninth and last day of Chaitra Navratri, people worship Goddess Siddhidatri. Dhatri means ‘giver,’ and siddhi denotes ‘fulfilment.’ She gives her devotees the ability to fulfill their responsibilities and duties. She also bestows siddhis (perfection), unlimited knowledge, and wisdom. 

Before the pandemic, Navratri celebrations were very grand and elaborate. But due to pandemic restrictions, they are rather subdued nowadays.