Hindu Calendar 2023 Chaitra Navratri
Hindu Calendar 2023 Chaitra Navratri
Introduction
As a Hindu, I have always been fascinated by the rich cultural heritage of my religion. One of the most important festivals celebrated in Hinduism is Navratri, which is celebrated twice a year. The first Navratri of 2023 is the Chaitra Navratri, which takes place in the Hindu month of Chaitra. It is a nine-day festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
What is Chaitra Navratri?
Chaitra Navratri is a nine-day festival that is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which falls in March or April according to the Gregorian calendar. It is also known as Vasant Navratri as it marks the beginning of the spring season. The festival is celebrated by worshipping the nine forms of the Hindu goddess Durga.
World events and festivals in Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm across the world. In India, the festival is celebrated with much fanfare in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. In West Bengal, the festival is celebrated as Durga Puja, which is one of the biggest festivals in the state. The festival is also celebrated in Nepal, where it is known as Basanta Navratri.
Events and festivals in Chaitra Navratri
During the nine days of Chaitra Navratri, devotees observe fasts and perform puja to seek the blessings of the goddess Durga. Each day of the festival is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, and special prayers and rituals are performed accordingly. The festival culminates with the celebration of Ram Navami, which marks the birth of Lord Rama.
Day 1: Pratipada
On the first day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees worship Shailputri, the first form of the goddess Durga.
Day 2: Dwitiya
On the second day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees worship Brahmacharini, the second form of the goddess Durga.
Day 3: Tritiya
On the third day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees worship Chandraghanta, the third form of the goddess Durga.
Day 4: Chaturthi
On the fourth day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees worship Kushmanda, the fourth form of the goddess Durga.
Day 5: Panchami
On the fifth day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees worship Skandamata, the fifth form of the goddess Durga.
Day 6: Shashthi
On the sixth day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees worship Katyayani, the sixth form of the goddess Durga.
Day 7: Saptami
On the seventh day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees worship Kalaratri, the seventh form of the goddess Durga.
Day 8: Ashtami
On the eighth day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees worship Mahagauri, the eighth form of the goddess Durga.
Day 9: Navami
On the ninth and final day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees worship Siddhidatri, the ninth form of the goddess Durga.
Question & Answer
Q: Why is Chaitra Navratri celebrated?
A: Chaitra Navratri is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil and to seek the blessings of the goddess Durga. Q: How is Chaitra Navratri celebrated?
A: Chaitra Navratri is celebrated by worshipping the nine forms of the goddess Durga and performing special prayers and rituals. Q: What is the significance of Ram Navami in Chaitra Navratri?
A: Ram Navami marks the birth of Lord Rama, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri and is considered to be a very auspicious day.