Navratri, a festival celebrated twice a year, holds immense cultural and spiritual significance in the Hindu calendar. While Chaitra Navratri takes place in March–April, another rendition, known as Sharadiya Navratri, unfolds in September-October. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Chaitra Navratri 2024, exploring the dates, rituals, and the Ghatasthapana Muhurat.
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Chaitra Navratri spans nine days, aligning with the initial days of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar. Falling in March or April, this celebration pays homage to different forms of Goddess Shakti. Interestingly, the ninth day often coincides with Rama Navami, marking the birth of Lord Rama. Customs and rituals during Chaitra Navratri mirror those of the more widely known Sharadiya Navratri. The Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhi, dedicated to invoking Goddess Shakti, remains a consistent and revered practice during both Navratris.
The popularity of Chaitra Navratri is notably high in northern India, with distinct regional associations. In Maharashtra, the festivities kick off with Gudi Padwa, while in Andhra Pradesh, they harmonize with the onset of Ugadi.
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Chaitra Navratri in 2024 will commence with Ghatasthapana on April 9, a Tuesday. The auspicious timings, according to Drik Panchang, are as follows:
Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 06:02 AM to 10:16 AM (Duration: 04 Hours 14 Mins)
Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurat: 11:57 AM to 12:48 PM (Duration: 00 Hours 51 Mins)
Ghatasthapana Muhurta falls on Pratipada Tithi, starting on April 8, 2024, at 11:50 PM and concluding on April 9, 2024, at 08:30 PM. Additionally, the Ghatasthapana Muhurta falls during the prohibited Vaidhriti Yoga, which begins on April 8, 2024, at 06:14 PM and ends on April 9, 2024, at 02:18 PM. The Chaitra Navratri festivities will extend until April 17, 2024.
Sharadiya Navratri, often referred to as Maha Navratri, unfolds during the lunar month of Ashwin, coinciding with the Sharad Ritu. This significant Navratri, occurring in September or October, is a grand celebration devoted to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Shakti. The culmination of Sharadiya Navratri on its tenth day leads to the joyous celebration of Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.
A Kaleidoscope of Colors: Maharashtra and Gujarat’s Unique Traditions
In Maharashtra and Gujarat, women add vibrant hues to the celebration by adorning themselves in different colours, each assigned to a specific day of Navratri. The choice of colour is influenced by the weekday, with each day associated with a planet or Navgraha.
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Navadurga, representing various facets of Goddess Durga, is invoked through different avatars during Sharadiya Navratri. Each day corresponds to a unique Prasad offered to Navdurga, symbolizing the seeking of her blessings throughout the nine auspicious days.
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