One of the most celebrated nine days Hindu festival Chaitra Navaratri starts today. The nine-day festival began today on 28 March and will end with Ram Navmi on 5 April. The significance of this festival is when the divine power Durga Maa restored Dharma. The festival is celebrated in honour of Goddess Durga and her nine different avatars. Navratri, is observed in the lunar month of Chaitra and people worship goddess Durga in nine days schedule, according to the Hindu calendar. Though it is celebrated especially in North India region, the puja begins with Subha Muhurat time on the same date as of when other festivals including Ugadi and Gudi Padwa are celebrated in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh respectively.
Here’s is a complete schedule of Chaitra Navaratri 2017 dates according to the Hindu Calendar. Here is also the nine avatars of Goddess Durga and their significance.
Navratri Day 1: 28th March 2017 – Ghatsthapana, Shailputri Puja
The very first day of the festival starts with Goddess Shailputri. Just like the Shardiya Navratri, most of the rituals remain same during Chaitra Navratri. Ghatasthapana Muhurta is the most important ritual which is to be followed dedicatedly as it marks the beginning of Chaitra Navaratri festivity.
Navratri Day 2: 29th March 2017- Chandra Darshan, Brahmacharini Puja
On day two of the Puja, people worship Goddess Brahmacharini that will fall on March 29, Wednesday. The goddess is believed to be controlling Lord Mangal, the provider of all fortunes according to Hindu legends. People also worship her as she is believed to bring happiness and prosperity.
Navratri Day 3: 30th March 2017 – Gauri Teej, Chandraghanta Puja
On day three of the festival, Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped. The third day of Chaitra Navratri will fall on 30 March, Thursday. It is being said that the Goddess Chandraghanta governs the shukra (Venus) planet.
Navratri Day 4: 31st March 2017 – Varad Vinayaka Chauth, Kushmanda Puja
Day four will fall on 31 March, Friday. The day four of the festival is observed in honour of Goddess Kushmanda. She governs the God Sun and is the source of energy and direction of Sun. Kushmanda Puja and Varad Vinayaka Chauth is celebrated on Chaturthi. And it is said that Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped with her favourite red coloured flowers.
Navratri Day 5: 1st April 2017 – Lakshmi Panchami, Skandamata Puja
On day five people worship Goddess Skandamata. It will fall on 1 April, Saturday. She governs planet Budha (Mercury), and red colours are used to worship her. Also known as Lakshmi Panchami, this day is dedicated to her to bring wealth and prosperity.
Navratri Day 6: 2nd April 2017 – Yamuna Chhath, Katyayani Puja
On day six of the puja which will fall on 2nd April, Sunday people worshipped Goddess Katyayani. She is believed to govern the planet Bṛhaspati (Jupiter). And to worship her, red Rose flowers are used.
Navratri Day 7: 3rd April 2017 – Maha Saptami, Kalaratri Puja
The seventh day of Chaitra Navaratri festival will be celebrated on 3 April, Monday. Goddess Kalaratri is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri. She is worshipped with night-blooming Jasmine flowers. It is said that the Goddess is a form of Devi Parvati and said to remove the darkness from people lives.
Navratri Day 8: 4th April 2017 – Durga Maha Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja
On the eighth day of this festival Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped. Day 8 of this festival will fall on 4 April, Tuesday. This form of Goddess Durga governs the planet Rahu (Neptune). The day also marks the Sandhi Puja, which has its own significance during Navratri festival.
Navratri Day 9: 5th April 2017 – Rama Navami, Siddhidatri Puja
Final or day nine of this holy festival will be on 5 April, Wednesday. This day Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped. During this final day of the Puja, it is bing said that people, who worship the Goddess with full devotion, get awarded ultimate power and fulfil every wish.
