Chaitra Navratri 2015

Chaitra Navratri in 2015 (Vasant Navratri 2015) will begin from 21st of March to 29th of March, also known as Basant Navratri or Chaitra Navratri. The ninth day of Vasant Navratri overlaps with Ram Navami, hence it is also considered as Ram Navami at some places.

Navratri is alienated into sets of three days to worship three different aspects of the uppermost goddess or goddesses. During Navratri, different forms of mother Goddess are worshiped. On the first three days, people worship the goddess Durga (to bring energy & vitality) is worshiped. The next three days are devoted to Lakshmi (to bring immense wealth). And for the last three days, the devotees worship Saraswati (to impart one with right knowledge).

In order to seek blessings of Goddess Durga, devotees read the holy book Durga Saptashati (all 9 days of Chaitra Navratri). On the eighth and ninth day, Yagna or hawan is conducted to honour Goddess Durga to offer her departure. Our culture follows the tradition of serving food (Puri, Shrikhand, basundi) and offering some gifts or money to girls called as Kanyas. Kanyas meant girls who are unmarried. They are considered as Goddess Durga, and the offerings take place on 8^th day of Chaitra Navratri. In some regions, a young boy also complements them who represent Bhairav; he is considered as protector against all evils. Fast is observed by devotees during all the nine days of Navratri. Prayers are also offered for good health and prosperity throughout these days.

Auspicious Dates of Chaitra Navratri in 2015

Vasant Navratri Day 1 – Ghatsthapana – 21 March 2015
Vasant Navratri Day 2 – Sindhara Dooj, Dwitiya – 22 March 2015
Vasant Navratri Day 3 – Gaur Teej, Saubhagya Teej, Tritiya – 23 March 2015
Vasant Navratri Day 4 – Varadvinayak Chaturthi – 24 March 2015
Vasant Navratri Day 5 – Sri Laxmi Panchami Vrat, Naag Vrat Pujan – 25 March 2015
Vasant Navratri Day 6 – Skand Shashthi, Yamuna Jayanti – 26 March 2015
Vasant Navratri Day 7 – Mahasaptami Vrat, Chaiti Chat, Vijaya Saptami – 27 March 2015

Navratri Puja and Navratri Rituals

Navratri, the nine nights festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga or Shakti and is celebrated five times a year. Although the festival of Navratri is celebrated five times a year but Navratri celebrated during the beginning of summer and again at the onset of winter are considered as very auspicious and special. These Navratris are known as Vasanta Navaratri and Sharad Navaratri respectively. Navratri 2014 will be celebrated from 25^th September to 3^rd October.

Navratri is regarded as the best and the most auspicious time to worship Goddess Durga and perform Pujas and Sadhanas dedicated to the mother Goddess. Devotees observe strict fast and worship Goddess Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati for three days each of the nine days of the festival of Navratri. Devotees believe that during Navratri worshipping Maa Durga leads to all round success and prosperity.

Navratri are divided into set of 3 days and different aspects of Mother Goddess are worshipped during these 3 days of Navratri. On the first day of Navratri a mud pot with sown barley seeds along with an oil lamp is placed near the Puja altar. During Navratri devotees practice meditation, mantra Japa and recitation of sacred texts dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Rituals that are followed during Navratri Puja are that devotees only consume vegetarian or Satvik food. Other rituals include Navdurga Yantra Sthapana, Garba, Kanya Pujan and more. Nine Goddesses that are manifestation of Goddess Durga are worshipped during the 9 days of Navratri. These nine Goddess are Goddess Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kaal Ratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri.