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Navratri translates to 'Nine-Night'. This is one of the auspicious Hindu festivals when devotees celebrate nine forms Goddess Durga.
Chaitra Navratri is celebrated to honour the nine forms of Maa Durga. Some beliefs state that it is the time when the Goddess came down on Earth and lived among her devotees. It also marks the birth of Lord Ram. Navratri also spreads the essence of good over evil and truth always triumphs.
The ghatasthapana mahurat that shall mark the beginning of Chaitra Navratri will begin at 6:13 AM till 10: 22 AM according to Drik Panchang.
The Navratri rituals are pretty much the same as followed during the Sharda Navratri. Devotees observe a nine-day long fast. Every day is dedicated to different form of Maa Durga.
Navratri is about celebrating the power of Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. These are -Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.
In some places Chaitra Navratri (Chaitra month is first month of Hindu lunisolar calendar) marks the Hindu New Year. In Maharashtra, its begins with Gudi Padwa, while in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, it coincides with Ugadi.
It is the time of celebration, obeisance and seeking the choicest blessing of the Goddess.
