Chaitra Navratri Dates 2017
Chaitra Navratri is an important Hindu
festival that is celebrated over a period of nine days. The festivities begin
from the ‘pratipada’ (1st day) till the ‘navami’ (9th day) of the Shukla Paksha
(the bright fortnight of moon) during the Hindu month of ‘Chaitra’, which is
also the first month of the Hindu calendar and hence the name, Chaitra
Navratri. According to the English calendar it falls during the months between
March-April. Chaitra Navratri is also known as ‘Vasanta Navratri’ or ‘Rama
Navratri’ as the ninth day of the Navratri festivity is celebrated as the
birthday of Lord Rama. During the Chaitra Navratri the nine days are dedicated
to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Shakti and most of the rituals and
customs are same as followed during the ‘Shardiya Navratri’.
According to the Hindu Puranas and
scriptures, Chaitra Navratri was the most important Navratri in which Goddess
Shakti was worshipped, until Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga in the ‘Ashwin’
month during the Ramayana war. Chaitra Navratri is celebrated with immense pomp
and show in whole of India, especially the northern states. This Hindu festival
is very popular in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar
Pradesh and Uttarakhand to name a few. In most of these states, a huge fair is
organised in the Shakti temples. In the state of Maharashtra it begins with
‘Gudi Padwa’ whereas in southern states like Andhra Pradesh, the celebrations
kick start with ‘Ugadi’.
Significance
of Chaitra Navratri:
Chaitra Navratri is the most
significant festival of Hindus. During this time, devotees worship Maa Durga,
the Goddess of cosmic powers, to be blessed by Her divine benediction. It is
believed that if devotees worship Goddess Durga without any desires to be
fulfilled, they will attain salvation. Chaitra Navratri also marks the onset of
the summer season and is observed when the Mother Nature undergoes a major
climatic change. It is popular belief that by observing a vrat (fast) during
the Chaitra Navratri the body is prepared for ensuing summer season.
Rituals
during Chaitra Navratri:
Praying and fasting marks the
Chaitra Navratri celebrations. Before the start of the celebrations, the house
is cleaned for welcome the Goddess in their home. The devotees performing the
puja observe a fast for all nine days. While fasting only ‘satvik’ food like
potatoes, ‘kuttu ka aata’, curd and fruits are allowed. Consumption of
non-vegetarian food and also use of onion and garlic should be strictly
avoided. During the Navratri period, while maintaining strict discipline in
food, a person should also monitor their behaviour. The devotees spend their
day worshipping the Goddess and chanting the Navratri mantras. The fast is
broken on the ninth day after the ‘havan’ and the Prasad, after offering to the
Goddess, is eaten along with other members of the family.
As during the Navratri time,
Goddess Shakti manifests herself in three forms, namely, Goddess Durga, Lakshmi
and Saraswati, the puja rituals of Navratri are also categorised in set of
three days, with each set dedicated to a particular Goddess. The first three
days of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to Maa Durga, the Goddess of energy, on
the next three days, Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, is worshipped and the
last three days are devotes to Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge.
Chaitra
Navratri 2017 Dates.
Navratri Day 1
|
March 28, 2017 (Tuesday)
|
Ghatsthapana, Shailputri Puja
|
Day 2
|
March 29, 2017 (Wednesday)
|
Dwitiya, Chandra Darshan, Brahmacharini Puja
|
Day 3
|
March 30, 2017 (Thursday)
|
Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja
|
Day 4
|
March 31, 2017 (Friday)
|
Chaturthi, Kushmanda Puja
|
Day 5
|
April 01, 2017 (Saturday)
|
Panchami, Skandamata Puja
|
Day 6
|
April 02, 2017 (Sunday)
|
Shashthi, Katyayani Puja
|
Day 7
|
April 03, 2017 (Monday)
|
Saptami, Kalaratri Puja
|
Day 8
|
April 04, 2017 (Tuesday)
|
Ashtami, Sri Durga Ashtami, Sandhi Puja
|
Day 9 (Chaitra
Navratri ends)
|
April 05, 2017 (Wednesday)
|
Navami, Ram Navratri
|
Well, this post is nice in terms for knowing past chaitra navratri dates.
ReplyDeleteThis Navratri 2016 celebrates the glory of Maa Durga by worshipping her with all your heart. You can buy puja items and kits online to worship the Goddess.
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