Festival
Chaitra Navratri
चैत्र नवरात्रि
Nine spring nights honouring the Devi, opening the Hindu new year and culminating in Ram Navami.
Why it matters
Chaitra Navratri begins on the first day of the bright half of Chaitra, the start of the Hindu lunar new year in much of India. For nine nights, the Devi is honoured in her nine forms, from Shailaputri to Siddhidatri.
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Families light a lamp each evening, read the Devi Mahatmya or chant her names and often eat simply. Ashtami and Navami carry special worship, and the ninth day is Ram Navami.
It is a season of renewal: a natural time to set a sankalpa for the year ahead.
A fast is optional. Skip if pregnant, unwell, diabetic or on medication; a light sattvic meal is a complete observance too.
Preview — awaiting expert reviewTonight's sequence
20 minNavratri Ashtami Sadhana: Devotion to the Divine Mother · 20 min
Simple home ritual
You will need
- A ghee diya
- Flowers
- A picture of the Devi
- A simple sweet for prasad