New Delhi: Chaitra Navratri is observed for nine days. It starts on the first day of Hindu Luni-Solar calendar and falls in the month of March or April. Chaitra is the first month of Hindu lunar calendar and because of it this Navratri is known as Chaitra Navratri.
Chaitra Navratri is also known as Vasanta Navratri. Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama usually falls on the ninth day during Navratri festivity. Hence Chaitra Navratri is also known as Rama Navratri.
All nine days during Navratri are dedicated to nine forms of Goddess Shakti. Most customs and rituals followed during Shardiya Navratri, which falls in the month of September or October, are also followed during Chaitra Navratri. Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhi for Shardiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri is same.
Chaitra Navratri Dates
First Navratri (Pratham) – 25th March 2020, Wednesday
Second Navratri (Dwitiya) – 26th March 2020, Thursday
Third Navratri (Trithya) – 27th March 2020, Friday
Fourth Navratri (Chaturthi) – 28 March 2020, Saturday
Fifth Navratri (Panchami) – 29 March 2020, Sunday
Sixth Navratri (Shashthi) – 30 March 2020, Monday
Seventh Navratri (Saptami) – 31 March 2020, Tuesday
Eight Navratri (Ashtami) – 1st April 2020, Wednesday
Ninth Navratri (Navami) – 2nd April 2020, Thursday
Chaitra Navratri is more popular in northern India. In Maharashtra Chaitra Navratri begins with Gudi Padwa and in Andhra Pradesh it begins with Ugadi.
