Chaitra Navratri 2023: Date, History, Significance,Muharat,Puja And All You Need To Know

We all know Navratri has great importance in Hinduism. In Navratri, 9 forms of Maa Durga are worshiped with rituals. A total of 4 Navratri come in a year, in which Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri has a lot of importance. This time Chaitra Navratri is starting on 22 March 2023, on Wednesday.  The word Navratri is derived from two words: 'Nava' meaning 'nine', and 'ratri' meaning 'night'. During this festival, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

Date and Time: Chaitra Navratri Ghatasthapana is on March 22, and the muhurat starts from 6:23 am to 7:32 am.

22 March 2023: Pratipada Ghatasthapana, Chandra Darshana Shailputri Puja

23 March 2023:  Dwitiya Sindhara Dooj, Brahmacharini Puja

24 March 202:  Tritiya Gauri Puja, Saubhagya Teej Chandraghanta Puja

25 March 2023: Chaturthi Kushmanda Puja, Vinayaka Chaturthi Lakshmi Panchami

26 March 2023:  Panchami Naag Puja, Skandamata Puja Skanda Sashti

27 March 2023: Shashthi Yamuna Chhath, Katyayani Puja

28 March 2023:  Saptami Maha Saptami, Kalaratri Puja

29 March 2023: AshtamiDurga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja Annapurna Ashtami, Sandhi Puja

30 March 2023: Navami Rama Navami

31 March 2023: Dashami Navratri Paran

History:

The practice of fasting during Navratri has a long history. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga fought against the demon Mahishasura for nine days and nights and emerged victorious on the tenth day. It is believed that by observing fasts during Navratri, devotees can gain the blessings of the Goddess and attain spiritual purification.

During Navratri fasts, devotees abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and some types of grains and vegetables. Some people also fast completely or partially, consuming only fruits, milk, and other light foods. The fasts are observed as a way to purify the body and mind, and to focus on spiritual practices such as meditation and prayer.

Significance:

The significance of Navratri varies from region to region and from religion to religion. However, the festival is generally associated with the victory of good over evil, and the worship of the divine feminine power. The nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped during these nine nights, and each form has its own significance.

During Navratri, people observe fasts and offer prayers to the Goddess. They also perform various rituals such as the Kanya Puja, where nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. In some regions, people also organize Garba and Dandiya Raas dance events.

Overall, the practice of fasting during Navratri is a way for devotees to express their devotion and seek blessings from the divine feminine power of Goddess Durga.

- PTC PUNJABI