When is Chaitra Navratri 2024? The festive occasion of Chaitra Navratri, celebrated enthusiastically nationwide, commences on April 9 and concludes on April 17 this year. It initiates on the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar, with devotees honoring Goddess Durga and her nine forms – Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri. Ghatasthpana signifies the beginning of Chaitra Navratri, while Ram Navami marks its culmination.
When is Chaitra Navratri 2024?
Chaitra Navratri typically falls in March or April, based on the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra. It commences during the waxing phase of the moon and spans nine days, culminating in the celebration of Ram Navami, which honors the birth of Lord Rama. Due to their reliance on the lunar calendar, the dates of Hindu festivals, including Chaitra Navratri, vary annually. This year, Chaitra Navratri will start on Tuesday, April 9, and conclude on Wednesday, April 17. The timing for Chaitra Navratri has been pinpointed by multiple astrologers and experts, with the most precise estimation ranging from 6:02 AM to 10:15 AM in the early morning.
Chaitra Navratri 2024: Shubh muhurat for Kalash Sthapana, puja timing and rituals
According to Drik Panchang, here’s all you need to know about the Ghatasthapana ritual:
- Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 6:02 am to 10:16 am on April 9
- Ghatasthapana Abhijeet Muhurat: 11:57 am to 12:48 pm on April 9
- Pratipada Tithi begins on April 8 at 11:50 pm
- Pratipada Tithi ends on April 9 at 8:30 pm
- Vaidhrti Yog begins on April 8 at 6:14 pm
- Vaidhrti Yog ends on April 9 at 2:18 pm
The initial one-third portion of Pratipada Tithi is considered the most auspicious time for Ghatasthapana, as per the Panchang. Alternatively, if this timing is not convenient, the ritual can be performed during Abhijeet Muhurta. The items needed for Ghatasthapana include saffron, incense, barley, honeycombs, turmeric bales, flowers, sugar, Panchmeva, mace, coconut, sand, clay, betel leaves, cloves, Bel Patra, Amrapatra, an image of Mata Durga, Turmeric, Kalash, milk, fruits, sweets, and mustard. Additionally, devotees light a lamp in the Ghatasthapana area and are advised to do so every day of the festival while reciting Maa Durga’s mantra.
When is Ghatasthapana?
Ghatasthapana, occurring on April 9 this year, is a significant ritual during Chaitra Navratri festivities. It signifies the initiation of nine days of celebration by invoking Goddess Shakti through the placement of a Kalash at home or a place of worship.
Chaitra Navratri 2024 Date, Day, Tithi, Puja
Here is the detailed list of Chaitra Navratri start date and end dates
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Date
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Day
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Tithi
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Puja
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09/04/2024
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Tuesday
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Pratipada
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Maa Shailputri Puja
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|
10/04/2024
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Wednesday
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Dwitiya
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Maa Brahmacharini Puja, Gauri Puja
|
|
11/04/2024
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Thursday
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Chaturthi
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Maa Kushmanda Puja
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|
12/04/2024
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Friday
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Panchami
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Maa Naag Puja, Skandamata Puja
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|
13/04/2024
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Saturday
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Shashti
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Maa Katyayani Puja
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|
14/04/2024
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Sunday
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Saptami
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Maa Kalaratri Puja
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|
15/04/2024
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Monday
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Ashtami
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Maa Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja
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|
16/04/2024
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Tuesday
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Navami
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Rama Navami
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17/04/2024
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Wednesday
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Dashami
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Navratri Parana
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Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day Wise Colours
- Day 1 (9th April): Red
- Day 2 (10th April): Royal Blue
- Day 3 (11th April): Yellow
- Day 4 (12th April): Green
- Day 5 (13th April): Grey
- Day 6 (14th April): Orange
- Day 7 (15th April): White
- Day 8 (16th April): Pink
- Day 9 (17th April): Sky Blue
Chaitra Navratri 2024 History, Significance and Celebrations
The festival of Chaitra Navratri spans nine days and is devoted to honoring Maa Durga and her nine forms. It commemorates Goddess Durga’s creation of the universe and all its inhabitants. Followers have faith that Maa Durga descends from the heavens during Navratri to bless her worshippers.
Many Hindu followers also honor Lord Ram during this festival, celebrating Ram Navami on the final day of Chaitra Navratri to commemorate his birth as the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
During Chaitra Navratri, people engage in prayer, meditation, fasting, and celebration with family and friends over the course of nine days. Observers of this period abstain from eating meat, drinking alcohol, and using tobacco. They opt for meals cooked without garlic and onion, worship Maa Durga and her nine forms, recite mantras, and adorn their residences. Hindus have faith that following these customs will bring blessings from Maa Durga.
