Introduction to Chaitra Navratri:

Navrathri is a nine-day festival, celebrated twice in a year during the months of Chaitra and Ashwin, which is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Parvathi, and Goddess Saraswati, and their incarnations. This coincides with the months of March or April pertaining to the Gregorian calendar. This year it starts on 25th March. The power of the Goddess surrounds them, and help them to reach the newer pedestal of spirituality. It is also believed that the Goddess herself had asked her devotees to fast during these times, to enhance the spiritual powers, which would remove any obstacles in the life of the devotees. Chaitra Navratri marks the change in season, which would have its own effect in the mind, body, and soul. It would be beneficial if this time is denoted towards the spiritual purposes, and to reach a newer level of devoutness.

Importance of Chaitra Navratri:

Chaitra Navratri is one of the prominent days and the most celebrated festival. Many people fast during those days. It is believed that the mind, body, and soul all are cleansed. Along with fasting, the entire nine days would be used for prayer, meditation, fasting, and distributing alms to the poor.

Rituals and Chaitra Navratri Vratham:

• On Chaitra Navratri days, devotees bathe early in the morning and offer prayers for the Goddess in the home. It is important to wear clean clothes and avoid dresses which are black in color.
• It is important, not to cut the nails or hair during fasting.
• The devotees, who are unable to fast during this period, are free to choose any other nine days which are convenient.
• They should start to observe the fast, early in the morning, and after sunset, where the entire day is filled with piety. Goddess Durga takes prominence, where most of the prayers are directed towards her.
• It is important that the fasting and other tasks are to be carried out, only by the people who are fit in their health aspect. This should not be carried out by Ladies who are pregnant and people who are taking medication.
• Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Parvathi are also worshipped rigorously on this day by lighting lamp in front of the idol. Devotees decorate the idol of the goddess with flowers and offer“Prasadam”.
• Devotees cook special foods in their home and make it a divine offering to the Gods, and invite people. Serving food to underprivileged is also considered highly holy.
• It is important to have only Satvik food, which is restrained from Onion, and Garlic is important. Devotees should be eating fruits and consuming milk is allowed. Eating full-course meals is allowed once a day.

The significance of Fasting:

When fasting, it is a period of inner cleansing. All it does is connects the soul with the ultimate energy of the cosmos. It is inevitable to become on with the energy of the universe, where it guides human beings and helps them to lead a life of pure, good and positive energy.