Chaitra Navratri 2024 | Rituals | Celebration

What is Chaitra Navratri and how is it celebrated? 

By Intimate Viewpoint

Navratri is a 9-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga (Parvati, concert of Lord Shiva). It is celebrated twice a year. Once in the month of Ashwin (lunar calendar) or in the month of September-October and secondly, in the month of 'Chaitra' or April in the Gregorian Calendar.

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Celebrations

Some people observe the 9 days by just fasting and some install a kalash and then keep fast. Those who install a Kalash, have to observe strict rules.

During these 9 days, Aarti is done in the morning and evening, Aarti song is sung, and 'Mantras' is chanted. The 9th or the last day of Navratri is very special. On this day, Havan and Kanya Pujan is done. Thus, Navratri comes to an end.

What is Kanya Pujan 

Kanya Pujan is a ritual in which,9 Kanyas (girls) under teenage are treated like Goddess Parvati. It is considered that she is in her child form. They are given a neat and clean place to sit.

They sit in a cube. They are worshipped and apply Sindoor, Kumkum, and Alta (red color for coloring foot) and are given to eat Halwa, puri, and chana-sabzi which are considered favorites of Goddess Durga. Then they are given a gift or money at the end. The fasting people take blessings from them by touching their feet in this way Kanya Pujan is done.