Chaitra Navaratri 2010

Chaitra Navaratri — also called Vasant Navaratri, the Spring Nine Nights — begins on the first day of Chaitra's bright fortnight (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada), which coincides with Gudi Padwa (Ugadi) and marks the Hindu New Year in most traditions. For nine days and nine nights, the goddess Durga is worshipped in her nine forms: the Navadurga.

The festival begins with Ghatasthapana (also called Kalash Sthapana) — installing a sacred pot (kalash) filled with water, topped with mango leaves and a coconut, as the symbolic seat of the goddess. The Ghatasthapana muhurta is highly specific: it must be performed during the first one-third of the day on Pratipada, and not during the Chitra nakshatra period. This is why the exact timing from panchang matters greatly.

Each of the nine days is dedicated to one of Devi's nine forms: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. The ninth day, Rama Navami, is also the birthday of Lord Rama — making it doubly auspicious. Devotees conclude the fast on Navami with Kanya Puja — feeding nine young girls as embodiments of the nine Devis.