Chaitra Navaratri - Spring Nine Nights
Chaitra Navaratri is the spring version of the famous nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. Unlike the autumn Sharad Navaratri, this edition falls in the month of Chaitra (March-April) according to the Hindu lunar calendar and symbolizes the beginning of the new year.
During these nine nights, we honor the nine aspects of the Divine Mother - from Shailputri, the first form, through Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri, to Siddhidatri. Each day we meditate on a different form of Durga, recite passages from Durga Saptashati, and chant specific mantras.
The morning in the ashram begins at six with the fire ritual - havan, during which we offer ghee, grains, and mantras to the goddess. In the evening, at six o’clock, we perform aarti - the ceremony of offering light, which concludes with communal singing of bhajans in honor of Mother Durga.
The festival reaches its peak on March 27th, the ninth day, which is also a day of preparation for Ram Navami - the festival celebrating the birth of Rama, one of the most important heroes of Hindu mythology. This is a time of deep spiritual transformation and devotion.
Program
- Daily 06:00 - Morning havan and mantra chanting
- Daily 18:00 - Evening aarti and bhajans
- Durga Saptashati recitations
- Meditation on the nine forms of Durga
- March 27 - Conclusion and preparation for Ram Navami
Frequently asked questions
What is Chaitra Navaratri?
It's a spring nine-day festival honoring nine forms of Goddess Durga, marking the Hindu New Year.
What practices do we perform daily?
Each day features morning havan, evening aarti, Durga Saptashati recitations, and meditation on a specific form of Durga.
When does the festival end?
The festival concludes on March 27th, preparing for Ram Navami celebrations.