The springtime festival of Navratri is a nine-day-long Hindu festival, during which Goddess Durga is worshipped in each of her nine forms. Navratri 2018, or Chaitra Navratri as it is called, will be celebrated between 18 March and 26 March.
This Navratri is called Chaitra Navratri because it falls in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which usually falls in March-April. In some places, Chaitra Navratri is also known as Ram Navratri.
Here are the complete details of Navratri 2018:
When is Navratri 2018?
Day 1: Pratipada (18 March 2018)
Goddess Shailputri is worshipped on this day.
Day 2: Dwitiya (19 March 2018)
Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on this day.
Day 3: Tritiya (20 March 2018)
Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped on this day.
Day 4: Chaturthi (21 March 2018)
Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on this day.
Day 5: Panchami (22 March 2018)
Goddess Skandamta is worshipped on this day.
Day 6: Shasthi (23 March 2018)
Goddess Katyayani is worshipped on this day.
Day 7: Saptami (24 March 2018)
Goddess Kalaratri is worshipped on this day.
Day 8: Ashtami (25 March 2018)
Sandhi Puja and Rama Navami will be observed this day.
Day 9: Dashami (26 March 2018)
The day of Navratri Parana.
Rituals and Significance of Navratri
Poojas and havans are performed in Hindu households in all nine days of Navratri to welcome and appease the Goddess. People observe fasts and the deity is offered fruits, bhog, prasad and flowers. Several rituals are observed to pay obeisance to the Goddess.
Several delicacies such as kuttu ki puri, kuttu ki pakori, sabudana khichdi and sabudana vada are made for those who are fasting. Items like milk, dry fruits and potato are also widely considered a part of the staple fasting diet.
Navratri also heralds a period of transition from spring to summer and devotees pray to the Goddess for happiness, prosperity and health.