Chaitra Navratri 2020: Date, time, kalash sthapana and puja vidhi of the nine-night festival

New Delhi | Jagran Lifestyle Desk: One of the most auspicious festivals of India, Navaratri is celebrated to worship Maa Durga. The nine-night festival is celebrated by worshipping different avatars of the Goddess. During this entire festival, the ardent devotees of Goddess Durga observe fast and keep themselves awake at night by doing bhajan and aarti.

Usually, Navratri falls twice every year. While Sharada Navratri is celebrated during the month of September or October, Chaitra or Vasanta Navratri is celebrated in the month of March or April. This year the festival will begin on March 25 and will conclude on Ram Navami (April 2).

The Chaitra Navratri Puja begins with Kalash Sthapana which takes place on Ekadashi. After that devotees worship Goddess Durga and chant mantra or aarti followed by offering food, prasad and cloth to the poor or needy.

Puja Vidhi

Wake up early in the morning

Take bath and wear only washed clothes

Bring an idol of Goddess Durga

Keep puja ingredients like Akshat, betel nuts, honey, yogurt, cardamom, roli, clothes, dhurva grass, chandan, flowers, coconut, among others in front of the idol.

Keep water in a Kalash and put mango leaves over it.

Chant mantra for the specific day.

Offer delicacies to the Goddess and then do aarti

Share prasad with everyone.

Here are the various avatars of Goddess Durga worshipped on each day during Navratri

March 25: Maa Shailputri (Ekadashi)

March 26: Maa Brahmacharini

March 27: Maa Chandraghanta

March 28: Maa Kushmanda

March 29:Maa Skandamata (Panchami)

March 30:Maa Katyayani

March 31:Maa Kalaratri (Saptami)

April 1: Maa Mahagauri (Ashtami)

April 2: Maa Sidhidatri (Ram Navami)

Timing: From 6:19 am to 7:17 pm on March 25.

The festival has great significance in the Sanatan tradition. The nine forms of Maa Durga are worshiped in Navratri to achieve wealth, money and luck. Apart from the religious aspect, this holy festival of Navratri is a symbol of woman power.

Chaitra Navratri also marks the beginning of a Hindu New Year. According to the scriptures, this world came into existence on this date.

Navami or the last date of Navratri also holds special importance. It is said that Lord Shri Ram was born in Tretayuga on this day. He taught the entire world how to live with modesty.