Chaitra Navratri 2022 will be celebrated from April 2 to April 11 this year for nine days of fasting and worship of nine incarnations of Maa Durga. The festival ends on the ninth day which is called Ram Navami and is celebrated to celebrate the birth of Lord Rama on earth. This year Ram Navami Muhurta will start from 1:32 am on 10th April and will end at 3:15 am on 11th April. Navratri is celebrated twice a year. While Chaitra Navratri falls in the month of March or April, Sharadiya Navratri is usually celebrated in October-November and ends with Dussehra.
Chaitra Navratri also known as Vasant Navratri, each day of the Hindu festival is dedicated to an incarnation of Maa Durga. The avatars of Durga celebrated during Chaitra Navratri are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. If you are planning to fast during Chaitra Navratri, here are few things to note. Keep in mind the dos and don’ts during this time.
What to do in Chaitra Navratri
Do not forget to establish the Kalash or Ghatasthapana on the first day of Navratri. It is one of the most important rituals of the festival.
On all the days of Navratri, light an unbroken lamp till Dashami. If this is not possible for you, alternatively you can also perform aarti in the morning and evening every day till the conclusion of the festival.
It is advisable to recite Durga Chalisa and Durga Saptashati on all days of Navratri.
Offer red flowers to all the incarnations of Mother Goddess. It is advisable to wear red clothes during the puja. Try to offer makeup to the mother every day.
What not to do in Chaitra Navratri
Stay away from vengeful food and do not consume non-vegetarian food or alcohol.
Do not eat onion or garlic. Try making your vegetable without both.
Do not cut hair or shave during the nine days of Navratri.
Try to follow a sattvic lifestyle which also includes not criticizing or gossiping others.