As per the Hindu calendar, Chaitra is the first month, hence this festival is called as ‘Chaitra Navratri’. Committed to Goddess Durga, this incredible nine days festival starts on the first day of Hindu Luni-Solar calendar & in the month of March or April.

In some northern parts of India, Chaitra Navratri is also called “Rama Navami” or “Rama Navratri” a day celebrated as the birthday of Lord Rama which usually falls on the 9th day of the Navratri festival. Signifying the victory of good over evil, Chaitra Navratri is the day when the demon Mahishasura was killed by the Goddess Durga.

But what is the difference between Navratri and Dussehra?? Apart from Chaitra Navratri there are four such similar festivals observed in the early autumn, called as “Sharad Navratri”, the 10th day on which Lord Rama killed the demon Ravana & is called as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.

The ritual generally starts with the Ghatasthapana, which is on the first day of Navratri. On the other hand, Kalash Sthapana is a highly performed puja or ritual at home or workplace. Below is the procedure to perform the Kalash Sthapana Puja;

• One should wake up early in the morning, take a bath and get clean to perform the ritual.
• Clean the idols and make sure to properly keep the Kalash in the place of worship.
• Place the wooden seat with a red cloth on it and put raw rice on the cloth while chanting the Lord Ganesha mantra.
• Sow the barley seeds in the altar made of soil, and then place the water-filled Kalash on the soil.
• On one hand, tie a holy thread around the neck of the Kalash, while on the other hand make a Swastika sign with the vermillion paste.
• Next, keep some mango leaves, add the betelnut and coin in the Kalash.
• Tying a holy thread and Chunari around the coconut, carefully place this coconut on the top of the Kalash.
• Devotionally and faithfully pray & worship God, offering flowers, asking to bless with good health, wealth & peace of mind.

Fasting Rules for Chaitra Navratri

It is advised to consume satvik food one time a day. Some people eat only fruits and milk on all the 9 days of fasting of Chaitra Navratri.

One can include Sabudana Kheer, Curd, Lassi, Sabudana Vada, Banana Chips, Singhare Ka Halwa, Sabudana khichadi, Kuttu Ki Poori, Singhare Ke Pakore, Aloo Tikki, Makhane ki sabzi, etc.

Avoid preparing fasting items that consist of onions, garlic, wheat and make it light to have a focus on the Vrat period.