What is Chaitra Navratri?
Every year, as the spring moon rolls in, Hindus across the subcontinent kick off a nine‑night celebration called Chaitra Navratri. Unlike the autumn Navratri most people hear about, this spring version marks the start of the Hindu calendar year in many northern states. It kicks off on the first day of the bright half of the Chaitra month – this year that was March 30 – and runs straight through April 7.
The festival honors the nine avatars of Goddess Durga, each day dedicated to a different form. Families gather for early‑morning prayers, set up small altars at home, and often share festive meals featuring seasonal vegetables and sweets. Temples stay open late, with priests chanting mantras and performing aarti that fills the air with the scent of incense.
Saptami and the Worship of Maa Kalarathi
April 5 lands on the seventh day, known as Saptami, and the spotlight shifts to Maa Kalaratri – the fearsome, dark‑skinned incarnation of Durga who vanquished the demon Mahishasura. Devotees believe invoking Kalaratri on this day helps dispel negativity and protects the household from unseen harms.
Typical rituals include lighting a red or black lamp, drawing the Kalaratri yantra on the floor, and offering red flowers, betel leaves, and a special sweet called “peda.” Many women also observe a fast until the evening aarti, after which they break it with bhog prepared from simple grains. In some villages, men perform a short “kala” dance, mimicking the goddess’s fierce steps, while chanting “Om Shri Kalaratriyai Namah.”
Because Saptami falls close to the official start of the Hindu New Year in places like Punjab and Haryana, you’ll also hear greetings of “Nave Saal Di Lakh Lakh Vadhaiyan” alongside the usual “Namaste.” It’s a time when old grievances are let go, and families set intentions for a prosperous year ahead.
- Check the local Panchang for the exact tithi and the auspicious “shubh muhurat” for any major ceremonies.
- Avoid starting new ventures during “Rahu Kaal,” a daily period considered inauspicious, which this morning spans roughly 09:30 – 11:15.
- Many astrologers advise timing weddings, house moves, or business launches after the evening aarti, when the day’s positive energies are at their peak.