Mumbai: Chaitra Navratri is a significant Hindu holiday that honours Goddess Durga in her nine potent manifestations and acknowledges the divine feminine force. This nine-day celebration honours the Goddess as a symbol of feminine strength, protection, and spiritual direction and is marked by intense devotion, prayers, fasting, and customs. In the Hindu calendar, Chaitra Navratri is observed during the month of Chaitra.
Chaitra Navratri began this year on Sunday, March 30 and will be observed for the next eight days, till April 7, before concluding on Ram Navami. In India's northern and western states, Chaitra Navratri is more well-known.
But why aren't dandiya and garba played more often during Chaitra Navratri? Although there are various explanations, three main ones are widely accepted. In contrast to the spirited, peaceful celebrations that occur during Sharad Navratri, when sattvic poojas and tithis are performed, it is said that Chaitra Navratri is observed in families for prosperity and money, involving tantrik beliefs and being a little more hush-hushed.
In contrast to Sharad Navratri, which is more joyous since it culminates with Dussehra and Ram's return from a 14-year exile, Chaitra Navratri's nine days are thought to symbolise the nine months before to Lord Ram's birth. Therefore, the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri is observed as Ram Navami.
The third line of reasoning is based on historical precedent. It is thought that, like Sharad Navratri, Chaitra Navratri is also celebrated with garba and dandiya. However, it was because of freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak that Sharad Navratri gained popularity and became more mainstream, similar to Maghi Ganpati-Ganesh Chaturthi and Shiv Jayanti, which is celebrated twice, one according to the birth date, February 19 and one according to tithi.
Although there are no restrictions on how these festivities can be held, customs surrounding them tend to favour the culture that the followers and devotees are more likely to adhere to.
