Navratri 2024: Navratri is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is celebrated four times a year. The first Navratri is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra, followed by Gupt Navratri in Ashwin month, Sharad Navratri in Ashwin month again, and finally Gupt Navratri in Magh month. Despite the differences in timings, all nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped on these festivals.
Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri 2024 Dates
Chaitra Navratri will commence on April 9, 2024, and conclude on April 17.
Sharad Navratri will begin on October 3, 2024, and end on October 11.
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Difference between Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri
- Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri both involve worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga over nine days. However, on the Mahanavami of Chaitra Navratri, Ram Navami is celebrated, marking the birth of Lord Rama. In contrast, during Sharad Navratri's nine days, Goddess Durga fought Mahishasura for the welfare of the world and vanquished him on the tenth day. In addition, on the tenth day of Sharada Navratri, Lord Rama also defeated the demon king Ravana, reinstating righteousness, known as Dussehra (Vijayadashami).
- Sharad Navratri is celebrated to fulfil worldly desires, while Chaitra Navratri is observed for spiritual aspirations, attainment of Siddhi (spiritual powers), and Moksha (liberation).
- Chaitra Navratri falls during the spring and summer seasons, whereas Sharad Navratri occurs during the autumn. Many rituals and customs observed during Sharad Navratri are also followed during Chaitra Navratri. Sandhi Puja and Durga Puja are more popular during Sharad Navratri.
- Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, while Sharad Navratri starts the day after Sarv Pitru Amavasya (ancestors' new moon day) in the Pitru Paksha.