New Delhi: The celebrations for the auspicious festival of Navratri have started today as this year, Chaitra Navratri begins on Saturday (April 2) and will conclude on April 11.


During Navratri, different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped on each day of the 9-day festival. 


The first day of Chaitra Navratri is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Shailputri who is considered to be the first form of Goddess Durga.


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Celebrations have begun in different parts of the country.








Significance


The first day of Chaitra Navratri is highly significant as it not only kicks starts the nine-day celebrations and the festive vibe but the ‘Kalash Sthapana’ is also done on this day.


Kalash Sthapna is the day when a separate place is cleaned and setup is made where the idol of Goddess Durga would be kept for the next nine days. 


While all days of the Navratri are celebrated by worshipping the forms of Goddess Durga, this first day is kept for preparations of prayers.


What To Offer?


Goddess Shailputri is offered sweets made of milk and sugar. On this day, dishes made of milk, sugar, and ghee are offered to the Goddess. 


Auspicious Colour


The colour which is to be used on the first day of Navratri is Red as it is liked by Goddess Shailputri.


Mantra 


The recital of this mantra on this auspicious day can bring prosperity and fulfill wishes during the first day.


The mantra to be recited is- ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डाय विच्चे ॐ शैलपुत्री देव्यै नम:


Another mantra that can be recited on this day is- या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शैलपुत्री रूपेण संस्थिता || नमस्तस्यै, नमस्तस्यै, नमस्तस्यै नमो नम: