New Delhi: Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasant Navratri, is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals celebrated in March or April. It is a nine-day celebration dedicated to the worship of Maa Durga's nine incarnations. On these days, people fast and worship the Goddess. Hindus celebrate Ram Navami on the last day of Chaitra Navratri to commemorate Lord Rama's birth. The celebrations start on the first day of the Hindu Lunar-Solar calendar. Also, most rituals performed at Shardiya Navratri, which takes place in September or October, are also conducted during Chaitra Navratri.
But, there are certain things that one should keep in mind during this festival.
Do's During Chaitra Navratri:
- On the first day of Navratri, be sure to perform Kalash Sthapana or Ghatasthapana. It is one of the most important rituals of the festival should be done while Pratipada is prevailing.
- Each day until Dashmi, one has to light an akhanda deepak. If it is not feasible for you, you can also conduct aarti every day in the morning and evening until the festival is over.
- Every day of Navratri should include the recitation of the Durga Chalisa and the Durga Saptasati.
- Offer red flowers to all avatars of Devi Maa. It is advised to wear red clothes during puja. Try to offer Singar to Mata every day.
Don'ts During Chaitra Navratri:
- Abstain from consuming alcoholic beverages or tobacco.
- Refrain from clipping your nails, getting a haircut or shaving your beard during the period.
- One should not consume processed salt during Navratri and use sea salt as an alternative.
- Children, pregnant women or people that have been diagnosed with a severe illness are not supposed to perform the vrat.
- Even though onions and garlic are considered vegetarian food items, they cannot be used to make food during this time. Additionally, legumes, rice flour, all-purpose flour, cornflour, lentils, semolina, wheat flour also come under the foods that need to be avoided during Navratri fasting.