Chaitra Navratri 2019: Devotees throng temples, PM Modi greets nation on occasion of Hindu calendar New Year

Chaitra Navratri 2019: Known by various names, Chaitra Sukladi, Gudi Padava, Ugadi, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, different states across the nation are celebrating the festival in their own way.

The festival culminates on April 14 with Rama Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama. (Photo by SAM PANTHAKY / AFP/ FILE)

NEW DELHI: On the first day of Chaitra Navratri on Saturday, devotees thronged temples in the national capital to seek blessings of the almighty on the auspicious occasion. The Hindu calendar New Year is being celebrated across the country today, marking the first day of spring season and New Year's Day of the traditional Hindu calendar based on the beginning of new moon. Known by various names, Chaitra Sukladi, Gudi Padava, Ugadi, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, different states across the nation are celebrating the festival in their own way. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his wishes saying

सभी देशवासियों को नव संवत्सर की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। मैं कामना करता हूं कि नया वर्ष सबके जीवन में सुख, शांति, समृद्धि और आरोग्य लेकर आए। हमारा देश उन्नति की राह पर और तेज गति से अग्रसर हो।

— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2019

Kalkaji temple and Jhandewalan temple were decked up in flowers as people gathered to attend the first 'Aarti' of the nine-day-long festivities. "This is a very special festival for us as, during this, people keep fast for nine days," a devotee told ANI. This year, Chaitra Navratri is being observed from April 6 to 14. It is also hailed as new year by Hindus or Hindu Nav Varsh. Nine 'avatars' or incarnations of Goddess Durga, namely Shailputri, Chandraghata, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidaatri, are worshipped during Chaitra Navratri - one on each day. The festival culminates on April 14 with Rama Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama. During these nine days, devotees observe fasts and perform pujas. Flowers, fruits and other offerings are made to the deity by devotees as they seek peace and prosperity in the year that follows.