Chaitra Navaratri – 9th April till 17th April – is considered an auspicious time for spiritual renewal, cleansing and seeking the blessings of the divine. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. It is devoted to goddess Durga, whose nine forms are worshipped on nine days. The nine-day celebration observes Goddess Durga’s universe birth and all living things inside it. It is believed that Durga Ma visits her devotees during this period.

Chaitra Navratri is a period for praying, meditating, fasting, and enjoying time with friends and family. Different colors are to be worn when worshipping the goddesses. Yellow, white, sky blue, orange, green, red, royal blue, magenta pink and purple are worn on different days. Goddess Durga is pleased if one lights a lamp, offers flowers and chants mantras. Chanting Om Dum Durgaya Namaha with complete surrender and devotion, will improve one’s health and wellbeing.

The last day of Chaitra Navratri is also Rama Navami, the birthday of Rama. Rama was the seventh avatar of Vishnu. This festival falls after the spring harvest. 17th of April is the day of Rama’s birth. The mantra to chant is Om Shri Ramaya Namaha. On this day one worships Ram with devotion and seeks his blessings. Yellow and red are worn on Ram Navami.

When we look at this time, it is a time of repentance, forgiveness and rejoicing. And what better day than the birthday of Rama.

Aim Hrim Klim