Chaitra Navratri Celebration in All States of India

Chaitra Navratri, also known as the Vasant Navratri, is one of the significant festivals celebrated in India. This festival marks the onset of the spring season and is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra. According to the Hindu calendar, Chaitra Navratri usually falls during March or April.

The festival is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu Goddess Durga, who represents strength, power, and Divine energy. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that during these nine days, Goddess Durga fought and defeated the demon Mahishasura, who symbolizes ignorance, ego, and negative energy.

Chaitra Navratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India. The festival is marked by fasting, praying, and performing various rituals. People decorate their homes, temples, and streets with flowers, lights, and colorful rangolis.

The celebration of Chaitra Navratri varies from state to state in India. Here is a look at how Navratri is celebrated in some states of the country.

1. Uttar Pradesh

In northern India, particularly in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Chaitra Navratri is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm. The festival is marked by fasting and offering prayers to Goddess Durga, who is considered the divine protector of the universe. During these nine days, devotees gather in temples and homes to perform the puja, which includes reciting mantras, offering flowers, and lighting diya’s. On the eighth day, which is also known as Ashtami, young girls are invited to homes and are worshipped as Goddesses. This tradition is called ‘Kanya Puja.’

2.  Punjab & Haryana

Navratri is celebrated as Navratras in Punjab. People observe a fast for nine days and worship the Goddess Durga. The festival is concluded with the breaking of the fast and offering special Navratri food, such as Singhare Ke Atte Ki Puri, Kaddu Ki Sabzi, and Sabudana Kheer. Haryana also celebrate the festival in similar way of Punjab.

3. West Bengal

In the eastern state of West Bengal, Chaitra Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja, which is the most significant festival of the state. During this festival, the entire state comes alive with colors, lights, and festivities. The festival is celebrated for ten days, and on the tenth day, which is called Vijayadashami, the statues of Goddess Durga are immersed in the river or the sea. People visit each other’s homes and offer sweets and delicacies during this time. The festival is a symbol of the triumph of good over evil.

4. Bihar & Jharkhand

Bihar celebrates Navratri as Chhath Puja. The festival is marked by the worship of the Sun God, who is believed to be the source of all energy and power. People offer special prayers to the Sun God and observe a fast for four days. The festival is also celebarted in similar way in the state of Jharkhand

5. Maharashtra

In the state of Maharashtra, Chaitra Navratri is celebrated as Gudi Padwa. This festival marks the beginning of the New Year as per the Hindu calendar. People decorate their homes with flowers, rangolis, and light diyas. The most significant aspect of this festival is the hoisting of the ‘Gudi,’ which is a pole made of a bamboo stick, adorned with colorful cloths, flowers, and neem leaves. The Gudi is then placed on the entrance of the house, signifying the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.

6. Gujarat

Navratri is one of the most important festivals in Gujarat. People dress up in traditional attire and perform the Garba and Dandiya dance in large groups. The dance is performed with colorful sticks and is accompanied by traditional music. The state is also famous for its Navratri food, such as Fafda, Jalebi, and Dabeli.

7. Karnataka

In the southern state of Karnataka, Chaitra Navratri is celebrated as Ugadi. The festival marks the beginning of the New Year as per the Kannada calendar. People dress up in new clothes, and the homes are decorated with colorful flowers and rangolis. The celebrations also involve the preparation of traditional delicacies such as ‘Holige,’ ‘Obbattu,’ and ‘Puliyogare.’ The day is also considered a good time for starting new ventures and seeking blessings from the divine.

8. Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, Navratri is celebrated as Golu. People set up a display of dolls, which depict various mythological stories and scenes. They also invite friends and relatives to their homes to view the display, and offer them special Navratri food, such as Sundal, Sweet Pongal, and Payasam.

9. Kerala

Navratri is celebrated in Kerala as Saraswati Puja. The festival is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of knowledge and wisdom, Saraswati. People worship the Goddess and seek her blessings for success and prosperity. The festival is also marked by the setting up of a Golu display, similar to the one in Tamil Nadu.

10. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh celebrates Navratri as Durga Puja. People observe a fast for nine days and worship the Goddess Durga. The festival is marked by the setting up of pandals, where the idols of the Goddess are worshipped. People also participate in cultural programs, such as music and dance.

11. Assam

The north-eastern state of Assam celebrates Chaitra Navratri as Rangali Bihu. The festival marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year and is celebrated with great fanfare. People perform the traditional Bihu dance, wear new clothes, and prepare traditional dishes such as ‘Pitha’ and ‘Laru.’ The celebrations continue for seven days, and on the seventh day, the statues of Goddess Durga are immersed in the river.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chaitra Navratri is a significant festival that is celebrated throughout India, each with its unique customs and traditions. The festival is a symbol of the triumph of good over evil and signifies the beginning of a new year. The festival is a time of joy, happiness, and devotion, and people come together to seek the blessings of the divine.