Chaitra Navratri Overview

1. When is Navratri?

• March 30 – April 7, 2025, which is celebrated as Ram Navami, marking the birth of Lord Ram.

2. Why is Navratri celebrated?

• It is a time for spiritual renewal, celebration, and connection to Goddess Durga.

3. What do the 9 days signify?

• Each day involves worship of a different form of Goddess Durga, with the first three days for Goddess Durga, the next three for Goddess Lakshmi, and the final three for Goddess Saraswati.

Key Rituals for Navratri:

1. Set Your Intentions (Sankalp)

• Start the nine-day journey by setting personal goals for health, relationships, and growth.

• This commitment helps channel your energy for spiritual and personal transformation.

2. Fasting To Cleanse from the Inside Out

• Adopt a sattvic diet: fruits, nuts, dairy, vegetables.

• Avoid grains, garlic, onions, and processed foods.

• Fasting is for spiritual cleansing; adjust to your comfort level.

3. Daily Puja: Start Your Day with Devotion

Steps:

• Purify the space with Gangajal (holy water).

• Set up a ritual with barley, a Kalash (water-filled sacred pot), supari, and a coconut.

• Light a diya (preferably ghee or oil).

• Chant mantras like "Durga Stotra" or "Chandi Path."

4. Cleanliness: Keep Your Mind and Surroundings Clean

• Clean your home and also cleanse your mind from negative energy.

• Creates a positive, spiritually receptive environment.

5. Kanya Puja: Honoring the Divine Feminine

• On Ashtami/Navami (eighth/ninth day): Honour nine young girls as manifestations of Goddess Durga.

• Offer food, clothes, and gifts to these girls to express gratitude to the goddess.

6. Offer Prasad & Bhog: Feed the Goddess

• Offer sattvic food (fresh fruits, sweets like kheer) and tulsi leaves to Goddess Durga.

• Sing bhajans or Durga Aarti, light camphor, and ring bells to purify the space and increase spiritual energy.

7. Meditation: Tune In to Divine Energy

• Meditate to reduce stress, calm the mind, and connect to divine wisdom.

• A few minutes a day is enough to enhance your spiritual connection.