Chaitra Navaratri or Vasant Navaratri - Indian New Year

Hi, today is the first day of the Indian calendar which is called Samvatsar. Today, we are in the month of Chaitra of Vikrami Samvat year 2078. According to Hindu tradition, God Brahma created the Universe on this day. This is also the first day of the festival Vasant Navratri (spring Navratri), the festival of nine days/ night. This festival falls in March or the first half of April. In 2021, the Indian new year falls on 13th March 2021 of the Gregorian calendar.

Navratri is a significant Hindu festival of India, celebrated with much joy, enthusiasm and fervour for nine days. During each of these days, Hindus pray one incarnation or demonstration of Durga.

1. Shailputri Puja

2. Brahmacharini Puja

3. Chandraghanta Puja/ Gauri Puja

4. Kushmanda Puja

5. Skandmata Puja

6. Katyayani Puja

7. Kalaratri Puja

8. Mahagauri Puja

9. Siddhidatri Puja

1. Shailputri Puja - The first day of Navratri is dedicated to the mother Shailputri. Being the daughter of the mountain Himalayas, she is called Shailputri. This form of the mother is very calm, gentle and impressive. She is depicted riding a bull and holding a trident and a lotus blossom. The lotus represents purity and devotion, while the prongs on the trident represent the past, present, and future.

2. Brahmacharini Puja - Second day is dedicated to Mother Brahmacharini. As is the mother's name, Brahmacharini means the one who follows devout austerity. She holds “akshamala” or a rosary in her right hand, representing the special Hindu prayers recited in her honor, and a kamandal or water utensil in her left hand, symbolizing marital bliss.

3. Chandraghanta Puja/ Gauri Puja - On the third day, the Chandraghanta form of the mother is worshiped. It is believed that all the tyrannical, or demons are afraid of the sound of the bell of Maa Chandraghanta. This form of Maa Durga, holding the bell-shaped crescent on the head, is the ultimate form of welfare and peace.

4. Kushmanda Puja - The fourth demonstration of the goddess Durga is Kushmanda which means “Creator of the universe” as she brought light to the dark universe. She holds in her eight hands many weapons, a rosary and a nectar urn.  Her vehicle is a lion which is the symbol of strength.

5. Skandmata Puja - Fifth day is dedicated to Skandmata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya. She holds the infant Skanda in her right upper arm and a lotus in her right hand. She fulfils all the wishes especially a child to the ladies who want to become a mother.

6. Katyayani Puja - On the sixth day, mother Katyayani is worshipped. She’s also known as Mahishsurmardini. By worshipping Katyayini, girls get a worthy groom. People acquire all the pleasures of this material world. She is represented with wild hair and 18 arms and rides a lion.

7. Kalaratri Puja - On the seventh day, the Kalratri form of the goddess is worshipped. She’s also known as Shubhamkari or the “one who does good”. She removes all fears from the life of the faithful. Her body is black like a completely dark night. She shoots flame from her mouth and her necklace resembles lightning.

8. Mahagauri Puja - The eighth demonstration of the goddess Durga is
known as Mahagauri which means extremely white. Also known as Parvati, she became the wife of God Shiva. Many people stop their fast on this day after worshipping and feeding girls.  Mahagauri is completely white in colour. She wears white clothes and white ornaments. Her vehicle is a bull. Her two hands are in Abhaymudra or gesture of reassurance and safety. In the third hand she holds a damru or a tambourine, and in the fourth hand, she holds a trident.

9. Siddhidatri Puja - Siddhidatri is the final form of Durga, celebrated on the final night of Navaratri. Her name means "giver of supernatural power," and Hindus believe she bestows blessings upon all deities and devotees of the faith. Siddhidatri grants wisdom and insight to all the deities who worship her. Like some of Durga's other manifestations, Siddhidatri also rides a lion. She has four arms and carries a trident, a spinning disc called a Sudarshana Chakra, a conch shell, and a lotus. The conch, called a shankha, represents longevity, while the spinning disc symbolizes the soul or infiniteness of time. This is also the day like the 8th day when many people end their fast of nine-day after worshipping and feeding girls.

The last day happens to be the Birthdate of God or King Rama also called Ramanavami.

People who observe a fast on each of these days, don’t eat any cereal or non-vegetarian food and don’t consume alcohol. 

According to the regions, one of these days might be more important to other days. For example, in North-West India, the 8th day is very important. In some western states like Rajasthan, the 6th day is very important. 

In western India, in the state of Maharashtra, the 1st day of the new year is celebrated as Gudi Padwa. Gudi means the flag of victory while Padwa means festival. They organise many processions on this day. Many sweet dishes are prepared at home e.g., shrikhand, Puran Poli or sweet rice. This festival is celebrated the whole day.

In the state of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, the new year is called Ugadi or Yugadi means beginning of the Universe. On this day, people make colourful patterns on the floor called Muggulu and make mango leaf decorations on doors which are called Torana.

All of these days are considered highly auspicious days which are good for any prosperous beginning be it the day of the wedding, beginning a journey or buying a new home or entering it for the first time to live it. Traditionally, Hindus look for an auspicious day for all new important beginnings in life.

This year 2021, the new year of Vikrami Samvat 2078 starts on 13th April. I wish you all Happy New Samvatsar, Gudi Padwa and Ugadi or simply Happy Hindu New Year.

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