THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NAVRATRI- PART ONE

According to Hindu calendar, Navratri comes 5 times in a year, while two out of those five Navratris are celebrated as festivals, which comes in Ashwin month and Chaitra month. Five Navratris are as follows:

1. Chaitra Navratri : Chaitra Navratri comes in Chaitra month according to Hindu Calendar. This Navratri is also known as Vasanti Navratri because of the season Vasant (spring, in month March-April). This Navratri is celebrated as Navratri Festival. On its 9th day, birthday of Lord Ram is celebrated. This Navratri is also known as Bodhan Navratri, because Goddess is awakened at this time.

2. Ashadi Gupta (Secret) Navratri: Ashadi Navratri is Gupta or Secret Navratri in which saadhak (devotee) perform very special rituals to attain some siddhi. Generally, this Navratri is not for all common people. Ashadi Navratri starts from 1st day of waxing moon of Ashad month and ends on 9th day of waxing moon of Ashad month (June-July month).

3. Shardiya Navratri : Shardiya Navratri is celebrated as annual festival. Shrdiya Navratri comes in Ashwin month, Sharad Ritu. It is also known as Shayan Navratri, because this the time of sleeping of Mother Goddess.

4. Paush Navratri: Paush navratri is also known as Shakambhari Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari.

5. Magha Gupta Navratri: Magha Navratri is Gupta Navratri. This Navratri starts from 1st day of waxing moon of Magha month and ends on 9th day of waxing moon of Magha month. Similar to Ahsadi Navratri it is for all.