In 2022, Maa Shailputri pooja marks the beginning of Chaitra Navratri on April 2 and it will continue till April 11 with Navratri Parana. Navratri is a nine-night-long festival devoted to Devi and her nine incarnations. It is generally observed by the Hindu community two times per year, the first one is around this season of the year and again in October, overlapping with Durga Pooja festivities. This year, Maa Shailputri pooja will start Chaitra Navratri on April 2 and it will conclude on April 11 with Navratri Parana. These nine evenings commence during the first day of Chaitra, the Hindu lunar calendar’s first month.
Navratri is one of the most important Hindu holidays, occurring five times per year in changing seasons. There is already Ashadha Navratri, Sharada Navratri, and Paush/Magh Navratri, in addition to Chaitra Navratri. The most significant Navratris are Sharada Navratri, which occurs at the start of fall, and Chaitra Navratri, which occurs in the springtime. Chaitra Navratri, according to Hindus, represents the triumph of virtue over darkness. It symbolizes Goddess Durga’s triumph over the monster Mahishasura.
Hindus do Kalash sthapana pooja on this festival. They take fast for nine days in order to obtain Devi’s blessings and consume sabudana vada, sabudana khichadi, singhare ka halwa, kuttu ki puri, singhare ke pakore, and other similar foods.
Gudi Padwa is the first day of Chaitra Navratri in Mumbai, while Ugadi is the first day of Chaitra Navratri in Andhra Pradesh. In Hinduism, the festival of Navratri is extremely significant. Lord Rama is said to have arrived in Lanka by honoring Goddess Durga near the seashore. Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri are Maa Durga’s nine multiple forms. Worshiping the deity for all nine days grants the devotee’s prayers.
And Devi’s gifts are always bestowed on her believers, indicating that virtue has triumphed over wickedness. Goddess Durga, as per scriptures, arrived on the day of Chaitra Navratri and formed the cosmos at Lord Brahma’s request.
The devotees can increase trade and pleasure in their life by observing all 9 days of Navratri with all traditions and ceremonies. According to Hindu tradition, the nine days of Navratri are by far the most beneficial days of the year, and Hindus across the nation commemorate the holiday with tremendous dedication and excitement. Worshippers fast for nine days in order to cultivate their souls and gain insight into the divine nature of Devi.