Many people have probably never heard of Chaitra Navratri, an Indian event that is quickly approaching. It is celebrated by Hindus and many other religions, including Sikhism. 

Chaitra Navratri is a large ceremony celebrating the divine feminine. Navratri is a nine-day celebration where Goddess Durga is honored in nine different forms. It is one of the most important Hindu festivals, which is observed with tremendous zeal by Hindus all throughout India and many other places throughout the world. In a year, there are actually four Navratris, but only two of them are extensively observed and prominent in the culture. These two are known as Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri. Despite having different names, they celebrate the same thing, merely at a different time. Chaitra Navratri is celebrated differently in different sections of India. Despite the fact that they worship the same god, their rites are very different. 

The word Navrati means “nine nights” in Sanskrit. The Chaitra Navratri is a much-anticipated fasting and worship of Maa Durga’s nine incarnations, meaning nine different versions of this goddess. The nine different forms includes Goddess Shailputri, Goddess Brahacharini, Goddess Chandraghanta, Goddess Kushmanda, Goddess Skandmata, Goddess Katyayani, Goddess Kaalratri, Goddess Mahagauri, and Goddess Siddhidatri. Each one of these goddesses all had a special part in Chaitra Navratri, but the last reincarnation, or the ninth day, is also known as Ram Navami and commemorates Lord Rama’s entry on Earth. The ninth day brings the festival to an end.

Chaitra Navratri will take place this year from April 2 to April 11. Most Hindu’s also fast for nine days, meaning that they don’t eat meat for nine days. As one can see, Chaitra Navratri is a widely celebrated Hindu tradition, and although it’s Hindu in origin, many other religions celebrate it as well.