: Chaitra Navratri begins on the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar, and usually falls in March or April. This year, it begins on March 22 and ends on March 30. The nine-day festival also marks the arrival of the spring season. During Chaitra Navratri, each day is dedicated to the nine avatars of Goddess Durga, and on the last day, people observe Ram Navami – Lord Ram’s birth. Devotees observe Chaitra Navratri by fasting for nine days, performing puja, and by dressing up in the nine colours of Navratri. Rituals such as Ghatasthapana are performed, which is the invocation of goddess Shakti. Numerous customs and rituals followed during Shardiya Navratri, which falls in the month of September or October, are also followed during Chaitra Navratri. ©Vishu

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