Navratri 2021: There is something about Indian festivals that livens up everything around. We were only just reeling from the after-effects of Holi, and we already have another big festival to look forward to. Yes, Chaitra Navratri is almost here and we cannot be more excited. Why, you ask? Because it is a nine-day long festival replete with interesting festive rituals. Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine incarnations, Navratri is a significant Hindu festival. Did you know that there are four Navratris in a year, but only two Sharad Navratri and Chaitra Navratri are celebrated widely?! This year, Navratri begins on 13th April 2021 and will conclude on 21st April 2021. Here's all you need to know about Chaitra Navratri 2021. 'Navratri' translates to 'nine nights' and it is one of the most significant Hindu festivals.
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When Is Chaitra Navratri 2021 | Date of Chaitra Navratri 2021, Nine Colours For Nine Days Of Navratri
Nine different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped and celebrated on this day. The prasad, offerings and bhog also differ on basis of the avatar of the Goddess. For instance, the third day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta and she is offered milk or milk-based sweet; whereas Goddess Brahmacharini, who is worshipped on second day of Navratri, is known for her simplicity, and hence she is offered a simple bhog of sugar and fruits. On the nine days of Navratri, a lot of people also like to dress up in nine different colours, or incorporate the different colours specific to that day in their prasad or bhog.
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| Navratri Day | Date and Puja | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| Pratipada | 13th April, Ghatsthapna, Shailputri Puja | Red |
| Dwitiya | 14th April, Brahmacharini Puja | Royal Blue |
| Tritiya | 15th April, Chandraghanta Puja | Yellow |
| Chaturthi | 16th April, Kushmanda Puja | Green |
| Panchami | 17th April, Skandmata Puja, Naag Puja | Grey |
| Shashti | 18th April, Katyayni Puja | Orange |
| Saptami | 19th April, Kalratri Puja | White |
| Ashtami | 20th April, Mahagauri Puja | Pink |
| Navami | 21st April, Ram Navami | Sky Blue |
Significance of Observing Fasts On Navratri | Navratri Fasting Rules
While there are many legends and folklore associated with the significance of Navratri fasting, one of the more popular rationale behind it is its positive impact on your digestive system. Since Navratri is celebrated during season change, your body is looking for a good detox and reboot. It is said fasting or eating light satvik food helps in that.
There are a few dos and don'ts to fasting, and the rules vary from household to household. Here are some of the common ones.
1. If you are fasting on Chaitra Navratri you cannot consume, meat, fish, eggs or any non-veg item.
2. Alcohol and smoking is also prohibited.
3. Usage of onion and garlic is also not encouraged.
4. One has to avoid grains, pulses and cereals as well. So, you cannot have dal, chawal or roti but you can replace it with vrat-friendly ingredients like kuttu, singhara atta, samak ke chawal, sabudana,makhana etc.
5. All fruits are allowed; there is no restriction on milk and sugar either.
6. Potatoes, pumpkin, lauki, ridge gourd are some popular vrat-special vegetables.
Happy Chaitra Navratri 2021, everybody!
About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows.