Navratri, which translates to 'nine nights' in Hindi, is irrefutably one of the most significant Hindu festivals in India. There are a total of four Navratri tithis throughout the year, among which, only two are celebrated with much grandeur - Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri. While Sharad Navratri coincides with Durga Puja celebrations, Chaitra Navratri falls in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which is around March or April, as per the Gregorian calendar. During these nine auspicious days (and nights) of Navratri, devotees worship nine forms of Goddess Shakti by observing fast and eating sattvic food. The ninth day of Chaitra Navratri is known as Ram Navami as it is marked as the birthday of Lord Rama. Hence, Chaitra Navratri is also referred to as Rama Navratri.
Chaitra Navratri 2024: When Is Ram Navami 2024? Date, Tithi And 9 Colours Of 9 Days:
This year, Chaitra Navratri begins on April 9, 2024 (Tuesday) and coincides with the Gudi Padwa and Ugadi celebrations. The nine-day extravaganza ends with Ram Navami on April 17, 2024 (Wednesday).
Navratri Day 1 - April 9, 2024: Shailputri Puja - The colour of the day is Red.
Navratri Day 2 - April 10, 2024: Brahmacharini Puja - The colour of the day is Royal Blue.
Navratri Day 3 - April 11, 2024: Chandraghanta Puja - The colour of the day is Yellow.
Navratri Day 4 - April 12, 2024: Kushmanda Puja - The colour of the day is Green.
Navratri Day 5 - April 13, 2024: Skandamata Puja - The colour of the day is Grey.
Navratri Day 6 - April 14, 2024: Katyayani Puja - The colour of the day is Orange.
Navratri Day 7 - April 15, 2024: Kalaratri Puja - The colour of the day is White.
Navratri Day 8 - April 16, 2024: Mahagauri Puja - The colour of the day is Pink.
Navratri Day 9 - April 17, 2024: Rama Navami, Navratri Parana - The colour of the day is Sky Blue.
(Source: www.drikpanchang.com)
Ninth day of Chaitra Navratri is known as Ram Navami
Photo Credit: iStock
Chaitra Navratri 2024: 5 Vrat-Friendly Foods That Are Easy To Digest:
Chaitra Navratri falls during the scorching summer days. Hence, it gets yet more important to load up on essential nutrients while eating foods that are dedicated for vrat. Sabudana, kuttu ka atta, singhare ka atta etc. are some of the most common vrat food ingredients one can think of. However, the high amount of protein and carbs often make these foods tough to digest. Hence, we've got you some food and drink options that you can add to your fasting regime to promote digestion and feel light and energetic throughout the day. Read on.
1. Coconut Water:
The goodness of coconut water needs no separate introduction. It is a storehouse of antioxidants and electrolytes and helps compensate for the lost fluid and energy in your body, further aiding digestion and metabolism.
2. Chaas:
Chaas, or buttermilk, is possibly one of the most popular desi drinks during the summer season. It is flavorful, light, and has an instant cooling effect on your body. Moreover, chaas is enriched with probiotics, making it ideal for preventing bloating and indigestion. All you need to do is replace common salt with rock salt in your regular chaas recipe to make it vrat-friendly - that's it!
3. Seasonal fruits:
By now, we all know how important it is to add seasonal produce to your diet. While there are various restrictions in terms of vegetables during vrat, you can compensate for that with fruits like mango, papaya, watermelon, muskmelon, and more. These fruits are packed with essential nutrients, fulfilling and helping promote digestion while maintaining body temperature.
4. Makhana:
Makhana contains fibre, healthy carbs, and antioxidants, and is low in calories and sodium. These factors make makhana fulfilling, easy to digest, and perfect for refuelling energy while fasting throughout the day. Click here for some vrat-friendly makhana-based recipes.
5. Dahi:
Dahi is a storehouse of probiotics and other essential nutrients. It not only keeps your body cool but also produces healthy bacteria in the gut to promote metabolism. Hence, experts suggest including dahi in your vrat regime to balance your meals and stay healthy.
Happy Chaitra Navratri 2024!