Navratri 2024 Highlights: Hindu devotees throng temples on Chaitra Navratri Day 1; pray to Maa Durga, Maa Shailputri

Navratri 2024 Live Updates: The auspicious 9-day festival of Chaitra Navratri is today, April 9. All updates about this auspicious Hindu festival here

Summary

Navratri 2024 Highlights: Chaitra Navratri begins on April 9 and ends with Ram Navami on April 17. Hindu devotees worship Maa Durga and her nine incarnations during the nine days of the festival. On Day 1, devotees worship Maa Shailputri. Believed to be the provider of prosperity and all fortunes, devotees hail Maa Shailputri as mother nature and pray to her for their spiritual awakening.

Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Devotees offer prayers at the Mata Longa Wali Devi temple on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. (PTI)

Navratri 2024 Highlights: Chaitra Navratri is celebrated annually by Hindu devotees. This nine-day festival is dedicated to the worship of Maa Durga and her nine avatars - Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri. Each day is dedicated to the worship of the nine avatars. This year, the festival begins today, April 9. It ends with Ram Navami on April 17, which marks the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu and son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya. ...Read More

Follow all the updates here:

• 9 Apr 2024, 07:54:31 PM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Shubh muhurat to perform puja for Maa Brahmacharini

  Maa Brahmacharini is the unmarried form of Maa Durga. She is worshipped on the second day of Chaitra Navratri. For this year, Chaitra Navratri started on April 9. On April 10, the shubh muhurat to perform the puja is from 6:27 AM to 7:52 AM, during the Amrit Kaal.

• 9 Apr 2024, 07:43:54 PM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Mantras to chant on Day 2

  On the second day of Chaitra Navratri, Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped. One of the forms of Maa Durga, Maa Brahmacharini is depicted as a woman in white clothes carrying rosary beads made of rudraksha and kamandalu. For offering the puja, here are the mantras that should be chanted. Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah॥ Dadhana Kara Padmabhyamakshamala Kamandalu। Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama॥

• 9 Apr 2024, 07:26:52 PM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Devotees throng Vaishno Devi

  On the first day of Chaitra Navratri, thousands of devotees visited Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir and offered their puja, PTI reported.

• 9 Apr 2024, 07:10:19 PM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Puja vidhi for Day 2

  On the auspicious day, devoteees start the day early with a holy bath. then they offer jasmine flowers, rice, and sandalwood to the Goddess. A Abhishek is done for Maa Brahmacharini with honey, milk and curd. A Bhog with sugar or jaggery is prepared for the Goddess.

• 9 Apr 2024, 06:53:33 PM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: The story of Maa Brahmacharini

  Maa Brahmacharini is the unmarried form of Maa Durga. she is depicted as a woman in white saree with rosary beads made of rudraksha in one hand and a kamandalu in another hand. it is believed that maa Brahmacharini did severe penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband. Seeing her dedication, Lord Brahma blessed her and she became Lord Shiva's consort.

• 9 Apr 2024, 06:41:21 PM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: The story of Maa Shailputri

  On the first day of Chaitra Navratri, Maa Shailputri is worshipped. Maa Shailputri, a form of Maa Durga, was Sati, the daughter of King Daksha in her former life. She took rebirth as daughter of Himalaya to marry Lord shiva. Shail means mountains and putri means daughter. Maa Shailputri is the daughter of mountains.

• 9 Apr 2024, 06:33:28 PM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Here's how Sunny Deol wished his fans

  Sunny Deol shared wishes for his fans on his X Profile. “Wishing everyone a very happy & prosperous Gudi Padwa, Baisakhi, Navrati, Ugaadi, Navreh & Cheti Chand. May this new year bring luck, success & happiness for us all,” read his post.

• 9 Apr 2024, 06:07:20 PM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Foods to eat and avoid while fasting

  As Chaitra Navratri falls in warmer months, it's important to increase intake of hydrating fruits and vegetables during this time. During the fasting period, grains like wheat and rice, non-vegetarian foods, eggs, onion, garlic and other tamasic foods are prohibited. All you want to know about the foods to eat and avoid during Navratri fasting. Read more

• 9 Apr 2024, 05:18:24 PM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Ditch Sabudana, and eat these healthy alternatives during fast

  Sabudana or sago, is one of the popular vrat foods that are relished by people while observing Navratri fast. But did you know that being a high glycaemic index food, it can raise your blood sugar levels? Besides, sabudana also lacks essential nutrients. To make sure you are following a balanced diet in Navratri, you should add nutrient-dense options like amaranth, buckwheat, water chestnut flour, sweet potatoes, and fruits. Read more

• 9 Apr 2024, 04:50:46 PM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: President Droupadi Murmu's wish on Chaitra Navratri

  President Droupadi Murmu took to her X Profile and shared her heartfelt greetings - she wrote, “I extend my best wishes to all my countrymen on Chaitra Shukladi, Ugadi, Gudi-Padwa, Cheti-Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheroba. These festivals celebrated to welcome the spring season and the New Year are symbols of India's cultural and social diversity. I wish that these festivals bring happiness, peace and prosperity in everyone's life."

• 9 Apr 2024, 04:47:54 PM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Devotees throng temples in Himachal Pradesh

  Temples across the state of Himachal Pradesh such as Trilokpur, Chintpurni, Nainadevi, Brijeshwari, Shoolani, and Kali Bari saw huge footfall of devotees on the first day of Chaitra Navratri, reported PTI.

• 9 Apr 2024, 04:27:58 PM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Sabudana Khichdi recipe for Maa Shailputri's bhog

  Chaitra Navratri kickstarted on April 9. On the first day of the festival, Maa Shailputri is worshipped. Maa Shailputri can be offered Sabudana Khichdi as bhog. Here's an easy recipe of making Sabudana Khichdi at home.

• 9 Apr 2024, 04:17:23 PM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Nolen Gur Payesh recipe for Maa Brahmacharini's bhog

  Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Chaitra Navratri. She is believed to like jaggery and sugar. Hence, Nolen Gur Payesh can be offered to the Goddess as bhog. See recipe here.

• 9 Apr 2024, 03:55:56 PM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Maa Shailputri mantras that are chanted on Day 1

   the first day of Chaitra Navratri, Maa Shailputri is worshipped. Shail means mountains and putri means daughter. On the first day, these mantras are chanted while worshipping Maa Shailputri.

  Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah.

  Vande Vanchit Labhay Chandrardhkritshekhram. Vrisharudham Shuldharam Shailputri Yashaswini.

• 9 Apr 2024, 03:37:25 PM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Mirzapur prepared for devotees to visit Maa Vindhyavasini temple

  Mirzapur District Magistrate stated that they made preparations for devotees to visit Maa Vindhyavasini temple on the occasion of Chaitra Navaratri. Arrangeements for darshan and offering puja has been made.

• 9 Apr 2024, 03:29:51 PM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: On Day 2, Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped

  On the second day of Chaitra Navratri, Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped. Maa Brahmacharini is a form of Maa Durga who is depicted in white clothes with a japmala in one hand and a kamandalu in another. It is believed that Maa Brahmacharini likes jaggery, and hence, bhog is made wth jaggery and sugar.

• 9 Apr 2024, 02:40:43 PM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Randeep Hooda's wish on Navratri 

  Actor Randeep Hooda extended his wish on the occasion of the Hindu New Year on X. He wished his fans ‘positivity and kindness’ on the ocasion of Chaitra Navratri, Ugadi, Cheti Chand, Gudi Padwa, and Navreh. 

• 9 Apr 2024, 02:15:52 PM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Easy rangoli designs to decorate your home

  Decorating your home during Navratri is an essential ritual during the nine-day celebrations. So, we decided to help you out by curating designs inspired by the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga, floral patterns, Peacock designs, and more. See here. 

• 9 Apr 2024, 01:50:34 PM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Mehndi designs to deck up for the festival

  Applying henna or mehndi on your hands is a big part of Hindu celebrations. So, we decided to round up gorgeous patterns you can take inspiration for the nine-day festival. From floral designs to keeping it minimal, click here for are our suggestions for mehndi designs for Chaitra Navratri.

• 9 Apr 2024, 01:35:52 PM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Devotees offer prayers at temples on Chaitra Navratri Day 1

  Devotees thronged temples across the country today to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Maa Durga and Maa Shailputri. Check out pictures from temples cross the country here. 

• 9 Apr 2024, 01:19:21 PM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Hindu New Year Vikram Samvat 2081 begins

  With the advent of Chaitra Navratri, the Hindu New Year Vikram Samvat 2081 has also begun. This day is also celebrated as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh.

• 9 Apr 2024, 12:46:49 PM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: 5 healthy alternatives to sabudana

  The 5 healthy alternatives to sabudana suggested by a nutritionist are amaranth, buckwheat, water chestnut flour, sweet potatoes, and fruits. These items can help keep you full and also boost your overall well-being. Learn more about their benefits here. 

• 9 Apr 2024, 12:30:35 PM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Ram Lalla idol to wear clothes decorated with gold hand block prints

  From the first day of Chaitra Navratri, April 9 till Ram Navami, April 17, Ram Lalla's idol will wear clothes or vastras made of special hand-woven and hand-spun khadi cotton, Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust said. These vastras will be decorated with real silver and gold khaddi hand block prints. The block prints used in printing the vastra are inspired by Vaishnav Chinha.

• 9 Apr 2024, 12:14:55 PM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Devotees visit temple on Day 1

  Hindu devotees thronged Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple in Deoghar, on the occasion of the first day of Chaitra Navaratri. They can be seen offering prayers and seeking blessings. 

• 9 Apr 2024, 11:55:50 AM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Rahul Gandhi extends greetings for Navratri 

  In a post written in Hindi, Rahul Gandhi said, “New year, new enthusiasm, new joy. Hearty congratulations and best wishes to all the countrymen on the occasion of Gudi Padwa, Chaitra Navratri, Ugadi, Cheiraoba, Cheti Chand and Sajibu festivals. May the New Year bring happiness, peace and prosperity in the life of all of you.” See here. 

• 9 Apr 2024, 11:38:47 AM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: PM Modi greets people on Navratri

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted people on the auspicious occasion of the beginning of Chaitra Navratri. In a post in Hindi on X, Modi said, "Today on the first day of Navratri, I bow down and pay my respects to Maa Shailputri! May Devi Maa infuse new power and energy in the lives of all my family members in the country. This prayer to Maa Shailputri is for all of you…" 

• 9 Apr 2024, 11:26:31 AM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Know significance of all the colours associated with the nine days

  Day 1: Red

  Red is considered an auspicious colour on day 1 of Chaitra Navratri. Person who wears red is considered to be more energetic and vibrant. 

  Day 2: Royal Blue

  This colour represents contentment and prosperity. 

  Day 3: Yellow

  The person who wears yellow on Day 3 feels happy all day with an incomparable sense of optimism and excitement.

  Day 4: Green

  Green symbolises nature and evokes a sense of growth, fertility, peace and serenity.

  Day 5: Green

  Day 6: Orange

  Day 7: White

  Day 8: Pink

  Day 9: Sky Blue 

  Know significance of the other colour here. 

• 9 Apr 2024, 10:56:14 AM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Amit Shah extends greetings for Chaitra Navratri

  Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended greetings on the occasion of the traditional New Year to people living in different states of the country, wishing them happiness and good health.

  "Jai Mata Di! Happy Chaitra Navratri. I pray to Shakti Swaroopa Maa Bhagwati for the health, wealth, prosperity and advancement of all," he wrote on X.

• 9 Apr 2024, 10:20:19 AM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Dos and don'ts to follow while observing the fast

  Here are some dos and don'ts one needs to follow during the nine-day-long fasting of Chaitra Navratri

  1) Take a bath every morning before puja, clean the puja area, recite Maa Durga mantras, perform aarti and offer the goddess bhog made of sweets and other satvik foods.

  2) One should consume vrat-friendly and satvik ahaar, including Kuttu, sabudana or sago, rajgira, makhana, arbi, pumpkin, aloo, singhare ka atta, samak ke chawal, nuts and dry fruits, rock salt, cumin, buckwheat, ginger, green chillies are some of the food people consume during their Navratri fast.

  Learn more here. 

• 9 Apr 2024, 10:01:46 AM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: What to eat and avoid while fasting

  During Navratri, grains like wheat and rice, non-vegetarian foods, eggs, onion, garlic and other tamasic foods are prohibited. Check out what you should eat and avoid during these nine days --

  1. Increase intake of hydrating fruits and vegetables during this time.

  2. Having foods high in protein during your fast will not only help provide sustained energy throughout the day, but also keep you full for longer.

  3. Onion and garlic are not only prohibited for people who are fasting but even those who are not.

  4. Being tamasic foods, non-veg foods like chicken and mutton are strictly prohibited during Navratri fasting and even by those Hindus who aren't observing fast.

  Learn more about what you should and should not eat here.

• 9 Apr 2024, 09:47:07 AM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Ghatasthapana rituals

  For Ghatasthapana, devotees should install a pot (kalash) at a sanctified place at home, light a diya (lamp) for nine days near the pot, place a pan with mud and navadhanya seeds, and fill it with water. Then, the kalash is filled with Ganga Jal. Some coins, supari, and akshat (raw rice and turmeric powder) is placed in the water. Five mango leaves are placed around the Kalash and covered with coconut. Then, devotees place an oil lamp, incense sticks, flowers, fruits, and sweets near Maa Shailputri. A special bhog of Desi Ghee is also offered to the Goddess.

• 9 Apr 2024, 09:29:31 AM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Significance of Chaitra Navratri

  Chaitra Navratri is a time for praying, meditating, fasting and enjoying with loved ones during the nine days. During this time, Maa Durga's devotees give up consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco. They also consume food prepared without garlic and onion. Devotees also pray to Maa Durga and her nine incarnations, read mantras, and decorate their homes. Hindus believe that by practising these rituals they will be blessed by Maa Durga.

• 9 Apr 2024, 09:21:21 AM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: History of Chaitra Navratri 

  The nine-day festival of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to Maa Durga worship and her nine incarnations. It observes Goddess Durga's universe birth and all living things inside it. Devotees believe that Maa Durga shows up during Navratri and visits her devotees. Learn more here. 

• 9 Apr 2024, 09:06:11 AM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Check out this Sabudana Khichdi prasad for Maa Shailputri

  Ingredients: 

  For Soaking 

  Sabudana (sago) – 1 cup 

  Water – 1 cup 

  Salt – a generous pinch

  For Khichdi 

  Peanuts (skinless) – ½ cup 

  Ghee – 2 tbsp 

  Cumin seeds – 1 tsp 

  Green Chilli chopped – 1no 

  Ginger chopped – 2tsp 

  Tomato chopped – ½ cup 

  Potatoes boiled, diced – 1cup 

  Curry leaves – 1 sprig 

  Salt – to taste 

  Black Pepper powder – to taste 

  Lemon – ½ no 

  Coriander chopped – Handful

  Method: 

  Wash the sabudana and soak in water with salt for about four to five hours. Then dry roast the peanuts and coarsely crush them in a blender. In a pan, heat ghee, add jeera, green chillies, ginger, tomatoes and diced potatoes and saute everything. Add curry leaves and the roasted crushed peanuts. Add soaked sabudana, pepper and salt and squeeze lemon juice and cook until the sabudana turns transparent. Add freshly chopped coriander leaves on top and serve hot.

  (Recipe: Kunal Kapur, Chef)

• 9 Apr 2024, 08:58:56 AM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Wishes, images and messages to share with loved ones  

  Make your Chaitra Navartri celebrations special by sharing wishes, images, messages, greetings, WhatsApp status, Facebook status, and SMS to your loved ones. We have curated some for you. See below. 

  1) The nine forms of Goddess Durga bring nine different strengths to the world. May you be blessed with all. 

  2) I hope this Chaitra Navratri brings lots of joy, prosperity, and success to you and your family. May Maa Durga fill your life with divine blessings and your home with love, luck and happiness.

  3) On this pious occasion of Chaitra Navratri, may Goddess Durga guide you towards the path of righteousness and bring peace and calm in your life.

  Find images and more wishes here. 

• 9 Apr 2024, 08:52:00 AM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Stotra for Day 1 of Chaitra Navratri

  Prathama Durga Tvamhi Bhavasagarah Taranim 

  Dhana Aishwarya Dayini Shailaputri Pranamamyaham 

  Trilojanani Tvamhi Paramananda Pradiyaman 

  Saubhagyarogya Dayini Shailaputri Pranamamyaham 

  Charachareshwari Tvamhi Mahamoha Vinashinim 

  Mukti Bhukti Dayinim Shailaputri Pranamamyaham

• 9 Apr 2024, 08:50:51 AM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Puja Mantra, prayer, stuti for Day 1 of Chaitra Navratri

  Puja Mantra - Om Devi Shailputryai Namah

  Prayer - Vande Vanchitlabhay Chandrardhakrit Shekharam

  Stuti - Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Shailaputri Rupena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah

• 9 Apr 2024, 08:35:25 AM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: The colours associated with nine days of Navratri 

  April 9 - Day 1, Red

  April 10 - Day 2, Dark Blue 

  April 11 - Day 3, Yellow 

  April 12 - Day 4, Green 

  April 13 - Day 5, Grey 

  April 14 - Day 6, Orange 

  April 15 - Day 7, White 

  April 16 - Day 8, Pink 

  April 17 - Day 9, Sky Blue

• 9 Apr 2024, 08:23:29 AM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Who is Maa Shailputri? 

  Maa Shailputri is one of the nine avatars of Maa Durga. Devotees worship her on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. She is believed to be the provider of prosperity and all fortunes. Hindus hail Maa Shailputri as mother nature and pray to her for their spiritual awakening. The Goddess governs the Moon. According to Drik Panchang, Maa Parvati was born as Lord Himalaya's daughter and was known as Shailputri after her self-immolation. In Sanskrit, Shail means the mountain, Putri means daughter, and Shailputri is the daughter of the mountain.

• 9 Apr 2024, 08:08:24 AM IST

  Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Ghatasthapana today, know muhurat and puja timings

  Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 6:02 am to 10:16 am on April 9

  Ghatasthapana Abhijeet Muhurat: 11:57 am to 12:48 pm on April 9

  Pratipada Tithi begins on April 8 at 11:50 pm

  Pratipada Tithi ends on April 9 at 8:30 pm

  Vaidhrti Yog begins on April 8 at 6:14 pm

  Vaidhrti Yog ends on April 9 at 2:18 pm

• 9 Apr 2024, 07:59:46 AM IST

  Chaitra Navratri 2024 Live Updates: Complete calendar of Chaitra Navratri and Goddesses to be worshipped 

  April 9 - Ghatasthapana Puja, Maa Shailputri 

  April 10 - Maa Brahmacharini 

  April 11 - Maa Chandraghanta 

  April 12 - Maa Kushmanda 

  April 13 - Skanda Mata 

  April 14 - Maa Katyayani 

  April 15 - Maha Saptami, Maa Kaalratri 

  April 16 - Maha Ashtami, Maa Mahagauri Puja 

  April 17 - Rama Navami, Maa Siddhidatri