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Chaitra Navratri
Festival Significance
Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and celebrates the nine forms of Goddess Durga. It begins on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada and culminates with Ram Navami on the ninth day.
Rituals
Perform Ghatasthapana on Day 1 during Abhijit Muhurta. Observe fasting for 9 days. Worship one form of Devi each day with specific colors, offerings, and mantras. Conclude with Kanya Puja and havan on Navami.
Fasting
Strict fasting for 9 days. Some observe nirjala (waterless) while others eat fruits and milk. Fasting is broken on Dashami after havan.
In Varanasi
Varanasi celebrates Chaitra Navratri with special decorations at Durga Kund Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple. Kashi Vishwanath Temple hosts elaborate aarti. The ghats are illuminated with diyas and devotees take holy dips in the Ganga at dawn.