Chaitra V/s Sharad Navratri: What Is The Difference Between The Two?

The auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri is just around the corner. It is celebrated annually on the first day of the month of Chaitra, which also marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar year. Navratri, the nine-day festival, is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Maa Durga but have you ever wondered why it is celebrated twice a year? Despite sharing common fasting rituals and prayers towards the divine feminine energy, these two Navratris have distinct characteristics, and here’s all you need to know about them.

Difference Between Chaitra And Sharad Navratri

Chaitra Navratri, which typically falls in March or April, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in many regions of India. On the other hand, the most widely observed Sharad Navratri falls in the month of October or November, marking the onset of the autumn season. In Hinduism, there are four Navratri in a year. However, only two of them, Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri are celebrated widely across the country.

Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasant Navratri, holds distinct cultural and regional significance. It culminates with Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama. Sharad Navratri, celebrated during Ashwin Masa, celebrates the slaying of the demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga. The 10th day is celebrated as Vijayadashami (Dusshera), which is also the day on which Lord Rama won the battle against Ravana and reconciled with Goddess Sita.

Chaitra Navratri is celebrated with full gusto in northern India and also in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, where it coincides with regional New Year festivals like Gudi Padwa and Ugadi. While both the Navratris are dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga, Sharad Navratri is often considered more auspicious and significant. It is mainly because of its association with festivals like Durga Puja and Dussehra.

Also Read: From Ugadi Pachadi To Obbattu, 9 Best Ugadi Menus In Bengaluru To Celebrate The Festival

Navratri 2025: Dates, Muhurat & All You Need To Know

Chaitra Navratri 2025 begins on March 30 with Ghatasthapana and will conclude on April 7 with Ram Navami. The most auspicious time for Navratri Ghatasthapana, or Navratri Kalash Sthapana, is 6:13 AM to 10:22 AM. The Abhijit Muhurat will be around 12:01 PM to 12:50 PM.

Each day of Navratri is associated with the worship of a different form of the Goddess Durga and is widely known as Navadurga. These forms symbolise various virtues and aspects of feminine energy and here’s a date-wise breakdown of the same –

March 30 – Ghatasthapana & Shailputri Puja
March 31 – Brahmacharini Puja
April 1 – Chandraghanta Puja
April 2 – Kushmanda Puja
April 3 – Skandamata Puja
April 4 – Katyayani Puja
April 5 – Kalaratri Puja
April 6 – Mahagauri Puja & Kanya Pujan
April 7- Siddhidatri Puja & Ram Navami

Also Read: Located On An Islet In River Nandini, Here’s All About Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple In Karnataka

We wish you joyous and auspicious Navratri!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva