New Delhi, April 6: Devotees thronged temples across the nation on the first day of Chaitra Navratri on Saturday. Scores of people were seen visiting temples to mark the festival in the national capital, Mumbai and several other areas to seek blessings of the almighty on the auspicious occasion. The Kalkaji temple and Jhandewalan temple in the national capital were decked up in flowers as people gathered to attend the first 'Aarti' of the nine-day-long festivities. In 2019, Chaitra Navratri is being observed from April 6 to 14. The festival culminates on April 14 with RamaNavami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama. Chaitra Navratri 2019 Full Dates & Hindu Calendar: Ghatasthapana Puja Shubh Muhurat Time & Significance of Nine-Day Navaratri Festival.

The festival is also hailed as new year by Hindus or Hindu Nav Varsh. A devotee was quoted by ANI saying that, "This is a very special festival for us as, during this, people keep fast for nine days”. According to Hindu mythology, the nine 'avatars' or incarnations of Goddess Durga, namely Shailputri, Chandraghata, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidaatri, are worshipped during Chaitra Navratri - one on each day. Navaratri 2019: What’s the Difference Between Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri?

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Nine 'avatars' or incarnations of Goddess Durga, namely Shailputri, Chandraghata, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidaatri, are worshipped during Chaitra Navratri - one on each day. During these nine days of festivity, devotees observe fasts and perform pujas. Flowers, fruits and other offerings are made to the deity by devotees as they seek peace and prosperity in the year that follows. Chaitra Navratri 2019 Wishes: WhatsApp Stickers, GIF Images, Messages, SMS to Send Happy Navaratri Greetings During Nine-Day Festival.

Chaitra Navratri is also known as Vasant Navaratri. One of the most important rituals performed during the auspicious festival is Ghatasthapana Puja on the first day (pratipada) of Navratri as it marks the beginning of the nine-day festival. Devotees perform Ghatasthapana also known as Kalash Sthapana to invocate Goddess Durga. It is very important to do Ghatasthapana Vidhi with correct Kalash Sthapana with puja items as failing to do so can invite the wrath of Navadurga (nine forms of Maa Durga).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 06, 2019 08:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).