As the winter breeze bids goodbye, followed by the scorching heat of the summer, the Chaitra month, as per the Hindu calendar, marks the New Year. The Chaitra month is one of the most auspicious months, and it is celebrated with many vibrant Hindu festivals like Chaitra Navratri. During Navratri, which translates to “nine nights”, the devotees worship Goddess Durga and her avatars.
The nine-day-long festival is celebrated all across India in many different ways and traditions. However, the common part of the traditions is a seven-day-long vrat (fast) followed by Sheetla Ashtami on the eighth day and Ram Navami on the ninth and last day. Why don’t you dive deeper into the specifics of Chaitra Navratri 2024 and observe the festival with food, colour, and enthusiasm?
Date And Time Of Chaitra Navratri 2024
According to the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha, Chaitra Navratri will commence on 8th April 2024 at 11:50 AM. However, as per Udya Tithi, Chaitra Navratri begins on Tuesday, 9th April 2024, which coincides with Gudi Padwa and Ugadi. The last day of Chaitra Navratri 2024 is Wednesday, 17th April 2024, which coincides with the birth of Lord Ram, also known as Ram Navami.
Significance Of Chaitra Navratri 2024
Chaitra Navratri is one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu religion. The auspicious festivals signify the triumph of good over evil. It is believed that during this time, Goddess Durga descended to Earth to kill Mahishasura, an evil who was causing havoc on humanity. To celebrate the brave victory, each year, these nine days are celebrated with different cultural practices like observing a fast, performing pujas, enacting the victory through dance and music, and much more.
Fast-Friendly Food For Navratri
If you’re observing a fast for Chaitra Navratri 2024, here are some food options that you can try.
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana khichdi is one of the most common fasting dishes made during Navratri. Made with soaked sabudana (tapioca), peanuts and your go-to spices, it is a light and nutritious option to have during your fast.
Kutti Ki Tikki
Since people refrain from eating wheat flour during the fast, kuttu (buckwheat), ka atta is popularly used in most Indian households during Navratri. The dough is prepared with flour and water and mashed in boiled potatoes. You can cook it in circular shapes just like a roti or a paratha.
Samvat Rice Kheer
Samvat rice is a type of millet and a commonly used nutritious grain during Navratri. Just like regular kheer made with Basmati rice, you can make this fast-friendly kheer with samvat rice, milk, sugar, saffron, cardamom, and other spices.
Fruit Chaat
For snacking options, most people keep a bowl of seasonal fruits like apples, bananas, mangoes, grapes, etc., handy. Chopping the fruits and tossing them with some chaat masala with a little lemon squeeze, you can enjoy the fruits while keeping them full during the fast.
Lassi Or Chhach
Since Chaitra Navratri falls in the scorching heat of summer, it is important to add some hydrating options like lassi and chhach to your day. Made with curd, water, salt, and ice cubes, these beverages are a must-have while fasting.