Chaite Dashain

Navratri, which falls during the month of Chaitra, is known as Chaite Dashain. Chaite Dashain is celebrated with the special religious worship of Goddess (Bhagwati) Jagadamba Durga Bhavani, as in Bada Dashain. Though, during all four Navratri’s all year round (Chaitra Shukla Paksha, Asad Suklapakchya, Aswin Suklapakchya, and Paush Suklapakchya) there is a tradition of worshipping Shakti, a form of Bhagwati (goddess) as power (shakti).

Navratri, which falls in the month of Chaitra, is also known as Vasanti Navratra (Chaite Dashain). Historical myth as well as Ramayana and holy Scriptures state, this Navratri, the Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram Chandra, himself worshiped Bhagwati and acquired power. During the battle with Ravana, Lord Ram feeling weak, received special power and blessings from Bhagwati after he worshiped Adyashakti Bhagavati Jagadamba. After receiving this power, Lord Ram (seventh avatar/ incarnation of Vishnu) defeated Ravana and as per his order, the defeat of Ravana was started to be celebrated as Vijaya Dasami.

In the Markandeya Purana, Goddess herself has stated the method of Maha Puja to be performed during this time. On the first day of Navratri (Chaite Dashain), there is a tradition of systematically establishing Ghatasthapana and appealing to the Bhagwati. On this day Ghatasthapana (seedlings of maize, rice, or wheat in holy sand) is kept using the methods described in the religious scriptures, and Durga Saptashati, Bhagwat is recited in special worship of Bhagwati. This festival is marked by excitement and ecstasy among the people in general. On the occasion of Navratri, we are blessed by the worship of Bhagwati, the goddess. Worshiping God is a blessing to the human being and brings great welfare too. (Chaite Dashain)