Navratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various forms. It is celebrated five times a year, but the two most important ones are Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri. Chaitra Navratri is observed during the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra, which is mostly celebrated in northern and western India. It marks the start of the Hindu New Year as per the Luni-solar calendar and ends on Rama Navami, Lord Ram’s birthday. Sharad Navratri, also known as Maha Navratri, is celebrated during the lunar month of Ashvin, usually in September or October when the monsoon season ends and the country gears up for the harvest season. It is the more widely celebrated of the two and is dedicated to nine forms of Maa Shakti - Durga, Bhadrakali, Jagadamba, Annapurna, Sarvamangala, Bhairavi, Chandika, Lalita, Bhavani, and Mookambika.
Chaitra Navratri is celebrated with prayer, meditation, and chanting, while Sharad Navratri is celebrated with Satvik Sadhana, dance, and celebration. Chaitra Navratri is more important in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, while Sharad Navratri is more important in Gujarat and West Bengal. During Chaitra Navratri, there is the importance of tough meditation and tough fasting, while during Sharad Navratri, Satvik Sadhana, dance, celebration, etc. are organized.
In conclusion, Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated five times a year, but the two most important ones are Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri. Chaitra Navratri is celebrated during the Hindu New Year and ends on Rama Navami, while Sharad Navratri is celebrated during the harvest season and is dedicated to nine forms of Maa Shakti. The two Navratris are celebrated differently and hold unique significance.
