Chaitra Navratri begins on the first day of the bright half of Chaitra. In much of India this is the new year; in Gujarat, where the year turns after Diwali, it is the spring Navratri, kept at home with a fast, a lamp and a pot of sprouting grain. There is no garba in the streets. Pilgrims climb to the goddess at Ambaji, Pavagadh and Chotila, and on the full moon at its end a great fair is held at Bahucharaji.
The story
Gujarat is Shakti country. Ambaji, in the Aravallis, is counted among the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, and has no image at all: a yantra is worshipped. At Pavagadh, Mahakali sits on a hill above the ruined city of Champaner.
For the Sindhi community of Gujarat the second day of this fortnight is Cheti Chand, the birthday of Jhulelal and their new year.
How it is kept
- GhatasthapanA pot is set on sown grain and a lamp lit beside it.
- UpvasNine days on one meal, or on farali food.
- LimdoTender neem leaves or their juice are taken in the mornings of Chaitra for health.
- PadyatraPilgrims walk to the hill shrines carrying flags.
- Chaitri PoonamThe fair of Bahuchar Mata on the full moon.
Why this date
Chaitra Navratri begins on the Pratipada of the bright half of Chaitra, on the day it is present at sunrise.
Chaitra Navratri in other years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday | |
| 2027 | Wednesday | |
| 2028 | Monday | |
| 2029 | Saturday | |
| 2030 | Wednesday | |
| 2031 | Monday |
More Gujarati festivals
15 AprilRam Navamiરામ નવમી
23 MarchHoli and Dhuletiહોળી · ધુળેટી
20 AprilHanuman Jayantiહનુમાન જયંતી
6 MarchMaha Shivaratriમહાશિવરાત્રી
13 FebruaryRatha Saptamiરથ સપ્તમી
8 MayAkha Trijઅખાત્રીજ
Where to see Chaitra Navratri
In Gujarat
- AmbajiGujaratThe chief Shakti Peetha of western India, near the Rajasthan border.
- Kalika Mata, PavagadhGujaratA hilltop temple above Champaner, reached by ropeway or on foot.
- Chamunda Mata, ChotilaGujaratA thousand steps up a lone hill on the Rajkot highway.
- BahucharajiGujaratThe temple of Bahuchar Mata in Mehsana, with its Chaitri Poonam fair.
Across India
- Vaishno Devi, KatraJammu and KashmirThe cave shrine, at its busiest in the two Navratris.
- AyodhyaUttar PradeshThe nine days end with Rama's birthday.
- MumbaiMaharashtraThe same morning is Gudi Padwa.