Chaitra Navratri holds a lot of significance in Hindu scriptures. It is believed that the Hindu New Year begins from this day. Only a few days are left for Chaitra Navratri to begin , during which devotees worship various forms of Maa Durga for nine days. The Kalash is established on Chaitra Shukla Pratiprada Tithi, the first day of Navratri. Staying pure and observing rituals during these nine days is believed to fulfill all wishes. Let’s explore the auspicious time for the installation of the Kalash, the materials required for worship, and which Navadurga will be worshipped during the nine days.

Navratri occurs four times a year

Navratri occurs four times a year, with Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri being the most important. This year, Chaitra Navratri begins on Wednesday, March 22, and continues till Thursday, March 30. During this time, natives worship Maa Durga with devotion and many people observe fasts for the entire nine days.

Beginning of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month

The Pratiprada date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month will begin at 10.52 pm on 21st March and continue till 8.20 pm the next day, i.e., 22nd March Thursday, which is when the Udayatithi is taken in Hinduism. Hence, Pratiprada Tithi will be valid on 22nd March.

Auspicious time for the establishment of Kalash

The auspicious time for the establishment of Kalash is from 6.23 am to 7.32 am on 22nd March, Pratiprada date. To perform the Kalash installation, take a bath early in the morning with clean water, wear clean clothes, and take a vow of worship and fasting. Install the idol of Maa Durga and then take a filled urn while chanting mantras. Keep this Kalash on the soil, put barley in the soil, mango leaves in the urn, and make a swastika. After this, keep a whole betel nut, a coin, and Akshat. Wrap kalava in coconut and tie chunri, then put this coconut on the urn while invoking Maa Durga.

Materials are required for the Kalash installation

The following materials are required for the Kalash installation and worship: Earthen pot, fertile soil, Seven Grains, Kalava, Betel nut, intact, Gangajal, Mango and Ashoka leaves, Jatta Coconut, Red Clothes, Garlands of five types of fruits and flowers, Barley, and Sweets.

The Navadurga Puja Days during Chaitra Navratri 2023 are as follows:

• Wednesday, March 22
  Beginning of Chaitra Navratri, Pratiprada Tithi – Kalash Sthapana, worship of Maa Shailputri
• Thursday, March 23
  Second day of Chaitra Navratri – Dwitiya Tithi – Worship of Maa Brahmacharini
• Friday, March 24
  Third day of Chaitra Navratri – Tritiya Tithi – Worship of Maa Chandraghanta
• Saturday, March 25 
  Fourth day of Chaitra Navratri – Chaturthi Tithi – Worship of Maa Kushmanda
• Sunday, March 26
  Fifth day of Chaitra Navratri – Panchami Tithi – Worship of Mother Skandamata
• Monday, March 27
  Sixth day of Chaitra Navratri – Shashti Tithi – Worship of Maa Katyayani
• Tuesday March 28 
  Seventh day of Chaitra Navratri – Saptami Tithi – Worship of Maa Kalratri
• Wednesday March 29
  Eighth day of Chaitra Navratri – Ashtami Tithi – Worship of Maa Mahagauri
• Thursday March 30
  Ninth day of Chaitra Navratri – Navami Tithi – worship of Maa Siddhidatri, Durga Mahanavami

Chaitra Navratri is an auspicious festival that holds immense importance in Hinduism. It is the time to observe fast to seek the blessings of Maa Durga and fulfill your wishes. Let us all celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm and devotion and also wish for peace and prosperity in the nation and the world.