Chaitra Navratri 2025: Key Differences Between Chaitra And Sharad Navratri Explained – News18
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Chaitra Navratri 2025 is from March 30 to April 7, marking the Hindu New Year and coinciding with Gudi Padwa and Ugadi. Sharad Navratri in fall ends with Dussehra. Both honour Goddess Durga.
Chaitra Navratri 2025: Both, Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri, are dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. (Image: Shutterstock)
Chaitra Navratri 2025: Navratri, nine nights of devotion, prayers and celebrations, is one of the most cherished festivals in India. While it occurs four times a year, two of its most significant versions are Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri. Both are dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, yet they differ in their timing, cultural significance and regional prominence.
While Chaitra and Sharad Navratri have their unique attributes, both festivals hold immense spiritual and cultural significance. Each offers an opportunity for devotion, self-discipline and joyous celebrations, making Navratri a deeply cherished occasion across India.
Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri, also called Vasanta Navratri, falls in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which aligns with March or April in the Gregorian calendar. Since Chaitra is the first month of the Hindu lunar calendar, this Navratri also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in several regions of India.
The festival kicks off on the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar and extends for nine days, culminating in Rama Navami—the birth anniversary of Lord Rama. Throughout this period, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navdurga.
The rituals performed during Chaitra Navratri closely mirror those of Sharad Navratri, including the Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhi, which marks the festival’s commencement. The festival will begin on March 30, 2025 (Sunday) and continue till April 7 (Monday).
Chaitra Navratri enjoys widespread popularity in northern India and holds special significance in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Here, it coincides with regional New Year festivities like Gudi Padwa and Ugadi, adding to the celebratory spirit.
Sharad Navratri
Sharad Navratri, often referred to as Maha Navratri, is the most widely celebrated and grandest of the four Navratris. The name ‘Sharad’ is derived from ‘Sharad Ritu,’ meaning autumn, the season in which this Navratri occurs.
Falling in the lunar month of Ashwin (September or October), it culminates in the grand festival of Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
Like Chaitra Navratri, these nine nights are dedicated to the worship of Goddess Shakti in her different forms. However, the festivities of Sharad Navratri are far more elaborate, with vibrant decorations, large-scale rituals and grand processions.
In Gujarat, it is synonymous with the energetic Dandiya Raas and Garba dances, while in West Bengal, it coincides with the iconic Durga Puja celebrations, drawing massive crowds and extravagant displays of devotion.
Key Differences Between Chaitra and Sharad Navratri
Timing and Season
Chaitra Navratri: Celebrated in March or April, during the spring season.
Sharad Navratri: Observed in September or October, during the autumn season.
Cultural Significance
Chaitra Navratri: Marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in many regions and aligns with local festivals like Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh.
Sharad Navratri: Considered the most significant Navratri, it witnesses nationwide celebrations, particularly Durga Puja in West Bengal and Garba nights in Gujarat.
Culmination Of Festivities
Chaitra Navratri: Ends with Rama Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.
Sharad Navratri: Concludes with Dussehra, which signifies the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura.
Religious Importance
Both Navratris are devoted to Goddess Durga, yet Sharad Navratri is often regarded as more auspicious due to its association with major mythological events and grand festivities like Durga Puja and Dussehra.
