Sun Mar 30 01:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Chaitra Navratri Begins Amidst Auspicious Yogas and Huge Turnout
**New Delhi, April 1, 2024** – Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival, commenced today, marking the beginning of the new year, Vikram Samvat 2082. The festival started with the auspicious Kalsh Sthapana ceremony under the influence of Revati Nakshatra and Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga. Temples across the nation witnessed a massive influx of devotees from early morning.
This year’s Navratri holds special significance as it coincides with the Hindu New Year. According to the Brahma Purana, the creation of the universe is believed to have taken place on this day. The festival is celebrated with special pujas (worship) dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Devotees observe fasts, partake in vegetarian meals, and offer prayers throughout the nine days. The arrival of Goddess Durga, traditionally on an elephant, is considered symbolic of prosperity and rainfall.
Acharya Rakesh Jha highlighted the importance of the Kalsh Sthapana, stating that the Kalash (ceremonial pot) is believed to house various deities, promising prosperity, wealth, and the eradication of sorrow upon worship. He further explained that this year, both the commencement and conclusion of Navratri fall under the Sarvarth Siddhi Yoga, bringing special blessings from the Sun God and Goddess Lakshmi.
The festival concludes on April 7th (Vijayadashami) and provides auspicious muhurats (auspicious timings) for various rituals, including those listed: Madhyana: 2:24 PM, Char-Labh-Amrit Muhurta: 7:17 AM to 11:54 AM, Abhijit Muhurta: 11:29 AM to 12:19 PM, and Shubh Yoga Muhurta: 1:27 PM to 2:59 PM.
First Piper 