Chaitra Navratri started

Chaitra Navratri or Vasant Navratri: April 4, 2011 to April 12, 2011

Chaitra Navratri, also popular as Chait Navratras, is the nine-day festival observed in Chaitra month. Navratri 2011 dates during Chaitra month in April 2011 are – from April 4 to April 12. Chaitra Navratras starts on the first day in Chaitra month and ends on Sri Rama Navami, the ninth day of the month. The first of Chaitra month is celebrated as Ugadi or Yugadi. Durgashtami or Durga Ashtami in Navratri is the most auspicious day for Durga puja. Durga Ashtami 2011 date in this Navratri is April 11. This is the Hindu New Year day as per the calendars of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Chaitra Navratri is very popular festive season in North Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, etc.

As per the legends mentioned in the Puranas and other Hindu scriptures, Chaitra Navratri is the actual Navratri during which Goddess Durga was worshipped. But during the time of Ramayan war, Lord Sri Ram worshipped Durga at the time of Ashwin month. Since then, Ashwin Navratri or Durga Navratri has become the main festive season to worship the Goddess. Here is the Durga Navratri 2011 dates. Read this article for Durga Puja 2011 dates in Bengal.

Chaitra Navratri is also called as Vasant Navratri or Basant Navratri. This festival marks the beginning of Vasant ruthu (spring season). It is also called as Sri Rama Navratras. Sri Ram Navratri ends on Ram Navami festival.