Why Navratri Is Celebrated Twice In A Year? Let’s Find Out!

Navratri, the festival devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga, is celebrated with great zeal in the entire India. However, do you know why we celebrate Navratri twice? Read below to understand the same.

Also Read: Why Garba Is Played in Navratri? Know The History Behind It

Celebrate Navratri Twice: Understanding The Reason 

If you’ve been wondering how many times navratri comes in a year, here’s detailed information along with the reasoning behind celebrating two Navaratri in a year. The reasons why navratri is celebrated twice in a year are below:

1. The Seasonal Connection

The primary reason why Navratri is celebrated twice in a year (and actually four times) lies in its deep connection to the change of seasons.

• These four periods of Navratri coincide with the natural transitional phases of the year, particularly the beginning of spring and autumn.
• Ancient Hindu texts recognised that these seasonal shifts often bring changes in weather that can affect human health and energy levels.
• It’s believed that during these transitional periods, the body’s immunity might be lower, making it a good time for spiritual practices like fasting, meditation, and prayer to cleanse the body and mind.
• This time is also seen as a powerful time when cosmic energies are highly potent. Worshipping the Divine Mother during these specific periods helps balance these energies and protects devotees from any negative influences associated with seasonal changes.

Also Read: The Nine Goddesses Of Navratri

2. Mythological reasons for celebrating Navaratri twice

The mythological reason for celebrating Navratri twice explains the stories that took place during both Navaratri. 

• Stay of Goddess Durga at her Mother’s House (Chaitra Navratri)

With Lord Shiva’s permission, Goddess Durga stayed at her mother’s house (Maika) for nine days during  Chaitra Navaratri. Therefore, devotees celebrate the stay of Goddess Durga as Chaitra Navaratri. 

• Victory of Goddess Durga and the Fight of Lord Ram (Sharad Navratri)

The Navaratri have a mythological story where during the Chaitra Navaratri, Goddess Durga won the battle against the demon Mahishasura. This celebrates the good over evil.   

Also Read: Benefits of Sharad Navratri Based On Zodiac Sign

Difference Between Chaitra Navratri & Sharad Navratri

Here’s what differentiates the Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri from one another. It’s not just the names; a lot of factors make them different. 

• The word ‘Chaitra’ is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning the start or beginning of anything. Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar and falls during Shukla Paksha.
• Sharad Navratri, which falls in October, falls on the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month (September- October). 
• Chaitra Navratri solely revolves around an individual’s spiritual desires. On the other hand, Sharad Navratri focuses on worldly desires. 
• The last day of Chaitra Navratri is celebrated as Ram Navami to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama.
• On the other hand, the previous day of Shardiya Navratri and Diwali is seen as Vijaydashami to celebrate the victory of Maa Durga over the demon Mahishasura.

Summary

The multiple Navratris reflect the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and destruction in the universe. Each Navratri offers a renewed opportunity to connect with different aspects of the Goddess and seek her blessings for various phases of life. These nine-day periods are dedicated to introspection, self-purification, and spiritual growth.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Also Read: Durga Puja Festival

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