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

Navratri is one of the widely celebrated Hindu festivals since the Vedic times. It celebrates the divine and feminine power of Goddess Durga. This festival is celebrated for nine days because the word Navrati itself signifies Nava, which means Nine, and Ratri, which means Night. 

Moreover, there are usually four Navratris celebrated in a year: Sharad Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Magha Gupt Navratri, and Asadha Gupt Navratri. However, Chaitra Navaratri (March- April) and Sharad Navratri (September—October) are the two most important Navratri. Let us uncover what factors make these two Navratris unique from others. 

The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga 

Here are Maa Durga’s nine avatars, and each day is dedicated to one form. Therefore, each day is considered auspicious and significant. 

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

Reasons for celebrating Navratri twice a Year 

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 natural reasons for celebrating Navaratri twice 

Here is a natural reason why we celebrate Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navaratri. 

1. Seasonal Change 

The first and foremost reason for celebrating Navratri twice is seasonal transition. Firstly, Chaitra navaratri is celebrated between March and April, a time when the season changes from winter to spring or summer. 

And then the second Navratri, Sharad Navaratri is celebrated between September and October, as the transition from summer to winter approaches. Moreover, this seasonal change is related to Maa Durga as she is the incarnation/ Avatar of nature itself and its various elements. 

2. Length of Day and Night 

The transition of weather from summer to winter and from winter to summer makes the length of day and night equal during this period. This means that both the navaratri falls during the equinox. 

Thus, scientifically, both the navratri marks the intersection of summer and winter. This becomes a good reason for scientists to not only celebrate the festival but also mark it as a special observation. 

3. Auspicious Climate during both Navaratri 

Both the Navaratri falls during the time when it’s perfect for celebrating the festival of Maa Durga. With the blessings of the Goddess, we also get to see pleasant weather during this time. 

Chaitra Navaratri falls when it’s not so hot, while Sharad Navaratri falls when winter is yet to come. Therefore, this marks the best time to ask Maa Durga for favours through puja, aarti, and fasting. This, in turn, helps detoxify the body and offers various mental and physical health benefits. 

4. Mythological reasons for celebrating Navaratri twice

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

• Stay of Goddess Durga at her Mother’s House 

With Lord Shiva’s permission, Goddess Durga stayed at her mother’s house (Maika) for nine days during both Chaitra Navaratri and Sharad Navaratri. However, devotees celebrate the stay of Goddess Durga as her mother’s home during these nine days of chaitra navaratri. This means that Goddess Durga visits her parents’ house twice a year. 

• Victory of Goddess Durga and Fight of Lord Ram 

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. On the other hand, during the Sharad Navaratri, Lord Ram had to leave for Lanka to fight the battle against the multi-headed rakshasa, Ravana. He couldn’t wait six long months to receive Goddess Durga’s blessings, so he observed the nine-day Navratri to seek her blessings.  

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri Festival: History and Religious Significance

Difference Between Chaitra Navratri and 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. It falls on the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra (March- April). On the other hand, Sharad Navratri, which falls in October, falls on the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month (September- October). 
• Looking at the significance of both Navratris, 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. 
• Chaitra Navratri is more popular in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, while Sharad Navratri is more important in Gujarat and West Bengal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri 2024: Significance, Date, Muhurat and Rituals

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