Patna: After the celebrations of Holi, devotees across the city are preparing for the upcoming spring festivals of Chaiti Navratri, Chaiti Chhath and Ram Navami. Chaiti Navratri will begin on March 19 with the ritual of Kalash Sthapana, marking the start of nine days of worship dedicated to Goddess Durga.
According to astrologer Pandit Rakesh Jha, citing traditional Hindu almanacs, the festival will also mark the beginning of Nav Samvatsar 2083, the Hindu New Year followed by followers of Sanatan Dharma. The Navratri period will commence under the auspicious Uttarabhadrapada Nakshatra and Shukla Yoga. In the new Hindu year, Jupiter will symbolically be considered the king while Mars will serve as the minister. Devotees believe the festival represents positive energy, spiritual purification and inner strength.
During the nine days, devotees will worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navadurga. Religious recitations such as Durga Saptashati, Durga Chalisa, Kavach, Argala and Beej Mantras will be performed, along with readings from the Bhagwati Purana. The festival will conclude on March 28 with Vijayadashami.
Mahanavami will be observed on March 27 under the auspicious Pushya Nakshatra, following Punarvasu Nakshatra. On this day, devotees will worship the ninth form of the Goddess, Siddhidatri, perform havan, offer special prayers and conclude Durga recitations. Rituals such as Kanya Pujan and Pushpanjali will also be held. The same day will coincide with the celebration of Ram Navami, when devotees will observe fasts, worship sacred flags and organise religious processions in honour of Lord Ram.
Pushya Nakshatra is traditionally associated with Goddess Lakshmi and is considered highly favourable for important financial decisions. Many devotees view the day as auspicious for purchasing land or property, making investments, starting a new job or business, and buying vehicles, jewellery or gemstones.
Throughout the Navratri period, devotees will worship the nine forms of Durga according to their associated colours. Shailputri will be worshipped with yellow offerings, Brahmacharini with green, Chandraghanta with yellow and green, Kushmanda with orange, Skandamata with white, Katyayani with red, Kalaratri with blue, Mahagauri with pink and Siddhidatri with purple.
Special religious programmes are expected at several prominent temples across Patna. Major shrines including Mahavir Mandir, Bansghat Kali Mandir, Patan Devi Temple, Sheetla Mandir, Vijay Raghav Temple, Manokamna Temple and Sarvasiddhi Durga Temple will host special rituals. Other temples such as the Shiv Temple at Boring Road Chauraha, Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, Pranami Temple at Rajpul, Balaji Temple in Rajiv Nagar and the Devi Temple at Kadamkuan will also organise community prayers, recitations and havan ceremonies.
According to the almanac, the auspicious timings for Kalash Sthapana on March 19 include Pratipada Tithi beginning at 6:51 am, Guli Kaal Muhurat from 9:06 am to 10:33 am, Abhijit Muhurat from 11:38 am to 12:24 pm, and Char–Labh–Amrit Muhurat from 10:33 am to 2:57 pm. Devotees are expected to follow these timings while performing the traditional rituals marking the start of the festival.
