Patna: The sacred month of Chaitra will bring a series of significant Hindu festivals that will be celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm across the country. Major religious observances during the month include Chaitra Navratri, Chaiti Chhath, Ram Navami, Kamada Ekadashi and Chaitra Purnima, drawing devotees to temples and community gatherings.
According to religious scholars, the Hindu New Year (Nav Samvatsar) will begin on March 19, which falls on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. The day coincides with the auspicious combination of Uttarabhadrapada Nakshatra and Shukla Yoga. As the day falls on a Thursday, traditional astrological beliefs suggest that Jupiter (Guru) will symbolically rule the year, while Mars (Mangal) will serve as the minister.
Religious scholar Acharya Rakesh Jha said that Vasantik Navratri will also commence on March 19 with the ritual of Kalash Sthapana, marking the beginning of nine days of worship dedicated to Goddess Durga. During this period, temples and homes will echo with Vedic chants, the sound of bells and conch shells, aarti and devotional hymns. The ceremonial opening of the goddess’s shrine is scheduled for March 25, while Maha Navami will be observed on March 27 with rituals such as havan, concluding prayers and Kanya Pujan.
The four-day Chaiti Chhath festival will begin on March 22 with the traditional Nahay-Khay ritual, observed on Chaitra Shukla Chaturthi. Devotees will take a holy dip in the Ganga and consume a sanctified meal of arwa rice, chana dal, pumpkin curry and amla syrup, formally beginning the strict fast associated with the festival.
On March 23, devotees will observe a day-long waterless fast and perform the Kharna ritual in the evening before breaking the fast with prasad. The following day, on March 24, devotees will offer arghya to the setting sun, while the festival will conclude on March 25 with offerings to the rising sun, marking the completion of the Sun-worship ceremony.
The festival of Ram Navami, which marks the birth of Lord Rama, will be celebrated on March 27 under the combined influence of Punarvasu and Pushya Nakshatra. Devotees will perform special prayers in temples and homes, including the ceremonial installation of the Hanumat flag and traditional worship rituals.
According to religious texts, celebrating Ram Navami is believed to bring prosperity, honour, marital harmony and overall well-being to devotees who observe the festival with devotion.
