The whole of India is immersed in the devotion of Durga Puja.
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Highlights – How are Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri different from each other? Read the key differences.
The Navratri festival is mainly celebrated four times a year. Of these, two are the most important: Chaitra and Sharad Navratri.
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India is a land of festivals, and each festival holds its own special significance. Navratri is one of these, dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. It is an occasion for devotion, prayer, and celebration. Navratri is considered very important in Hinduism. During this period, people observe fasts for nine days and worship the Mother Goddess.
The Navratri festival is mainly celebrated four times a year. Of these, two are the most important: Chaitra and Sharad Navratri. The remaining two are Gupt Navratris. Therefore, the question often arises: what is the difference between these two Navratris and how are they different from each other? In this article, we will explain the difference between these two Navratris:
Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri is also known as Vasant Navratri. According to the Hindu calendar, it is called Chaitra Navratri because it falls in the month of Chaitra. Since Chaitra is considered the first month of the Hindu calendar, Navratri is also considered the beginning of the Hindu New Year in many parts of India. This nine-day festival concludes with Ram Navami.
Chaitra Navratri is widely popular in North India and holds special significance in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. In different parts of the country, it is celebrated alongside New Year festivals like Gudi Padwa and Ugadi.
Sharadiya Navratri
Sharadiya Navratri is also known as Durga Puja. Because it falls in the autumn season, it is known as Sharad Navratri. The Navratris that fall during this period culminate with Dussehra or Vijayadashami, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Like Chaitra Navratri, the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped for nine days.
However, this Navratri is celebrated with greater enthusiasm. During this time, Goddess Durga is also installed in large pandals, and grand processions are held. In Gujarat, Dandiya Raas and Garba are organized during this time, while in West Bengal and Odisha, Durga Puja celebrations are held.
Durga Puja in Cuttack
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Durga Puja in Cuttack City of Odisha is celebrated with great pomp and show in various puja pavilions. The most attractive and enjoyable part of Durga Puja in Cuttack is its very grand Bhasani Shobha Yatra( immersion procession). The music and lighting make this procession very attractive. In the immersion, more than 150 idols are arranged in processions and are immersed in the Katyodi River. Out of these, more than 50 medhas are made of fine silver craftsmanship, which is rare and first of its kind in the whole world. Out of these, the Medha of Chaudhuri Bazaar made of silver, holds the status of the first silver made Medha in the country. It was made in 1956.
