Navratri does not come only once a year. In fact, there are four of them, and two of these are Gupt or Secret Navratris. The two that most people celebrate are Chaitra and Sharad Navratri. Both are dedicated to Goddess Durga and last nine days, but the mood, the rituals and the meaning behind them are quite different.

Chaitra Navratri vs Sharad Navratri: Key Differences

Both festivals are for Goddess Durga and are nine days long, but their purpose and how they are celebrated are completely different.

Difference 

Chaitra Navratri

Sharad Navratri

When

March-April, start of Hindu New Year

Sept-Oct, most popular Navratri

Nature

Saatvic sadhana (quiet, inward, meditative)

Rajasic sadhana (festive, outward, celebratory)

Mood

Discipline, strict fasting, tough meditation

Dance, music, Garba-Dandiya, colourful outfits

Purpose

Fulfils spiritual desires

Fulfils worldly/material desires

Ends With

Ram Navami - Birth of Lord Ram

Dussehra / Vijayadashmi - victory of Lord Ram

Celebration

Less public celebration

Loud and joyful, pan-India celebrations

How Many Navratris Are There In A Year?

A year has four Navratris. Chaitra and Sharad are the main ones, while the other two are Gupt Navratris, which are observed quietly and mostly by those who follow the path of deep spiritual practice.

Chaitra Navratri: Quiet And Disciplined

Chaitra Navratri is all about going inward. It calls for tough meditation and strict fasting, and it is seen more as a Saatvic saadhna. There is less noise and celebration, and more focus on discipline and devotion. It is also believed to fulfil your spiritual desires.

Sharad Navratri: Loud, Joyful And Festive

Sharad Navratri has a very different energy. It is more of a Rajasic saadhna, where people dance, sing and celebrate. Think garba nights, dandiya and colourful outfits. This one is believed to fulfil your worldly or material desires.

How Does Each Navratri End?

Chaitra Navratri ends with Ram Navami, which marks the birth of Lord Ram. Sharad Navratri, on the other hand, ends with Dussehra or Vijayadashmi, the day that celebrates the victory of Lord Ram.

Why Garba And Dandiya Are Played In Sharad Navratri And Not Chaitra?

It comes down to the mood of each festival. Sharad Navratri is a Rajasic saadhna, one where devotion is expressed through celebration, music and dance. Chaitra Navratri is a Saatvic saadhna, built around tough meditation and strict fasting. Loud music and group dancing simply don't fit the stillness that Chaitra asks for.

Why is the Chaitra Navratri Special?

Chaitra Navratri is the time when Adi Shakti first appeared. It was then that Lord Brahma began the creation of this universe, which is why this Navratri holds deep significance.

Conclusion

Chaitra Navratri is Sattvic, meditative and strict, while Sharad Navratri is Rajasic, festive and full of music and dance. One is about spiritual growth and the other about worldly wishes, and each finishes with a different celebration of Lord Ram.


Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. We do not claim that all rituals and beliefs mentioned are followed everywhere. Traditions may vary by region, community and family practices.

Image Credits: Pinterest
To read more such stories, stay tuned to Her Zindagi.