On 9th April we bring in the Hindu new year. According to Hindu mythology it is the day Lord Brahma started creating the universe. According to Vedic Astrology Teacher & Counsellor, Bani Singh Chadha the new year begins with Chaitra Navratri - a period of 9 days dedicated to turning inward to renew ourselves and get ready for a fresh start!
These 9 days of Navratri, seek the protection of Goddess Durga as we begin the new year!
According to Bani Singh Chadha the nine days starting from the ninth of April are extremely auspicious and here's why while the world celebrates New Year on the first of January, the Hindu New Year begins in the month of Chaitra and this year the first day of the new year is the ninth of April. She also mentions that according to the Brahma Puran, this is the day that Lord Brahma began creating the universe.
Now, on this day, fortunately, every year also marks the beginning of the festival of Chaitra Navrati. So, wake up early on the ninth of April, set an intention to do better and to be better. You can listen to or chant the Durga Chalisa. You can donate to little girls; you can do charity for the less fortunate you can also fast for nine days, Bani added.
We'll just be ending with the solar eclipse which is on the 8th April. So, there's no better time to seek the protection and blessings of goddess Durga as we get into the New Year, says Bani.
Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the spring season and is particularly significant for people in Northern India. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navadurga. These forms include Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Also watch: Chaitra Navratri 2024: Date, time and significance all you need to know about this festival