Apr 2024 Important Events
April 2024 holds significant religious importance, especially in Sanatan Dharma, as it ushers in the summer season and marks the start of a new financial year in the country. This month is rich with major fasts and festivals, including Chaitra Navratri and Hanuman Jayanti, celebrated one after another. Additionally, April signifies the beginning of the Hindu New Year, known as Chaitra month, which starts with the first month of Vikram Samvat.
Chaitra, named after the Nakshatra where the Moon resides, begins on March 26, 2024, and ends on April 23, 2024. The Hindu New Year, Samvatsar, commences in Chaitra. It’s believed that Lord Brahma initiated the creation of the universe on the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra, marking the beginning of Satyayuga. Also, on this day, Lord Vishnu took his first incarnation, Matsya, and saved Manu from a flood, signifying a new creation.
Chaitra month is auspicious for seeking the blessings of Goddess Shakti and Hanuman ji through observances like Chaitra Navratri and Hanuman Jayanti. Fasting and worship during this time yield fortunate outcomes. Chaitra month ends on April 23rd, and Vaishakh month begins the next day, lasting until May 23rd, 2024.
Vaishakh, the second month of the Hindu New Year, occurs in April or May. Associated with the Vishakha Nakshatra, it brings opportunities for personal growth and innocent activities. Vaishakh is considered highly auspicious for worshipping deities like Lord Vishnu and Lord Parshuram. Devotees also await the annual glimpse of Banke Bihari Ji’s feet during this month. Taking a dip in holy rivers like the Ganges during Vaishakh is believed to be particularly fruitful.
Navrati April 2024
Chaitra Navratri in 2024 holds immense significance as it not only marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year but also symbolizes devotion and worship towards Goddess Durga in her nine divine forms. Celebrated with great fervor across India, Navratri is considered a highly auspicious time for spiritual practices and rituals. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of a different form of Goddess Durga, known as Nav Durga.
Here are the dates and corresponding goddesses for each day of Chaitra Navratri 2024:
1. Pratipada (April 9, 2024): Maa Shailputri Puja, Ghatasthapana
2. Dvitiya (April 10, 2024): Maa Brahmacharini Puja
3. Tritiya (April 11, 2024): Maa Chandraghanta Puja
4. Chaturthi (April 12, 2024): Maa Kushmanda Puja
5. Panchami (April 13, 2024): Maa Skandamata Puja
6. Shashti (April 14, 2024): Maa Katyayani Puja
7. Saptami (April 15, 2024): Maa Kalaratri Puja
8. Ashtami (April 16, 2024): Maa MahaGauri Puja
9. Navami (April 17, 2024): Maa Siddhidatri Puja, Navratri Parana, Ram Navami
Chaitra Navratri, also known as Rama Navratri in certain regions, celebrates the victory of good over evil, as depicted in the legends of Goddess Durga slaying the demon Mahishasura. Additionally, the festival commemorates the birth of Lord Rama on the auspicious day of Ram Navami.
During Chaitra Navratri, it is customary to perform the Kalash Sthapana Puja. This ritual involves setting up a Kalash, symbolizing the presence of the divine, at home or workplace. The Kalash Sthapana Puja is believed to bring health, wealth, and prosperity into one’s life.
Furthermore, fasting during Navratri is a common practice. Some of the popular foods consumed during Navratri fasting include Sabudana Vada, Sabudana Khichadi, Singhare Ka Halwa, Kuttu Ki Poori, and Singhare Ke Pakore.
Overall, Chaitra Navratri in 2024 offers devotees an opportunity to deepen their spiritual connection and seek blessings from the divine Goddess Durga.
ASTRO GIVA 