For the worship of goddess Shakti, Hindus celebrate Navratri twice a year. In April comes Chaitra Navratri and this year they are starting from 6th of April. In these nine days of Navratri, Goddess Shakti is worshipped in her various forms.
(Courtesy: indianexpress.com)
In Hinduism, Chaitra signifies the beginning of a new year. The nine forms of goddess Shakti which are worshipped one day each are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidaatri.
From the Chaitra Navratri, the New Year Panchang is said to begin. According to the scriptures, goddess Shakti was born in the month of Chaitra. According to Brahma Purana, it was goddess Shakti who asked Lord Brahma to create the Earth in the month of Chaitra. Even Lord Rama was born during this month on the ninth day of Navratri.