Ashadha Navratri 2022 start and end date: All you need to know

Among the myriad festivals observed by Hindus, the Navratri finds a special mention. Dedicated to Mother Goddess Durga, this nine-day-long festival celebrates feminine power and its diverse qualities. And interestingly though Navratri is celebrated four times a year, only two are popular or widespread. For example, Vasanta Navratri during Vasanta (spring) in Chaitra month and Sharadiya during Sharad (Autumn) in Ashwin are the most famous. However, ardent devotees of the Mother Goddess and those who belong to the Shakti sect (Shaktism, which hails feminine power supreme) also celebrate Magh (in Magh month, i.e. winter) and Ashadha (in Ashadha, i.e. monsoon) Navratris, otherwise referred to as Gupt. During these nine days, followers of this sect also worship the ten Maha Vidyas. Therefore, scroll down to know who the Maha Vidyas are and Ashadha Navratri 2022 start and end dates.

The rituals begin with Ghatasthapana on the Pratipada Tithi or the first day. This tradition invokes the Mother Goddess in the sacred Kalash, also known as Ghata. Scroll down for the table:

Usually, at home, devotees worship the Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri forms of Goddess Durga.

However, in some traditions, Bhadrakali, Jagadamba, Annapurna, Sarvamangala, Bhairavi, Chandika, Lalita, Bhavani, and Mookambika are worshipped.

Interestingly, as mentioned above, the Maha Vidyas are also worshipped during Gupt Navratris: Kali, Tara Devi, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshwari, Chhinnamasta, Tripura Bhairavi Mata, Dhumavati Mata, Bagalamukhi Mata, Matangi and Kamalatmika.

Devotees observe a day-long fast, maintain celibacy and hail Goddess Durga by chanting her names and reciting the Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmyam.

Consumption of rice, wheat and lentils is prohibited, as is alcohol and tobacco. Devotees have simple vegetarian preparations made with ingredients deemed ideal for vrat. However, onion and garlic are strictly avoided. However, many choose a diet consisting of fresh fruits and milk.