Navaratri is celebrated four times during the year. These four Vasanta Navaratri celebrations are,
Ashadh Navaratri, the Sharada Navaratri, Navaratri and Pausha / Magha. Of these, the Sharada Navaratri of the month of Vasanta Navaratri Puratashi and Vasanta kala are the most important.
1.
Vasanta Navaratri: Basanta Navrathri, also known as Vasant Navratras is the nine-day festival dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in the spring season (March-April). It is also known as Chaitra Navratras. The nine-day festival is also known as Ram Navratri.
2.
Navaratri Gupta: Gupta Navratri, also known as Gayatri and Ashadh or Shakambhari Navratri, nine days is dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in Ashadh month (June-July). Gupta Navaratri is observed during the Shukla Paksha Ashadh (waxing moon).
3.
Sharana Navaratri: This is the most important Navratris. Simply called Maha Navratri (the Great Navratri) and is celebrated in the month of Ashvin. Also known as Sharad Navaratri as it is celebrated during Sharad (beginning of winter, from September to October).
4.
Pausha Navaratri: Pausha Navratri is nine days dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in Pausha month (December-January). Pausha Navaratri is observed during the Shukla Paksha Pausha (waxing moon).
5.
Magha Navaratri: Magha Navratri, also known as Gupta Navratri, nine days is dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in the month of Magha (January-February). Magha Navaratri is observed during Magha Shukla Paksha (waxing moon).
