Lunar month 1 of 12 · Vasanta (spring)
Chaitra Maas चैत्र
Chaitra is the first month of the Hindu lunar year. Its Shukla Pratipada opens the calendar - celebrated as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in the Deccan - and it carries the bright energy of spring (Vasanta) and fresh beginnings.
- Presiding deity
- Vishnu / the new year
- Season (ritu)
- Vasanta (spring)
- Order
- Month 1 of 12
Significance
Tradition holds that Brahma began creation in Chaitra, making it the month of renewal. It hosts Chaitra Navratri and, on its ninth bright day, Ram Navami - the birth of Lord Rama.
Festivals in Chaitra
- Gudi Padwa / Ugadi
- Chaitra Navratri
- Ram Navami
- Hanuman Jayanti
Observances
A highly auspicious month for new ventures, house-warmings and vows. The nine days of Chaitra Navratri are kept with fasting and Devi worship, closing on Ram Navami.