Navratri is nine-festive days dedicated to Goddess Durga. Navratri is observed for four times in a year. Magh Navratri and Ashad Navratri are called as Gupt Navratri. Ashad Navratri is also known as Guhya Navratri during which Goddess Varahi (Ashtamatrika devata) is worshipped in Himachal Pradesh. Magh Navaratri 2010 dates are Janaury 16 to January 24. Chaitra Navaratri or Vasant Navratri 2010 dates – Navaratri starts on March 16 and ends on March 24.
Ashad Navratri 2010 starts on July 12 and ends on July 19. Sharad Navratri or Durga Navratri, also known as Ashwin Navratri, in 2010 starts on October 8 and ends on 17 October.
Magh Navratri – January 16, 2010 to 24 January, 2010
Chaitra Navratri or Vasant Navratri – March 16, 2010 to March 24, 2010
Ashad Navratri – 12 July, 2010 to 19 July, 2010
Sharad Navratri – 8 October 2010 to 17 October 2010
Gupt Navratri or Gupta Navratras observed as Magha Navratri and Ashada Navaratri. Ashwin or Maha Durga Navratri (September – October) and Chaitra or Vasant Navratri (March – April) are known as Pratyaksh Navratri whereas the other two Navratri festivals are called as Gupt Navratras. Magh Navratri is observed during Shukla Paksha in Magh month (January – February) and Ashada Navratri is celebrated in Shukla Paksh of Ashad month (June – July). Ashada Navaratri is also called as Shakambari Navratri or Gayatri Navratri.
Literally, the word ‘Gupta’ means ‘the hidden’. These Navratri festivals are not much popular when compared to other two famous Navaratri. Some people believe that the Kings of Gupta dynasty have started observing Chaitra and Ashad Navratri.
During Ashad Navratri, Shakambari Utsavam or Shakambari Navratri are held. Shakambari Navratri is celebrated with lot of gusto in Banashankari temple. Gayatri Devi Navratri are also observed in some places during this Navratri.
Another Navratri festival known as ‘Poushya Navaratri’ is observed in Shukla paskha during Paush month (December – January).