Vasant Navratri or Basant Navratri, also popular as Chaitra Navratras, is the nine-day festival observed in Chaitra month. Vasant Navratri 2013 dates are: from April 11 to April 20. Vasant Navratras starts on the first day in Chaitra month and ends on Sri Rama Navami, the ninth day of the month.
The first day of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month is celebrated as Ugadi or Yugadi. This is the Hindu New Year day as per the calendars of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra (Gudi Padwa). Basant Navratri is very popular festive season in North Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, etc.
As per the legends mentioned in the Puranas and other Hindu scriptures, Vasant Navratri is the actual Navratri during which Goddess Durga was worshipped. But during the time of Ramayan war, Lord Sri Ram worshipped Durga at the time of Ashwayuja month. Since then, Ashwin Navratri or Saran Navratri has become the main festive season to worship the Goddess.
Vasant Navratri marks the beginning of Vasant rithu (spring season) hence it is also known Spring Navratri. It is also referred to as Sri Rama Navratras. Sri Ram Navratri ends on Ram Navami festival.
Vasant Navratri 2012 dates were: from March 23 to April 1, 2012.
vasant navratri is more popular north indian festival.
navratri started in Uttar Pradesh, i am from Uttar Pradesh.. thanks for information
I like vasant navratri more because it is the first festival of a Hindu year which heralds spring season. I have learned much this blog as the south indian states like andhra pradesh, karnataka celebrate the festival in cultural style.