Chaitra Navratri begins 2014

The nine nights from the Shukla Pratipada of Chaitra, the first day of the Hindu lunar year (Gudi Padwa/Ugadi), ending on the ninth day in Ram Navami — usually late March to April. This year's dates are shown above; a day-by-day guide is linked from this page.

Both worship the nine forms of Durga over nine nights. Chaitra Navratri is in spring and ends in Ram Navami (Rama's birth); Sharad Navratri is in autumn and ends in Dussehra (Durga's victory over Mahishasura). Chaitra also opens the Hindu new year.

Yes — Ram Navami is its ninth and final day. The nine nights of the Goddess lead into the birth of Rama at noon on the Navami, so the two are kept as one continuous observance.

The fast may be kept for all nine days or only on the first, last and Ashtami/Navami. Grains, common salt, onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food are avoided; vrat foods like kuttu, samak, singhara, potato, fruit and rock salt are taken.