Chaitra is the first month of the Hindu calendar. In the standard solar calendar, Chaitra begins with the Sun's entry into Aries. In the lunisolar calendar, Chaitra begins on the New Moon or Full Moon around the same time of year.
Significance
Chaitra is considered a very auspicious month as it marks the beginning of the New Year (Ugadi/Gudi Padwa). It is the month when Lord Brahma is believed to have started the creation of the universe.
Major Festivals
- Ugadi / Gudi Padwa: The Hindu New Year's Day.
- Rama Navami: The birth anniversary of Lord Rama.
- Chaitra Navratri: A nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga.
- Hanuman Jayanti: Celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman.