How many Navarātris are there in a year?

four — Caitra and Śāradīya, which are public, and the two Gupta Navarātris of Āṣāḍha and Māgha, kept quietly by sādhakas.

Each Navarātri begins on the Pratipadā of the bright fortnight and runs for nine nights. Caitra (Vāsantika) Navarātri falls in spring, begins the Hindu new year in many regions and ends with Rāma Navamī. Śāradīya Navarātri in Āśvina (autumn) is the grandest, with Durgā Pūjā, garbā and Golu, and is followed by Vijayādaśamī.

The Gupta (hidden) Navarātris fall in Āṣāḍha (monsoon) and Māgha (winter). They are less known publicly and are especially valued for mantra-japa, Daśa Mahāvidyā worship and inner sādhanā. Māgha’s Navarātri includes Vasanta Pañcamī, dedicated to Sarasvatī.

A householder is not expected to observe all four. Most families keep Śāradīya, many also Caitra; if you feel drawn to a Gupta Navarātri, a simple daily lamp, the Durgā Saptaśatī or a fixed japa is a fine way to begin.

Caitra · Āṣāḍha (Gupta) · Āśvina (Śāradīya) · Māgha (Gupta) · Source: Devī Bhāgavata Purāṇa; common practice

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