Chaitra Navratri, also called Vasanta Navratri, opens the lunar new year with nine nights devoted to Durga in her nine forms. The observance mirrors the autumn Navratri: an unbroken lamp, sprouted barley in a pot, fasting on non-grain food, and readings of the Durga Saptashati. Because it closes on Ram Navami, the ninth day, it also carries a strong association with Rama.
The festival begins on the first tithi (Pratipada) of the waxing fortnight of Chaitra, which is also Gudi Padwa and Ugadi, the new-year day in Maharashtra and the Deccan. The Ghatasthapana rite is done in an auspicious portion of that first morning, so its timing is city-specific.
It is observed most visibly across the north and west, where temples of the goddess hold fairs; in the eastern states the larger goddess festival is the autumn one, and Chaitra Navratri is kept more quietly at home.