Basanti Navaratra

Basanti Navaratra, also known as Pratipada, falls on the first day (Pratipada) of the full moon (Shukla Paksha) of Chaitra month (March - April).

According to Dharmashastra - the secondary scripture of Hinduism - Lord Brahma created the universe at the dawn of this day. It is also believed that Lord Ram killed Bali, the king of monkeys, on this day.

On this day, people observe fast and worship Goddess Durga to get rid of all sins. In some regions, Lord Yama - the god of death - is worshipped. The devotees read the Ramchariamanas and enchant slokas from the Durgashaptasati.