Chaitra Navratri, also known as Chait Navratri', is the nine-day festival observed in Chaitra masam. Navratri 2010 dates during Chaitra masam from March 16 to March 24. Chaitra Navratri starts on the first day in Chaitra masam and ends on Sri Rama Navami, the ninth day of the month. The first of Chaitra masam is celebrated as Ugadi or Yugadi. This is the Hindu New Year day as per the calendars of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Chaitra Navratri is very popular festive season in North Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand,and south india andhrapradesh etc.

As per the legends mentioned in the Puranas and other Hindu scriptures, Chaitra Navratri is the actual Navratri during which Goddess Durga was worshipped. But during the time of Ramayan war, Lord Sri Ram worshipped Durga at the time of Ashwin month. Since then, Ashwin Navratri has become the main festive season to worship the Goddess.

Chaitra Navratri is also called as Vasant Navratri or Basant Navratri. This festival marks the beginning of Vasant ruthu (spring season). It is also called as Sri Rama Navratra. Sri Ram Navratri ends on Sri Rama Navami festival.