WHAT IS NAVRATRI ?
Navratri is a Hindu festival that is celebrated over nine nights and ten days. It is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga and her various forms. The word "Navratri" is derived from two Sanskrit words - "Nav" meaning nine and "Ratri" meaning night.
During Navratri, Hindus observe fasts and perform various rituals and ceremonies to honor the goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated twice a year - once in the month of Chaitra (March-April) and again in the month of Ashwin (September-October), according to the Hindu calendar.
Each day of Navratri is associated with a different form of the goddess Durga, and special prayers and offerings are made to honor her. The festival culminates with the celebration of Vijayadashami, the tenth day, which marks the victory of good over evil.
In different parts of India, Navratri is celebrated with unique customs and traditions. It is a time for joyous celebration, music, dance, and feasting, and brings people of all ages and backgrounds together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
SOME WAYS TO CELEBRATE NAVRATRI
Set up a puja room: You can create a small altar or puja room in your home where you can perform daily prayers and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity.
Fasting: Many people observe fasts during Navratri and only consume certain foods like fruits, nuts, and dairy products. Fasting is believed to purify the mind and body and help in connecting with the divine.
Dance and music: Garba and Dandiya Raas are traditional dance forms that are performed during Navratri. You can participate in local community events or organize a small gathering at home with family and friends.
Decorations: Decorate your home with colorful flowers, lights, and rangolis to create a festive atmosphere.
Read and recite prayers: You can read and recite prayers dedicated to Goddess Durga like the Durga Chalisa or Durga Saptashati.
Charity: Navratri is also a time for charity and helping those in need. You can donate food, clothes, or money to a local charity organization.
Dress up: Wear traditional Indian clothes like sarees, salwar kameez, or lehengas to celebrate the festival.
Overall, Navratri is a time to celebrate the victory of good over evil and to seek blessings from the divine
Why we celebrate it ?
There are various mythological stories associated with Navratri, and the most common one is the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura was a powerful demon who had received a boon from Lord Brahma that made him invincible to all male beings. He started to cause destruction and chaos in the world, and the gods realized that they were unable to defeat him.
The gods then created the Goddess Durga, who was a manifestation of all their powers combined, and she fought Mahishasura for nine days and finally defeated him on the tenth day. This victory of good over evil is celebrated during Navratri.
During Navratri, the nine forms or avatars of Goddess Durga are worshipped, and each day is dedicated to a specific form of the goddess. The festival also marks the beginning of the autumn season and the harvesting season in India.
Overall, Navratri is celebrated to honor the divine feminine power and seek blessings from the goddess for prosperity, happiness, and success in life. It is a time for prayer, fasting, and celebration with family and friends.
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