🙏JAI MATA DI 🙏
Chaitra Navratri will take place from March 22 to March 30, 2023. As Indians, we celebrate this festival with great zeal and spirituality.
People do not eat non-vegetarian food these days. Some people do not use onions or ginger these days. This festival is marked as very important for Indians.
Let’s know further about this holy festival in India.
MEANING:
Navratri is a Hindu festival that lasts nine days and nights and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga.
The term “Navratri” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Nav” (nine) and “Ratri” (night).
Hindus celebrate Navratri by worshipping various forms of the goddess Durga, who represents purity, power, and divinity.
NUMBER OF TIMES IN A YEAR:
The festival is traditionally celebrated twice a year, once in the spring (Chaitra Navratri) and once in the fall (Sharad Navratri), with the latter being the more widely observed.
People fast, perform puja (worship) and participate in cultural activities such as dancing, singing, and playing music during this time.
FORMS OF GODDESS DURGA:
Navadurga refers to the goddess Durga’s nine forms, which are as follows:
MEANING
💙 Shailputri is the goddess Durga’s first form, and she is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. Shailputri, also known as Parvati or Hemavati, is thought to be the Himalayas’ daughter, hence the name Shailputri (meaning daughter of the mountains).
PRESENCE
💚Shailputri is depicted in Hindu mythology as riding a bull while holding a trident in one hand and a lotus flower in the other. She is also depicted with a moon on her forehead and wearing a red saree.
SPECIALISATION
🧡Shailputri is the embodiment of purity, power, and divine motherhood. She is revered in order to obtain blessings for a prosperous and peaceful life. Her worship is thought to bring stability and strength to one’s life, as well as aid in overcoming obstacles and challenges.
MEANING
💙 Brahmacharini is the goddess Durga’s second form, and she is worshipped on the second day of Navratri. Brahmacharini, also known as Tapasyacharini, is the embodiment of penance and devotion.
PRESENCE
💚Brahmacharini is depicted in Hindu mythology as walking barefoot with a rudraksha mala (prayer beads) in her right hand and a Kamandalu (water pot) in her left. She is usually depicted in white with a calm and composed expression.
SPECIALISATION
🧡Brahmacharini is associated with self-control, restraint, and austerity. Worshiping her is thought to bring blessings for inner strength, willpower, and determination. It is said that worshipping her can help one overcome negative emotions and thoughts and lead to spiritual enlightenment.
MEANING
💙 Chandraghanta is the goddess Durga’s third form, and she is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. Chandraghanta, also known as Chandika, is revered as the personification of bravery and courage.
PRESENCE
💚According to Hindu mythology, Chandraghanta is depicted with a half-moon shaped like a bell (ghanta) on her forehead, hence the name “Chandraghanta”. She is usually depicted riding a tiger or lion with ten arms holding various weapons. She is also shown with a composed and calm expression on her face.
SPECIALISATION
🧡Chandraghanta is associated with bravery, grace, and protection. Her worship is thought to bring blessings for strength and protection, as well as protection from evil forces and negative energies. Her worship is said to help one overcome fears and obstacles and bring peace and prosperity in life.
MEANING
💙 Kushmanda is the fourth manifestation of the goddess Durga, and she is worshipped on the fourth day of Navratri. Kushmanda, also known as Adi Shakti, is considered the source of all creation.
PRESENCE
💚Kushmanda is depicted in Hindu mythology as having eight or ten arms and sitting on a lion or tiger. She is usually depicted with weapons in her hands, such as a bow, arrow, chakra, and lotus flower. She is also shown with a glowing face and a golden aura.
SPECIALISATION
🧡Kushmanda is associated with creation, warmth, and light. Her worship is thought to bring good health, wealth, and happiness. Her worship is said to help one overcome physical and mental illnesses, as well as bring success and prosperity into one’s life.
MEANING
💙 Skandamata is the goddess Durga’s fifth form, and she is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri. Skandamata, also known as Padmasana, is the mother of Lord Skanda or Kartikeya, the commander-in-chief of the gods’ army.
PRESENCE
💚Skandamata is depicted in Hindu mythology as having four arms, with Lord Skanda sitting on her lap. She is typically depicted with lotus flowers in her upper two hands and mudras (gestures) of blessing and fearlessness in her lower two hands. She is also shown with a serene and calm expression on her face.
SPECIALISATION
🧡Skandamata is associated with maternal love and protection. Her worship is thought to bring blessings for children’s well-being and protection. Her worship is said to help one develop a loving and nurturing attitude towards others, as well as bring peace and harmony to one’s family life.
MEANING
💙 Katyayani is the goddess Durga’s sixth form, and she is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. Katyayani, also known as the Warrior Goddess, is thought to be the sage Katyayan’s daughter.
PRESENCE
💚Katyayani is depicted in Hindu mythology as having four arms and riding a lion. She is typically depicted holding a sword, lotus flower, and other weapons. She is also shown with a ferocious expression on her face.
SPECIALISATION
🧡Katyayani represents power, bravery, and victory. Her worship is thought to bring success, courage, and protection. Her worship is said to help one overcome obstacles and difficulties, as well as bring success and victory in one’s life. Her worship is also thought to promote spiritual development and self-discovery.
MEANING
💙 Kalaratri is the goddess Durga’s seventh form, which is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri. Kalaratri, also known as the Dark Goddess, is the destroyer of darkness and ignorance.
PRESENCE
💚Kalaratri is depicted in Hindu mythology as having a dark complexion and wild hair. She is typically depicted holding a sword and a severed head. She is also shown riding a donkey or a horse.
SPECIALISATION
🧡Kalaratri represents Durga’s destructive aspect, and her worship is thought to bring blessings for the destruction of negative energies and the removal of obstacles. Her worship is said to help one overcome fear and bring spiritual enlightenment. Her worship is also thought to bring protection and well-being, as well as assistance in overcoming negative influences and tendencies.
MEANING
💙 Mahagauri is the goddess Durga’s eighth form, and she is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri. Mahagauri, also known as the White Goddess, is revered as the personification of purity and innocence.
PRESENCE
💚Mahagauri is depicted in Hindu mythology as having four arms and a fair complexion. She is typically depicted holding a trident and a tambourine. She is also shown riding a white bull or an elephant.
SPECIALISATION
🧡Mahagauri is said to have gained her fair complexion through penance and austerity. She embodies purity, innocence, and serenity. Her worship is thought to bring purity, peace, and prosperity. Her worship is said to help one overcome negative emotions and tendencies, as well as bring spiritual growth and enlightenment. Her worship is also thought to bring good luck in marriage.
.jpeg)
MEANING
💙 Siddhidatri is the goddess Durga’s ninth and final form, worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri. Siddhidatri, also known as the Goddess of Supernatural Powers, is thought to have the ability to bestow both spiritual and material blessings.
PRESENCE
💚Siddhidatri is depicted in Hindu mythology as having four arms and sitting on a lotus flower. She is usually shown holding a discus, conch shell, mace, and lotus flower.
SPECIALISATION
🧡Siddhidatri is thought to be the source of all supernatural powers and spiritual accomplishments because she represents the culmination of divine feminine energy. Her worship is thought to bring success, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Her worship is said to aid in the attainment of supernatural powers and spiritual accomplishments, as well as the ultimate goal of liberation or moksha.
IMPORTANCE:
Navratri is a significant Hindu festival, and its celebration is very important to Hindus all over the world. Here are a few of the main reasons why Navratri is so significant:
Goddess Durga worship: Navratri is primarily a celebration of the goddess Durga and her various forms. Hindus use the festival to offer prayers, seek blessings, and connect with the divine feminine energy represented by Durga.
Purification and renewal: Navratri is also a time for spiritual renewal and purification. Fasting, puja (worship), and other religious practises are used by Hindus to cleanse their minds and bodies and prepare for the upcoming festive season.
Culture and community celebration: Navratri is a time of joy, celebration, and community. Hindus gather to sing, dance, and play music, as well as take part in cultural events such as Garba and Dandiya, two traditional dance forms associated with the festival.
Agriculture: Navratri has agricultural significance because it falls at the start of the sowing season in India. Farmers attend the festival to worship the land and seek blessings for a bountiful harvest.
Good triumphs over evil: The tenth day of Navratri, also known as Dussehra, commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The festival allows Hindus to reflect on the value of righteousness, courage, and morality in their lives.
RAM NAVMI:
(at the end of Chaitra Navratri)
💫Ram Navami is a Hindu festival commemorating the birth of Lord Rama, one of Hinduism’s most revered deities.
💫 It is observed on the ninth day (Navami) of the Hindu month of Chaitra, which is usually in late March or early April.
💫Lord Rama is Lord Vishnu’s seventh avatar and is regarded as an ideal human being, embodying righteousness, morality, and courage.
💫 The Hindu community celebrates Ram Navami with great zeal and devotion in various parts of India and around the world.
💫Devotees fast and perform puja (worship) rituals in honour of Lord Rama on this day. They also sing devotional songs in praise of Lord Rama and recite the Ramayana, the epic story of his life.
💫Many devotees also visit Lord Rama temples and participate in cultural and social activities.
💫Ram Navami is also a celebration of forgiveness, charity, and the spread of joy and happiness.
💫 Devotees send their best wishes and greetings to family and friends, and seek Lord Rama’s blessings for their well-being and happiness.
DUSSEHRA:
(at the end of Sharad Navratri)
💥It is observed on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashvin, which falls in September or October each year.
💥Dussehra celebrates the triumph of good over evil and commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana.
💥According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama defeated Ravana and rescued his wife Sita, who had been abducted by Ravana, with the help of his army of monkeys and the divine guidance of Lord Hanuman.
💥The festival is observed in various parts of India through various customs and rituals.
💥Huge effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnad are burned in northern and western India to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. This is followed by fireworks and other celebrations.
💥Dussehra is celebrated in some parts of India by performing the Ram Lila, a dramatic reenactment of Lord Rama’s life and battle with Ravana. In other parts of the world, it is celebrated by honoring the goddess Durga, whose nine forms were hhonoredduring Navratri.
STATE WISE CELEBRATION:
Navratri is celebrated with great zeal and devotion throughout India, with the style of celebration varying from state to state. Here are some examples of how Navratri is observed in various Indian states:
Gujarat: One of the most important festivals in Gujarat is Navratri, which is celebrated with colorful dance performances known as Garba and Dandiya. People dress up in traditional attire and dance in circles to the music. The festival is also marked by the installation of clay Durga idols in homes and temples.
West Bengal: In West Bengal, Navratri is known as Durga Puja, and it is one of the most important festivals of the year. Beautifully crafted clay idols of gthe oddess Durga are worshipped in elaborate pandals (temporary structures) set up in public places and homes. Cultural programs, feasting, and shopping are all part of the festival.
Maharashtra: Navratri is known as Sharad Navratri in Maharashtra, and it is marked by the installation of goddess Durga idols in homes and temples. Colorful rangolis (patterns made with cocoloredowders) and light oil lamps are also used to decorate homes. The festival is also distinguished by the Ghatasthapana tradition, in which a pot of water is symbolically installed as a representation of the goddess Durga.
Himachal Pradesh: Navratri is celebrated with zeal in Himachal Pradesh and is marked by the Kullu Dussehra festival. The festival lasts seven days and is marked by the installation of the idol of the goddess Hadimba at Kullu’s Dhalpur ground. Colorful processions, cultural programs, and feasting characterize the festival.