What Is Navratri And Why Is It Celebrated?
Navratri is a festival celebration that occurs over nine nights in the Hindu month of Ashvin. The festival is celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga and her nine avatars. Navratri is celebrated by Hindus all over the world and is a time for feasting, fasting, and worship.
Table of Contents
When is Navratri
When is Navratri?
Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival that occurs every year in the month of October or November. The festival is celebrated in honor of the Goddess Durga, and her nine avatars. Navratri literally means “nine nights” in Sanskrit.
The first day of Navratri is called Ghatasthapana. On this day, devotees plant a mud pot filled with wheat or barley seeds in a small pit. The pot is then watered daily and allowed to sprout. By the end of the nine days, the seedlings have grown into tall stalks, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
On the second day of Navratri, known as Shailputri Pooja, devotees worship the first avatar of Goddess Durga – Shailputri. She is also known as Parvati or Hemavati, and is depicted as a young girl holding a trident and lotus flower. Her name literally means “daughter of the mountains” (Shail + putri).
The third day of Navratri is called Maha Lakshmi Pooja, and is devoted to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and prosperity. She is usually depicted as a beautiful woman dressed in gold, holding a lotus flower and a pot of coins.
The fourth day of Navratri is called Saraswati Pooja, and is devoted to the worship of Goddess Saraswati – the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. She is usually depicted as a beautiful woman dressed in white, holding a book and a musical instrument.
The fifth day of Navratri is called Skanda Mata Pooja, and is devoted to the worship of Goddess Skanda Mata – the mother of Lord Kartikeya (also known as Skanda). She is usually depicted as a beautiful woman holding her infant son in her arms.
The sixth day of Navratri is called Katyayani Pooja, and is devoted to the worship of Goddess Katyayani – an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is usually depicted as a young woman with dark complexion, riding on a lion or tiger.
The seventh day of Navratri is called Kalaratri Pooja, and is devoted to the worship of Goddess Kalaratri – an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is usually depicted as a dark-skinned woman riding on a donkey, carrying a sickle and a torch.
The eighth day of Navratri is called Mahagauri Pooja, and is devoted to the worship of Goddess Mahagauri – an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is usually depicted as a fair-skinned woman holding a trident and lotus flower.
The ninth and final day of Navratri is called Siddhidatri Pooja, and is devoted to the worship of Goddess Siddhidatri – an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. She is usually depicted as four-armed woman sitting on or riding atop a lion or tiger, holding a conch shell, discus, mace and lotus flower.
What is the significance of Navratri
Navratri is a religious festival that is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. The word Navratri literally means ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit, and during this festival, Hindus worship the nine forms of the Goddess Durga. Navratri is a very important festival for Hindus as it is believed that during these nine nights, the Goddess Durga bestows her blessings upon her devotees and protects them from all evil.
The nine days of Navratri are also considered to be very auspicious for starting new ventures or undertaking important tasks. Therefore, many Hindus start new businesses or initiatives during this time. Navratri is also a time for fasting and prayer, and many Hindus refrain from eating meat or drinking alcohol during this period.
Navratri is a very special festival that is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by Hindus all over the world. It is a time when we remember the goddess Durga and her nine forms, and pray for her blessings. It is also a time for new beginnings, and for taking stock of our lives and setting our intentions for the future.
How is Navratri celebrated
Navratri is a religious festival that is celebrated by Hindus all over the world. The word Navratri means ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit, and during this festival, nine forms of the goddess Durga are worshipped.
Navratri is typically celebrated in the month of October, and the first day of the festival is known as Ghatasthapana. On this day, a small pit is dug and a Kalasha (a pot filled with water) is placed in it. A coconut is then placed on top of the Kalasha, and this is considered to be the start of the Navratri celebrations.
Over the next nine nights, devotees offer prayers and perform puja to the different forms of Goddess Durga. On the tenth day, which is known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, effigies of Ravana are burnt to signify the victory of good over evil.
Navratri is a joyous festival that is celebrated with great fervour all over India. It is a time for families to come together and pray to Goddess Durga for her blessings.
What are the different colors associated with each day of Navratri
The nine days of Navratri are traditionally associated with the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each day has a different color associated with it, as follows:
Day 1: Yellow
Day 2: Green
Day 3: Gray
Day 4: Orange
Day 5: White
Day 6: Red
Day 7: Royal Blue
Day 8: Pink
Day 9: Sky Blue
What are some of the most popular songs played during Navratri
During Navratri, nine nights are dedicated to the worship of Maa Durga. Along with special pujas and rituals, music and dance play an important role in celebrating this festival. Some of the most popular songs that are played during Navratri include:
1. “Maa Tujhe Salaam” – This song is a tribute to the goddess Durga, and is sung by renowned artist A.R. Rahman.
2. “Durga Chalisa” – This devotional song is a hymn in praise of Maa Durga, and is often recited during puja ceremonies.
3. “Jai Ambe Gauri” – This is another popular devotional song dedicated to Maa Durga.
4. “Durga Aarti” – This is a prayer offered to the goddess at the end of puja ceremonies.
5. “Navratri Special Bhajans” – There are many popular bhajans (devotional songs) that are sung during Navratri, in praise of the different forms of the goddess.
What are some of the most popular foods eaten during Navratri
Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga. During Navratri, many Hindus fast or eat only certain foods as a form of devotion. Some of the most popular foods eaten during Navratri include fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and grains. Fasting during Navratri is thought to purify the body and soul and help one connect with the divine.
What is the story behind Navratri
Navratri is a Hindu festival that celebrates the nine forms of the goddess Durga. The word Navratri means “nine nights” in Sanskrit, and the festival is also known as Durga Puja or Sharadotsav. Navratri is observed in the month of October or November, depending on the lunar calendar.
The story behind Navratri begins with the legend of the demon king Mahishasura. Mahishasura was a powerful demon who terrorized the people of Earth. The gods appealed to the goddess Durga for help. Durga took the form of a beautiful woman and lured Mahishasura into marrying her. Once she had him under her control, she revealed her true form and destroyed him.
Navratri celebrates this victory of good over evil. Each night of the festival, devotees worship a different form of Durga. On the ninth and final night, Durga is worshipped in her most powerful form, known as Maha Durga. This night is also known as Vijayadashami, or “the day of victory.”
Navratri is a time of fasting, feasting, and festivities. Devotees prepare special foods to offer to the goddess, and they decorate their homes and temples with elaborate displays. On the final night of the festival, effigies of Mahishasura are burned in a symbolic victory over evil.
How do people decorate their homes during Navratri
During the Navratri festival, people in India decorate their homes with colourful rangolis. Rangolis are designs that are created on the ground using coloured powder or sand. They areusually drawn near the entrance of a home or building as a way to welcome guests.
The most common designs during Navratri include lotus flowers, swastikas, and other auspicious symbols. People also often write messages of good luck or blessings in Sanskrit on their rangolis. In some parts of India, women create special designs using rice flour and turmeric paste.
The Navratri festival is a time for family and friends to get together and celebrate. Homes are decorated with lights and colourful streamers, and people enjoy feasting on traditional foods. It is a joyful time of year that is celebrated by Hindus all over the world.
What are some of the most popular activities during Navratri
There are a few different activities that people participate in during Navratri. The most popular ones include fasting, feasting, and worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga. People also enjoy dancing and singing traditional songs.
What is the best way to enjoy Navratri
Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival that is celebrated every year in the month of October. The festival is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Navratri is a time for fasting, feasting and worship. Fasting during Navratri is a way of detoxifying the body and mind. It helps in cleansing the body of all impurities and toxins. Feasting during Navratri is a way of celebrating the festival with friends and family. Worshiping during Navratri is a way of showing reverence to the nine forms of Goddess Durga.