Navratri: A Nine Day Vibrant Festival of Devotion, Dance and Festivities

Navratri is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It is a nine-day festival dedicated to the worshipping of of Goddess Durga. The word "Navratri" is derived from Sanskrit, meaning "nine nights. It is celebrated across the length and breadth of India in various ways.   

Origins and Significance

The origin of Navratri is rooted in ancient Hindu mythology. It is primarily celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura. For this very reason, Goddess Durga is also known as Mahishasura Mardini. As per the mythology, Mahishasura was blessed that no man could defeat him. Using this boon he terrorised the heavens and the earth. The gods, then created Goddess Durga. This not only marked the end of the demon, triumph of good over evil but also celebrates the female power and prowess. Each day of the nine days is dedicated to the nine forms or avatars of the goddess, worshipping various qualities and powers she holds.

The tenth day is Vijayadashami or Dussehra, when Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura. Also, on the same day, maybe in a different time, Lord Ram killed Ravana, ending evil in another form. Hence, there is vast significance of the day.

When is Navratri Celebrated?

Navratri comes twice a year. Chaitra Navratri or the Spring Navratri is celebrated in the month of March or April, marking the start of the Hindu New Year. Sharad Navratri or the Autumn Navratri is the more popular one, celebrated in September or October. It culminates with Dussehra, the tenth day after Navratri. Exact twenty days after Dussehra falls the Diwali festival when Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

Rituals and Traditions

Navratri is marked by various rituals and practices, some common across the country, while others vary by region.

1. Kalash Sthapana: On the first day of Navratri, a pot (Kalash) is placed, symbolizing the goddess's presence. This ritual marks the beginning of the festival, and prayers are offered daily to the Kalash. The pot is filled with water and soil, and barley seeds are sown around it. The growth from the barley signifies prosperity and life. The plant thus grown is used during Pooja on the tenth day.

2. Fasting: Many devotees observe fasts during Navratri, either for all nine days or on specific days, consuming only fruits, milk, or specific grains like Singhada or Buckwheat. Fasting is a way to purify oneself spiritually and physically.

3. Durga Saptashati: Recitation of the sacred text Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmya is an essential part of the festival, particularly in temples and homes. The text narrates the stories of the goddess’s triumphs over evil.

4. Garba and Dandiya: In Gujarat and other parts of western India, people perform Garba and Dandiya in the evenings, celebrating the goddess with dance and music.

5. Kanya Puja: On the eighth (Ashtami) or ninth (Navami) day, Kanya Puja is performed, where young girls are worshipped as forms of the goddess. They are invited into homes, their feet washed, and they are served traditional meals.