HAPPY NAVRATRI

Navratri is a very sacred and auspicious festival, which is celebrated with great pomp every year all over India. It means 'nine nights', and this festival is celebrated to worship the nine forms of Maa Durga. The festival of Navratri falls every year in the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra and Ashwin months.

Why is Navratri celebrated?

The story of Navratri is very ancient. This story is associated with a terrible demon named Mahishasura, who defeated the gods and captured their kingdom. Mahishasura was so powerful that no god could face him. In such a situation, all the gods worshiped Maa Durga. Then Maa Durga fought with Mahishasura for 9 days and finally defeated him. Meanwhile, the mother took a total of 9 incarnations to defeat Mahishasura. To commemorate this victory, the festival of Navratri is celebrated every year according to Hindu tradition. And 9 incarnations of the mother are worshiped for the entire 9 days.

What are the 9 theoretical names of Maa Durga and what are their symbols?

During Navratri, Maa Durga is worshipped in different ways every day. These are the 9 forms-

1. Shailputri: Or called the daughter of Himalaya. This is the first form of Maa Durga, Navratri starts from this day. Which is a symbol of power and prosperity.

2. Brahmacharini: She is the goddess of meditation and penance.

3. Chandraghanta: Her form is both black and terrifying, and she is a symbol of peace.

4. Kushmanda: She is the goddess of creation, who creates the world.

5. Skandamata: This is the motherly form of Maa Durga, who is with her son Skanda.

6. Katyayani: She came to fight Mahishasura.

7. Kaalratri: This is the terrifying form of Maa Durga who dispels darkness.

8. Mahagauri: Her form is a symbol of purity and divinity.

9. Siddhidatri: She is the goddess of knowledge and accomplishments.

Rituals and Traditions?
This festival is a mix of both devotion and celebration. During Navratri, people observe fasts and do puja. During this time, people use Rajgira flour, water chestnut, sago and curd. And make different types of prasad. Rangoli is made in houses and decorated with diyas. Every day people worship the mother and pray to her for strength.

Regional festivals

Navratri is celebrated differently in all the states of India. People wear traditional clothes and dance together. In Gujarat, people do Garba and Dandiya, while in Maharashtra Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri are celebrated together. In West Bengal, this festival is celebrated as Durga Puja, where people worship the goddess for 10 days. It is not only a dance but also a symbol of friendship and unity.

What is Garba and Dandiya?

Garba
Garba is a traditional Gujarati dance which is especially performed during Navratri. People stand in a circle and dance together wearing traditional clothes. The tune and rhythm of Garba mesmerizes people and everyone joins in.

Dandiya
Dandiya is another popular dance that takes place during Navratri. In this dance, people dance with small sticks (Dandiya), which makes it even more interesting.

Conclusion and Personal Experience

Navratri is not just a festival but it is a symbol of the whole society. This festival increases the feeling of unity, devotion and love among people. The fragrance and colors of Navratri spread everywhere. This festival is full of fragrance and colors. I remember, when I was a child, I used to do puja with my mother and was very excited for Garba. This festival is not only puja but also an opportunity to meet family and friends. During this festival, everywhere is filled with colors and lights. Everyone celebrates together. This festival is a symbol of harmony that brings everyone together.

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