Navratri is a vibrant and widely celebrated Hindu festival spanning nine nights (and ten days) dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms (Navadurga). It usually occurs in the months of September or October.
🕉️ Spiritual Significance
Navratri symbolizes the victory of good over evil, celebrating the divine feminine power (Shakti) that destroys negativity and restores righteousness. It honors Goddess Durga’s courage, compassion, and strength, inspiring devotees to overcome obstacles in life.
🙏 Navratri Puja Rituals
- Setting up the Altar:
- Devotees set up a beautifully decorated altar or “Ghat”/“Kalash” with an idol or picture of Goddess Durga.
- Daily Worship:
- Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Durga, with special prayers and mantras for each.
- Offerings:
- Devotional offerings include fruits, flowers, sweets, kumkum, and sandalwood paste.
- Some devotees observe fasting, eating only specific foods or one meal a day.
- Chanting and Bhajans:
- Devotional songs, Durga Chalisa, and mantras like “Om Dum Durgaye Namah” are recited.
- Kanya Puja:
- On the eighth or ninth day, young girls (representing the goddess) are worshipped and offered gifts and food.
- Garba and Dandiya:
- In many regions, especially Gujarat, evenings are filled with traditional dance forms Garba and Dandiya celebrating the goddess.
🌼 Message of Navratri
Navratri teaches strength, devotion, and renewal. It encourages embracing the divine feminine power within and promotes inner courage and purity.
