NAVARATRI
Navaratri is a very significant Hindu festival which is celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian cultura sphere. “Nava“ means 9(Nine) and “Ratri” means night. This festival spans 9 sacred nights (ten days) dedicated to the worship of the mother goddess shakti
1. Chaitra Navaratri (in March – April ) 2. Sharad Navaratri (in September – October )
Navaratri is a celebration of divine feminine power that nurtures and protects the entire universe from negativities and denotes the victory of good over evil power. Nine forms of goddess Durga are worshiped during Navaratri. goddess Durga is also known asgoddess Bhavani and goddess Amba, all are attributed to goddess Parvati.
Rituals of Navaratri
Day 1 (Pratipada)
The first day of Navaratri is known as Pratipada. Shailaputri (“Daughter of Mountain”), anincarnation of Parvati is associated with this day. She has trisula in her right hand and lotus in her left. She is depicted as riding on a bull. This form of the goddess is worshiped as consort of Shiva, which is the direct incarnation of Mahakali.
On this day first main ritual “Ghatasthapana” is done. Then “Abahan” of Devi Shailaputri is done followed by “Arati” and “Chandipath”. Red is the color of this day that depicts action and vigor
DAY 2 (Dwitiya)
The second day of Navaratri is known as Dwitiya. On this day another incarnation of Parvati, goddess Bramhacharini is worshiped. Parvati became sati (unmarried self) in this form. She is holding a japamala & kamandal in her hands, depicted as walking on bare feet. She symbolizes bliss and calmness. She is worshiped for moksha and endowment of peace & prosperity.On this day puja of Devi Bramhacharini (Bramhashakti is also known as Devi Saraswati ) is done. Then Nitya puja is done followed by Arati and chandipath).The blue color of this day depicts tranquility yet strong energy.
DAY 3 (Tritiya):
The third day of Navaratri is known as Tritiya. On this day Devi Chandraghanta (also known as Chandika) is worshiped. After marrying Shiva Parvati adorned her forehead with Ardhachandra (half-moon), from this fact the name Chandraghanta has been derived. She has ten hands of which two hands hold a trisula (trident), Gada(mace), bow-arrow, khadak(sword), Kamala(lotus), Ghanta(bell), kamandal (waterpot). one hand remains in blessing mudra. One hand remains in blessing posture. She rides on a lion which represents bravery and courage. She symbolizes bravery and beauty. On this day puja of Devi Chandraghanta is done and Nitya puja is done followed by Arati and Chandipath.The yellow color of this day is vivacious and can pep up everyone’s mood.
DAY 4 (Chaturthi)
The fourth day of Navaratri is known as Chaturthi. On this day Devi Kushmanda is worshiped.She is believed to be the creative power of the universe. She has eight hands holding a trident, discus, sword, hook, mace, bow, arrow, two jars of holy elixir, and blood. she rides on a tiger. She is believed to improve health, wealth, and strength. On this day puja of Devi Kushmanda is done and Nitya puja is done followed by Arati and Chandipath The green color of this day depicts the endowment of vegetation on earth.
DAY 5 (Panchami)
The fifth day of Navaratri is known as Panchami. On this day Devi Skandamata is worshiped. She is the mother of Skanda (Karthikeya). She has four arms of which two hold lotus flowers.She holds her son in her lap. She is seated on a lotus (Padmasana), riding on a lion.On this day puja of Devi Skandamata is done and Nitya puja is done followed by Arati an Chandipath.Grey is the color of the day which symbolizes the transforming strength of a mother when her child is in danger.
DAY 6 (Shasthi)
The sixth day of Navaratri is known as Shashti. On this day Devi Katyayani, an incarnation of Durga is worshiped. She is known as the warrior goddess and most violent form of Devi. She has four hands and she ride a lion.On This day Sarodiya Durga puja begins with the Devi bodhan ritual followed by Chandipath. \Devi Maha Shashti is worshiped for the welfare of children. Puja of Devi Katyayani (a form of Devi Maha Lakshmi) is done. In afternoon Ashtradan ritual is done in which Astra’s are given to Devi Durga followed by Sandhya Arati.The orange color of this day symbolizes exhibition of courage.
DAY 7 (Saptami)
The seventh day of Navaratri is known as Saptami. On this day Devi Kalaratri is worshiped. She is the most ferocious form of Devi Durga. On This day Devi Parvati removed her fair skin to kill the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. She has four hands holding hooked vajra and curved sword. She rides a donkey. On this day Devi Kalaratri appears on a white color attire \with a lot of rage in her fiery eyes, her skin turns black.On this day kalabou (known as Navapatrika) is worshiped after snan. then Chandipath is done followed by Sandhya Arati.White color of this day symbolizes prayer and peace and ensures the devotees that the goddesswill protect them from harm
DAY 8 (Ashtami)
Eighth day of Navaratri is known as Ashtami. On this day Devi Maha Gauri is worshiped. She has four arms holding Trident, Damaru and a lotus. She rides a white bull. She symbolizes intelligence and peace.On this day in morning Nitya puja followed by Arati and Chandipath is done. Devi Durga in the form of Chamunda is worshiped for 48 minutes (last 24 min of Ashtami and first 24 min of Navami) between Ashtami and Navami. This is known as “Sandhi puja”.108 Pradip, 108 lotus flowers, 108 naivedyas are dedicated to Devi Chamunda during this “Sandhi puja“ for destruction of evil power followed by balidan , Chandipath and Arati.Pink color of this day depicts optimism.
DAY 9 (Navami)
Last day of Navaratri is known as Navami. On this day Devi Siddhidatri is worshiped. “Siddhi” means supernatural power or meditative ability and “Datri” means giver. She is also known as Sri Lakshmi Devi. One side of lord Shivas body is that of goddess Siddhidatri so he is known as “Ardhanariswar”. She has four hands holding Mace, Chakra, Sankha and lotus in which 8 siddhis are absorbed. She rides on a lion or fully bloomed lotus. On this day Nitya puja is done followed by Chandipath and Chandi hom. Nine Kumari Girls (Nava Kanya) are worshiped as Devi.The light blue color of this day symbolizes an admiration towards natures beauty
On the final day after Navaratri , Called as Dussehra the statues are immersed in a water body symbolizing the evil is burnt or evil destruction.