Navratri Festival

Navratri is one among the main and important festivals, celebrated to worship the Goddess Durga. It’s essentially a nine day festival where different nine sorts of the DeviDurga (Goddess) are worshipped. The festival is usually celebrated twice during a year (April and October). many of us observe a quick on this auspicious festival and visit temples to hunt the divine blessings. Offering petitions to the Goddess each daygives inward harmony to the aficionados.

What are Rituals and History behind the Celebration ofNavratri Festival

The legend has it that there was a really powerful demon king referred to as the Mahishasura. By worshipping Lord Shiva, he acquired mighty powers and commenced to commit atrocities on the people that took the name of the Lord aside from him. He was so pleased with his powers that he began to think about himself as a God. so as to safeguard the planet from the evil practices of the demon, the Trinity of God (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) came together and by combining their powers, created Goddess Durga. When Mahishasura saw the Goddess, he became pulled in towards her excellence. The demon king was so mesmerized by the sweetness of the Goddess that he sent her a proposal for the wedding . The Goddess agreed to marry him but on one condition that the Mahishasura need to defeat her during a battle. The demon king, so pleased with his powers immediately accepted the challenge. The battle between the Goddess and Mahishasura lasted for nine nights and at the top of ninth night, the demon king was killed by the Goddess. From then on, the nine days came to be referred to as the Navratri.

Navratri Celebrations

During the nine days, people fast so as to please the Goddess and offer prayers for the prosperity of family and business. The sanctuaries and symbols of Goddess in different pieces of the nation are perfectly finished. many of us either break their fast on the eighth day (Ashtami) or ninth day (Ram Navami). On both lately , Kanya Pujan (worshipping girls) is held because they symbolize the Goddess Durga. the women are given various things to eat like the halwa, poori, chana, coconut, sweet, money and other gift items. After the Kanya Pujan is over, people break their fast.

Navratri Celebrations in Various Parts of India

Navratri in Jammu

The famous Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu sees an enormous rush of the devotees during the Navratri festival. Thousands of devotees from various parts of India and world reach the Vaishno Devi Shrine. Visiting the temple, especially during the Navratri is taken into account to be auspicious and fulfills the requirements of the people. The devotees need to trek (approx 13 km) to succeed in the Mata Rani Bhawan Complex. Besides walking, the people even have the power to avail the helicopter services from Katra to succeed in the temple.

Navratri in Gujarat

In Gujarat, people celebrate the festival during a very joyful manner. the women dress themselves within the colorful ghagracholis and boys within the beautiful kurta pajamas. People of all ages gather together at an area where the Garbha Dance or Dandiya Raas is organized.

Navratri in West Bengal

In the state of West Bengal , the festival is widely known with great excitement and fervor. Special Pandals are found out in various parts of the state where the Goddess Durga is worshipped. Most of the Pandals are beautifully decorated consistent with the various styles or themes. tons of in depth planning is completed to create the Pandals. On the Judgment Day of Navratri, the idols that are placed within the Pandals are taken for a procession with people playing colors and dance. The idols are then immersed within the river.

FAQ 
 
What is Navratri Festival?
Navratri is an important Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated over nine days, with devotees worshipping different forms of the Goddess during this period.

Why is Navratri celebrated for nine days?
Navratri is associated with the battle between Goddess Durga and the demon king Mahishasura. According to the traditional legend, their battle continued for nine nights, ending with the defeat of Mahishasura on the ninth night.

How is Navratri Festival celebrated?
Navratri is celebrated through prayers, temple visits, religious rituals and devotional activities. Many devotees also observe fasting during the festival and seek the blessings of Goddess Durga.

What is the story behind Navratri?
According to Hindu tradition, Mahishasura became extremely powerful after receiving blessings from Lord Shiva and began causing suffering. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva combined their powers to create Goddess Durga, who fought Mahishasura and defeated him after nine nights.

How many forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped during Navratri?
During the nine days of Navratri, devotees traditionally worship nine forms of Goddess Durga, with each day associated with a particular form of the Goddess.

When is Navratri celebrated in India?
Navratri is celebrated at different times according to the Hindu calendar and regional traditions. The page highlights the major Navratri celebrations associated with the April and October periods.