Navratri, the divine festival celebrated fervently over nine nights, honors the sacred feminine energy. During these nine nights, devotees adorn themselves in vibrant attire, dance the Garba and Dandiya to rhythmic beats, and offer prayers to Goddess Durga. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, a harmonious blend of tradition and jubilation, fostering unity and spiritual renewal.
The Navaratri festival is celebrated twice annually: Chaitra Navaratri and Shardiya Navaratri. Chaitra Navaratri occurs in March and April, aligning with the Hindu Calendar month of Chaitra. It commemorates Lord Rama's birthday (Rama Navami) and is known as Rama Navaratri, or Vasanta Navaratri, due to its occurrence during the Vasant Ritu. Shardiya Navaratri is the more renowned of the two, signifying the defeat of Mahishasura by Goddess Durga and the vanquishing of the malevolent King Ravana by Lord Rama, among other tales spanning the Indian subcontinent. Shardiya Navaratri transpires in September or October, corresponding to the Hindu month of Ashvin, and is called so as it occurs during the Sharad Ritu.
Navratri Greetings
During each day of Navaratri, devotees worship one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navadurga. Each day is associated with a specific colour that devotees adorn themselves with. These colours symbolize and correspond to the different forms of Navadurga, creating a vibrant and spiritually meaningful celebration.
Commencing on the sixth day of Navratri, Durga Puja unfolds as a five-day fervent festival devoted to Goddess Durga, prominently observed in Eastern India. The sequence includes Maha Shashti, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami (Durga Ashtami), Maha Navami, and culminates with Vijaya Dashami, each day marked by unique rituals and celebrations.
Durga Puja Greetings
Similarly, Saraswati Puja commences on the sixth day of Navaratri. Unlike Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja's timing is determined by the Nakshatras prevalent during the day, which can be known using the Panchang, rather than the Tithi. The festival spans four days: Saraswati Avahan, coinciding with Moola Nakshatra; Saraswati Puja during Purva Ashadha Nakshatra; Saraswati Balidan on Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra, and Saraswati Visarjan during Shravana Nakshatra. Subsequently, the day following Saraswati Puja is celebrated as Ayudha Puja, also known as Saraswati Pooja in South India.
These festivities reach their pinnacle on Vijaya Dashami, also known as Dussehra. It commemorates the moment when Goddess Durga vanquished Mahishasura after a nine-day battle in Satya Yuga and when Lord Rama triumphed over the demon king Ravana, ending his tyrannical rule during Treta Yuga. In South Indian states, this day also marks the initiation ceremony for young pupils, signifying the commencement of their formal education, known as Vidarambham.
With its rich tapestry of customs and celebrations, Navaratri is a radiant tribute to the divine feminine energy. The festival serves as a reminder of the eternal battle between good and evil, echoing through the ages, and the victory of good over evil every time. Whether through the spirited dances, the colourful rituals, or the heartfelt prayers, Navaratri unites people in their pursuit of spiritual renewal and the triumph of righteousness.
We wish everyone a blessed and Happy Navratri, Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, and Vijay Dashami!