How To Celebrate Navratri? The Hindu festival known as Navratri is observe over the course of nine consecutive nights. The post-monsoon fall festival known as Sharada Navratri features the grandest festivities. And is held in honor of the holy feminine goddess Durga. Although there are four other Navaratri that take place during each of the four different seasons. This particular festival is known as Sharada Navratri.
The Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are among those that celebrate Navaratri. Other states that participate include Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. This festival, known as Durga Puja, is celebrate across the eastern and northeastern provinces of India, including West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Tripura.
The triumph of Durga over Mahishasura, ruler of the demons, lies at the heart of the mythology that underpins the celebration of Navratri. This festival is observe for a duration of nine days. During this time each day is devote to one of the nine incarnations of the goddess.
Worshipers will don a garment of a different hue for each of the nine days of the festival. Large clay sculptures of Durga may be seen in West Bengal. At the conclusion of the festivities. These statues are taken in procession to a body of water such as a river or the ocean, where they are then sunk. Reenactments of the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana may often be seen taking place in the towns of Northern India. Check here, Look for Navratri.
Why Celebrate Navratri Festivale In India
Here are 10 points on Navratri about why is navratri celebrated for 9 days.
- Observe the spectacle of Ravana’s effigies being set on fire, which represents the triumph of virtue over evil.
- During the massive procession that is Durga Puja. Enormous clay idols of the goddess Durga are carried to a body of water where they are then thrown in.
- Visit the state of West Bengal to have a look at the tens of thousands of temporary stages known as pandals and the sculptures of Durga that are construct there.
- Experience the tale of Rama, the seventh incarnation of the Hindu deity Vishnu, and Ravana, the mighty ruler of Lanka, via the performances of their epic battle.
- See the custom of Bathukamma, which is an occasion in Telangana that involves the aesthetic embellishment of floral arrangements.
Navratri Story
The Hindu festival Navratri, is observe every year during the month of fall for a total of 10 days and nine nights. The Hindu calendar distinguishes between four distinct Navaratri celebrations throughout the year. However, the one that takes place in the fall after the monsoon has ended is the one that receives the most attention.
The celebration takes place during the phase of the moon known as the waxing moon during the Hindu month of Ashvin. The Gregorian calendar places this event most often in the months of September or October.
The tale of Navaratri centers on the conflict that took place between the goddess Durga and the demon king Mahishasura, who personifies egotism. This conflict took place during Navaratri. Every one of the nine days of the festival is devote to a different incarnation or manifestation of the goddess.
During this occasion, worshippers of the goddess Durga abstain from food and drink and pray for the safety of themselves, their families, and their possessions. Because it is a time for self-examination and purification. Navaratri is historically consider to be a fortunate time for beginning new endeavors.
Difference Between Navratri, Durga Puja, And Dussehra
There are a number of important Hindu festivities that take place in India throughout the fall months. While preparations are made for Navratri in the western and northern portions of India. Durga Puja is being observe in the eastern and northeastern regions of the country.
The devotion to the goddess Durga is at the center of each of these celebrations; nevertheless, the two celebrate her in quite different ways and in very different parts of India. Fasting is a traditional part of the celebration of both holidays.
| Festival | Navaratri | Durga Puja | Dussehra |
| Purpose | Worshiping Goddess Durga in her nine avatars | Celebrates Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura. | The tenth day follows Navaratri, commemorating the conclusion of Ramlila and recalling Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana. |
| Main places that celebrate | Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu | West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Tripura | Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu |
| Celebrations | Worshiping Goddess Durga in her nine avatars by donning different coloured clothing on each day of the event | Durga idols are constructed and worshiped in pandals. They are brought to surrounding oceans or rivers and submerged on the final day. | Effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarana, and his son Meghnada are burnt. |
Major Distinctions
There are quite a few key distinctions between the two holidays. Despite the fact that they may seem to be relatively similar. To begin, the festival of Navaratri is observe for nine days. But the festival of Durga Puja is observe for 10 days. Durga Puja is a celebration of Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. Whilst Navratri is focuse on worshiping Durga in each of her nine incarnations. And thus concludes with a celebration of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Both of these events commemorate the triumph of good over evil.
The last ceremony of Durga Puja is called Sindoor Khela. It consists of married ladies applying vermilion to each other before immersing the statues of Durga in surrounding waterways. On the other hand, the festival of Navaratri comes to a close with Dussehra. This commemorates the conclusion of Ramlila and the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana. There is some overlap between the Hindu festivals of Navratri, Durga Puja, and Dussehra; the location in India will determine which of these three festivals is observe.
When does Navaratri occur?
In the Hindu calendar, the festival of Navratri takes place over the course of nine days during the month of Ashvin. This is often somewhere between the months of September and October. On the tenth day, the festival comes to a close with the celebration of Dussehra.
The preparations for Diwali, one of the most significant and highly celebrated Indian festivals. This occurs just twenty days following Dussehra, which gets underway during this festival. Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights.
When is Navratri?
- 2023: From the 15th until the 24th of October
History And Legends of the Navaratri Festival
The nine-day festival of Navaratri is associate with two significant legends.
Because he had worship Shiva, a mighty demon by the name of Mahishasura was said to have attain immortality and was immune to the effects of any weapon. As a result of gaining this newfound authority, he succumbed to arrogance and began murdering innocent people.
As a result of this, the gods Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, along with a few others. Pooled their resources to create Shakti, the divine feminine form of force and strength. The divine figure known as Durga was born in this manner. She battled the demon Mahishasura for a total of nine days before ultimately emerging victorious on the tenth day and beheading the adversary.
The myth of the goddess Sati is another tale that explains the origin of Navaratri. It is often said that Uma, King Daksha’s daughter, wed Lord Shiva in defiance of her father’s desires so that she may become his consort. One day, the king had a huge celebration. And invited all of the gods and goddesses, with the exception of Shiva.
During the party, Uma’s father often insulted her husband, Lord Shiva, in front of her. Uma was unable to take the constant criticism of her husband. So she threw herself in front of the fire and burned to death. After that, Uma was reincarnate as the goddess Sati, and she eventually wed Lord Shiva. Navaratri refers to the period of time that Sati spent with her parents over the course of nine days.
How Navaratri is Celebrate in India
During the nine nights of Navaratri, the Hindu goddess Durga is honor in each of her nine avatars. The names Durga and Parvati are often interchange because Durga is an incarnation of Parvati, who is also a goddess. It is believe that Durga is a more courageous and fierce manifestation of the benign goddess Parvati.
Additionally, it is traditional to dress in garments of a different hue on a daily basis.
Day 1: Shailaputri
Ghatasthapana is a ceremony that is conduct to mark the beginning of Navaratri. The purpose of this ritual is to call upon the might of the goddess. An avatar of the goddess Parvati known as “Daughter of the Mountain,” Shailaputri is honor on this day as the focus of adoration.
This guise of the goddess is the one in which she is venerate for her role as Shiva’s consort. She is often shown as sitting atop the bull Nandi while holding a trident in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left. Orange, which stands for vitality and joy, is the designated color to wear on this particular day.
Day 2: Brahmachari
On this particular day, worship of Durga as Brahmacharini, one of Parvati’s numerous incarnations, takes place. During this phase of her transformation, Parvati became Sati. The worshippers of the goddess adore her because they believe she has the power to bring them both peace and wealth.
In this manifestation, she is seen to be moving about barefoot while clutching her hands at a japamala. Also known as a string of prayer beads, and a Kamandal, also known as an oblong water pitcher. White, which is a sign of peace and purity, is the color that worshippers wear on this day.
Day 3: Chandraghanta
On this particular day, devotion is perform in honor of the goddess Chandraghanta, who is a married incarnation of Parvati. Her name comes from the half-moon that appears in the center of her forehead, which resembles a bell. She is often shown astride a tigress, and her name is synonymous with valor and the valor require to vanquish evil.
On this day, people don’t shy away from the color red since it’s a symbol of beauty and bravery at the same time.
Day 4: Kushmanda
On the fourth day, worship is perform in honor of the goddess Kushmanda. It is said that she was the one who dwelt within the sun. And was responsible for creating the universe as well as providing it with light and energy. She is a representation of the aspect of Durga that serves as the origin of everything. In other representations, Kushmanda is seen to have eight limbs and to seat atop a tiger. Because it is beneficial to one’s health and riches. Royal blue is the color that is traditionally worn on this day.
Day 5: Skandamata
Skandamata is a manifestation of the goddess Durga, who is known as Skanda’s mother. Skanda is Shiva’s son and Ganesha’s sibling. She is shown to have four arms, to be riding a fierce lion, and to be carrying her little child in one hand. Because of its association with joy and sunshine, yellow is the color that is traditionally worn on this day.
Day 6: Katyayani
On this day, devotion is perform in honor of the goddess Katyayani. The form that Goddess Durga took in order to battle and vanquish the buffalo monster Mahishasura. A manifestation of the goddesses Parvati and Durga, she is known as the Warrior Goddess. And is in regards as one of the most ferocious versions of the two. Katyayani appears in this version with four hands and the ability to ride a lion. On this day, people traditionally wear green as a symbol of fresh beginnings and progress.
Day 7: Kalaratri
On the seventh day, devotion is perform in honor of Kalaratri. Which is consider to be the most violent manifestation of Durga and stands for protection from all kinds of difficulties. During the conflict with Mahishasura, she is the reincarnation of Durga who slew many especially wicked demons. Grey. This represents the power of change, is the color that is traditionally worn on this particular day.
Day 8: Mahagauri
On Ashtami, the night of the half-moon, the goddess is worship in her form as Mahagauri. Mahagauri is a younger version of Shailaputri, and she had a very fair and flawless complexion. Ashtami occurs once every month. She is a symbol of grace, the atonement for sins, and the development of society for the better. Purple, the color traditionally associated with this holiday, conveys both the strength of intelligence and the power of peace.
Day 9: Sidhidhatri
People offer prayers to Sidhidhatri, the goddess who is said to embody all eight siddhis. Also known as supernatural abilities. During the festival that is also known as Navami. It is said that when Lord Shiva worship her. She bestows them onto him. And now she does the same for others who adore her. Teal is the color of the day. Because it is thought that wearing it would bring the devotees one step closer to having their wishes come true.
Where in India Should You Go to Celebrate Navaratri?
In India, the festival of Navaratri is observe in a variety of distinctive ways. In accordance with a wide range of local customs. During the course of the festival, visitors will have the opportunity to see a variety of rites being carried out in a variety of locations.
How is Navratri Celebrated In West Bengal
In West Bengal, the festival Navaratri is known as Durga Puja. The local Bengalis consider this to be the most significant festival that takes place each year. It is also a huge social and public event. During the Durga Puja festival, thousands of temporary stages known as pandals are construct in public squares. At wayside shrines, and in huge temples dedicate to the goddess Durga.
- The next step is to fashion enormous sculptures of Durga out of clay, which are then brought inside the pandals where she will be worship for the next nine days.
- On the tenth day, there is a large parade that is organize. During which the sculptures of Durga are taken in procession to a body of water. Where they are submerge as a last act of respect.
- Many participants in the ceremony paint their cheeks with vermilion and dress in crimson while they are performing the rite. It is a difficult day, and the crowd expresses their sadness by singing farewell songs to the goddess.
- After the parade, many people go to their friends’ and family members’ houses to chat with them and give them presents and sweets.
North India
The nine nights of Navaratri are commemorate with a variety of Ramlila performances throughout the towns of Northern India. Scenes from the legend of Rama, the seventh incarnation of the Hindu deity Vishnu, and Ravana, the great king of Lanka, are reenact by teams of artists in rural and urban centers, temples, and on hastily erected stages. Rama is known as the “Lord of the Universe.” Ravana is known as the “Great King of Lanka.” The performances consist of songs, narrations, and conversations. All are base on the Hindu scripture Ramacharitmanas. That is written by Tulsidas, a Hindu saint and poet.
In order to commemorate the triumph of good over evil and mark the conclusion of Navaratri, effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and Ravana’s son Meghanada are torch at the end of the nine-day festival.
How Is Navratri Celebrated In Maharashtra
Celebrations of Navratri in Maharashtra tend to be very personal and spiritual. On the first day of the Navaratri festival, the locals partake in a unique ceremony known as Ghatasthapana. During this rite, an earthen pot that is full of water is position on top of a bed of mud, and prayers are offer to it for a period of nine days. For the festival of Dussehra, men go through the woods and fields in search of apta tree leaves. After that, the children and adults go to their neighbors’ houses and trade leaves with them.
Goa
During the festival of Navaratri, the Hindu temples in Goa are decorate with a copper pitcher that is encase in clay. After that, nine different kinds of grain are place into each of the pitchers. During the nine evenings that make up the festival. The performances of religious spectacles and songs of devotion are given. Folk music will be perform by various artists.
The picture of Durga is also put on a particularly colorful silver swing namely Makhar. This swing is famed for its elaborate decoration. During each of the nine nights, she is swung to the beat of the music playing in the temple as worshippers wave-lit candles in front of her.
Kerala
The last three days of Navratri are consider to be the most significant ones in Kerala. On these particular days, books are brought into the sanctuaries of homes and temples so that people might pray to them. A ceremony known as Ayudha Puja is done on the ninth day of the process. Worship is paid throughout the ceremony to any and all implements, machinery, and tools that may assist in the attainment of a living.
On the last day of the event, items are collect to be reuse later. After worshiping Goddess Sarasvati on the holiday of Vijaya Dashami also known as Dussehra. The books are brought out for a day of reading. Reading is seen as a talent that should be taught to youngsters today since it is thought to be a lucky day.
Telangana
During the festival of Navaratri, the ladies of Telangana participate in an important ritual known as bathukamma. During this ceremony, they construct creative floral arrangements and towers. The festivities of Bathukamma begin the day before the beginning of Navaratri. The devotion of Goddess Gowri, a manifestation of Parvati, is the most important aspect of the religion in Telangana. The turmeric powder idol that represents Gowri is put atop the bathukamma decorations. These decorations are meant to represent the festival.
The celebration will last for nine nights, during which time the ladies will rotate the bathukamma while clapping their hands. Additionally, a recital of the Hindu epic Ramayana as well as legends about Shiva will be performed. After the rites are complete each day. The previous day’s bathukamma is thrown into a body of water, and the next day, a fresh bathukamma is create.
How To Celebrate Navratri As A Traveller
- Maintaining a clean state of mind and heart is the simplest thing you can do to participate in the more spiritual aspects of the celebration you are attending.
- During Navaratri, the emphasis is on purging undesirable emotions like wrath, jealousy, hate, and violence from one’s heart. Try to have a pleasant attitude throughout the day and refrain from having negative thoughts about other individuals.
- Young women may be present with presents from travellers, such as candies and regional foods. Because it is believe that young girls best represent Durga. It is customary to bestow gifts of food, like fruits, onto them during the festival. Because many individuals fast throughout the day, the distribution of gifts occurs at night in order to break the fast.
- Volunteering for charitable causes is another option open to travellers. During the nine-day celebration of Navaratri, participants are encourage to give back to their communities by donating food to those in need. You might also decide to purchase meals for persons in your community who are elderly or who are in need.
Tips for Experiencing Navratri
- During the festival, individuals should show respect for the devotees by avoiding eating non-vegetarian cuisine in addition to garlic, onions, grains, and salt. This is done out of reverence for the event.
- Because Navrtri is a time to celebrate with color, you should dress in bright colors and steer clear of wearing dark throughout this time period.