Navratri will be observed from September 26 to October 5
Navratri has begun in India and it is a big festival for the followers of Hinduism. Navratri will be observed for nine nights, hence the name Navratri. If your kid is enthusiastic about navratri and is curious to know about it, here are few essential facts about this grand Hindu festival:
One of the most revered Hindu festivals
Navratri holds immense religious significance for Hindus. It is celebrated all over the country in various ways native to the particular area.
During navratri, nine goddesses are worshipped in nine days. On day one Shailaputri is worshipped, on day two Brahmacharini is worshipped, on third, fourth and fifth day Chandraghanta, Kushmanda and Skandamata are worshipped respectively. Katyayani is worshipped on day six, Kaalaratri on day seven, Mahagauri on day eight and Siddhidatri on day nine.
There are four navratris
While the Sharad navratri is widely celebrated all over the country as Durga Puja, there are actually four navratris: Sharada Navaratri which falls in the month of Ashwin which coincides with the Gregorian months of September and October; Chaitra Navaratri which falls in the month of Chaitra or March-April; Magha Navratri which is observed during Magha or January-February and Ashada navratri which is observed during Ashadha or June-July.
Dates are not fixed
The dates of navratris are not fixed. They change every year as per the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival commences on Pratipada which is the first day of the Hindu month and concludes with Dussehra.
This year navratri will be observed from September 26 to October 5.
Navratri is often seen as the celebration of Goddess Durga's victory
Whenever we speak of navratri we remember the tales of how Goddess Durga fought with demon king Mahishasura and killed him. Demon king Mahishasura was buffalo headed.
This is why during navratri the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga are worshipped.
Shakti is worshipped
What makes navratri exceptionally exceptional is that during this festival feminine energy and power, Shakti is worshipped. This festival is an ode to womanhood and the unlimited energy womanhood has in its hold.
Another significant ritual of navratri is kanya pujan, which again speaks about celebrating feminine energy. On the ninth day of navratri, young girls are worshipped, given gifts and blessings are sought from them. Young girls are said to be incarnations of goddesses.
Weapons are worshipped
On the ninth day of navratri, which is the nabami, people worship their weapons or instruments of work. Also known as Ayudha Puja, on this day people are also seen worshipping their vehicles.
In Hindu culture, this period is considered to be auspicious and everything related to livelihood is worshipped and the Goddess' blessings are sought for happiness and prosperity.
People fast during navratri
As a mark of respect, Hindus fast on navratri. Many of those who do not fast, abstain from the consumption of meat, non-vegetarian food, onion and garlic.
During this time, people also consume special flour and salt. The regular flour and salt are not consumed during this time. Flours made of kuttu are made into roti, paratha and pooris and cooking is done with sendha salt.
This abstinence continues for nine days till Dussehra.
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